Impeller, fan device, and method for manufacturing an impeller

Abstract

This invention provides an impeller configuration and impeller manufacturing method that can be easily manufactured even when the impeller has a complex shape. [Solution] The impeller has an annular hub 11 and a plurality of blades 12 extending radially outward from the hub and arranged circumferentially. Each of the plurality of blades has a blade body portion 121 that spreads in the axial and radial directions and has a curved shape with the axial central portion protruding to one side in the circumferential direction, a blade support portion 122 that extends radially inward from one side in the axial direction of the blade body portion, and a blade connecting portion 123 located at the radially inner end of the blade support portion and connected to the hub. The hub and the plurality of blades are each made of different materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an impeller, a fan device, and a method for manufacturing an impeller.

Background Art

[0002] An impeller having a hub extending in the axial direction and a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the hub and arranged in the circumferential direction is known. For example, a blower fan including a hub to which a rotating shaft is fixed and a plurality of blades is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when manufacturing an impeller having a hub extending in the axial direction and a plurality of blades arranged in the circumferential direction using a mold, two molds, an upper mold and a lower mold arranged in the axial direction of the hub, are used. Further, when the impeller has a complex shape, an auxiliary mold is used for a portion having the complex shape. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the impeller includes a process of taking out a molded product from the upper mold and the lower mold and a process of removing the auxiliary mold from the molded product.

[0005]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an impeller configuration that can be easily manufactured, even when the impeller has a complex shape.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an impeller configuration and an impeller manufacturing method that can be easily manufactured even when the impeller has a complex shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An exemplary impeller of the present invention is an impeller having an annular hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the hub and arranged circumferentially. Each of the plurality of blades has a blade body portion that is curved, extending axially and radially, with the axial central portion protruding to one side in the circumferential direction; a blade support portion that extends radially inward from one side in the axial direction of the blade body portion; and a blade connecting portion located at the radially inner end of the blade support portion and connected to the hub. The hub and the plurality of blades are each made of different materials.

[0009] An exemplary fan device of the present invention is a fan device that discharges a fluid drawn in one axial direction radially outward. The fan device comprises an impeller and a motor having a shaft that is rotatable together with the impeller about an axially extending rotation axis, and at least a portion of which is positioned radially inward of the hub.

[0010] An exemplary impeller manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an impeller having an annular hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the hub and arranged circumferentially. The method for manufacturing the impeller includes a hub forming step of manufacturing the hub having a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and each extending radially; a blade forming step of manufacturing a plurality of blades having a curved shape that extends axially and radially and has an axial central portion protruding to one side in the circumferential direction, a blade support portion extending radially inward from one side in the axial direction of the blade body portion, and a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion; and a blade insertion step of inserting the protruding portion of the blade into the groove of the hub. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an impeller configuration and an impeller manufacturing method that can be easily manufactured even when the impeller has a complex shape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a fan device having an impeller according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the inside of the fan device viewed in the axial direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an impeller. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a hub configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hub in the axial direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a magnified view of the feather. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the impeller. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the blade insertion process. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows the relationship between the circumferentially arranged blades before they are connected to each other. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows the state in which the circumferentially arranged blades are connected to each other. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the blade insertion process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a hub according to another embodiment, viewed in the axial direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned and their descriptions will not be repeated. In addition, the dimensions of the constituent members in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members, etc.

[0014] In the following description, in the fan device 100, the direction parallel to the rotation axis P is referred to as the axial direction A, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis P is referred to as the radial direction R, and the direction along the arc centered on the rotation axis P is referred to as the circumferential direction C, respectively. Note that the radial direction R includes not only the direction passing through the rotation axis P but also the direction inclined with respect to the direction passing through the rotation axis P.

[0015] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "fix", "connect", and "attach" include not only the case where members are directly fixed, etc., but also the case where they are fixed, etc. via other members. That is, in the following description, the expressions such as fixing include the meanings of direct and indirect fixing, etc. between members.

[0016] (Fan device) An exemplary fan device 100 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the fan device 100. FIG. 2 is a view of the inside of the fan device 100 as seen from the other axial direction A2.

[0017] The exemplary fan device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a centrifugal fan that sends out the fluid sucked in the axial direction A1 radially outward. The fluid sucked and sent out by the fan device 100 is, for example, air. Note that the fluid may be a gas or a liquid other than air.

[0018] The fan device 100 includes an impeller 1, a motor 2, and a housing 3. The impeller 1 is rotatable about the rotation axis P centered on the rotation axis P extending in the axial direction. The impeller 1 has a hub 11 and a plurality of blades 12. In the present embodiment, the impeller 1 has a resin portion 13.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an impeller 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the hub 11 configuration. As shown in Figure 4, the hub 11 is annular with respect to the axis of rotation P. The hub 11 is located at the center of the impeller 1 and supports a plurality of blades 12. The hub 11 is made of, for example, resin or metal. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the hub 11 is embedded in one axial end of the resin part 13.

[0020] The resin part 13 is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction A. In this embodiment, the resin part 13 is open on one axial side A1 and closed on the other axial side A2. The resin part 13 is located in the center of the impeller 1, covers the hub 11, and integrates the hub 11 with the multiple blades 12. The resin part 13 is obtained by resin molding the hub 11.

[0021] Multiple blades 12 extend radially outward from the hub 11 and resin portion 13 and are arranged circumferentially. The blades 12 are made of, for example, resin or metal. The material constituting the blades 12 may be the same as or different from the material constituting the hub 11. In this embodiment, the impeller 1 has 37 blades 12. The number of blades may be less than or more than 37. The detailed configuration of the impeller 1 will be described later.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motor 2 is the drive source for rotating the impeller 1. At least a portion of the motor 2 is located inside the hub 11 and the resin part 13. The motor 2 has a shaft 21 that extends axially A along the rotation axis P. The shaft 21 is rotatable together with the impeller 1 about the rotation axis P which extends axially A. The motor 2 rotates the shaft 21 about the rotation axis P, thereby rotating the impeller 1 together with the shaft 21.

[0023] The housing 3 houses the impeller 1 and the motor 2 inside. The housing 3 has a suction port 31 on the other side A2 axially relative to the impeller 1. The housing 3 has an outlet port 32 radially outward relative to the impeller 1.

[0024] In the fan device 100, when the impeller 1 rotates, the fluid is drawn in through the suction port 31 and discharged through the outlet port 32. That is, the fluid is drawn in one axial direction A1 of the fan device 100 and discharged radially outward.

[0025] (Impeller configuration) Next, the impeller 1 will be described in detail. As described above, the impeller 1 has an annular hub 11, a plurality of blades 12 extending radially outward from the hub 11 and arranged in the circumferential direction, and a resin part 13 that integrates the hub 11 and the plurality of blades 12.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the hub 11 has a plurality of grooves 111. The grooves 111 are arranged in the circumferential direction C. The number of grooves 111 is the same as the number of blades 12 that the impeller 1 has. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of grooves 111 penetrates the hub 11 in the radial direction R and opens in the other axial direction A2. The inner surface of the groove 111 has a pair of side surfaces 111a facing the circumferential direction C and a bottom surface 111b located in the axial direction A1.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hub 11 in the axial direction. For illustrative purposes, Figure 5 also shows the radially inward ends of the vanes 12 connected to the hub 11. In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction A, the pair of side surfaces 111a of the groove 111 extend in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L passing through the center of the hub 11.

[0028] The radially inward ends of the blades 12 are housed in each of the multiple grooves 111. In other words, in the impeller 1, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are manufactured separately and then assembled. Hereafter, components that are manufactured as a single unit during the manufacturing of the impeller 1 will be referred to as a single unit, and components that are manufactured separately during the manufacturing of the impeller 1 will be referred to as different components. In other words, in the impeller 1, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are different components. The manufacturing method of the impeller 1 will be described later.

[0029] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the blades 12 of the impeller 1 according to this embodiment. Multiple blades 12 of the hub 11 have a similar configuration. Therefore, the configuration of one blade 12 will be described below.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the blade 12 has a blade body portion 121, a blade support portion 122, and a blade connecting portion 123. The blade body portion 121 has a curved shape that widens in the axial direction A and radial direction R, and the central portion in the axial direction protrudes in one direction C1 in the circumferential direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the blade body portion 121 has a blade projection portion 1211 that protrudes in the other circumferential direction C2 on the other axial direction A2 side. The blade projection portion 1211 overlaps with the blade body portion 121 of another blade 12 located in the other circumferential direction C2 when viewed in the axial direction A.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the blade body portion 121 has a through hole 1212 between a portion that extends in the axial direction A and radial direction R and a portion that extends in the other circumferential direction C2. The through hole 1212 opens on the surface 121a of the blade body portion 121 on the circumferential direction C1 side. As shown in Figure 3, the tip of the blade projection 1211 of the other blade 12 located on the circumferential direction C1 side is inserted into the through hole 1212. That is, the blade body portion 121 has a blade insertion opening 1212a on the surface 121a on the circumferential direction C1 side into which the tip of the blade projection 1211 of the other blade 12 located on the circumferential direction C1 side is inserted.

[0033] Furthermore, the blade body may have a groove opening on one side of its circumferential surface. That is, the blade insertion opening may be the opening of a groove into which the tip of the blade projection of another blade is inserted. Alternatively, the blade body may be a pair of projections aligned axially on one side of its circumferential surface. That is, the blade insertion opening may be composed of a pair of projections in between into which the tip of the blade projection of another blade is inserted.

[0034] This allows multiple blades 12 arranged in the circumferential direction C to be connected in the circumferential direction C. Therefore, the moldability of the impeller 1, which consists of the hub 11 and multiple blades 12, which are each made of different materials, can be improved.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the blade support portion 122 extends radially inward from one axial side A1 of the blade body portion 121. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the blade support portion 122 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L passing through the center of the hub 11 when viewed in the axial direction A. In an impeller in which the blade support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L, the fluid flow is made more efficient. Therefore, in an impeller 1 having the blade support portion 122 configured as described above, the fluid flow can be made more efficient.

[0036] The blade connector 123 is located at the radially inner end of the blade support 122. The blade connector 123 is connected to the hub 11. In other words, the blade 12 is connected to the hub 11 via the blade connector 123.

[0037] In this embodiment, the blade connection portion 123 has a projection 1231 that protrudes radially inward. The projection 1231 protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the projection 1231 extends in the same direction as the blade support portion 122. That is, when viewed in the axial direction A, the projection 1231 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L passing through the center of the hub 11. The projection 1231 is inserted into the groove portion 111 of the hub 11.

[0038] In other words, in this embodiment, the blade support portion 122 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L passing through the center of the hub 11 when viewed in the axial direction A. The projection portion 1231 extends in the same direction as the blade support portion 122. Of the inner surfaces of the plurality of groove portions 111 in the hub 11, a pair of side surfaces 111a facing the circumferential direction C extend in the same direction as the projection portion 1231.

[0039] This makes it possible to easily manufacture an impeller 1 in which the blade support portion 122 is inclined in the circumferential direction C. Thus, it is possible to provide an impeller configuration that can efficiently control fluid flow and is easy to manufacture.

[0040] The blade connection portion 123 has a stepped surface 123a facing radially inward between the blade support portion 122 and the projection portion 1231. The stepped surface 123a contacts the outer circumferential surface of the hub 11 when the projection portion 1231 is housed within the groove portion 111 of the hub 11. As a result, the blade 12 is positioned radially R and circumferentially C relative to the hub 11. Also, when housed within the groove portion 111, the projection portion 1231 contacts the bottom surface 111b of the groove portion 111. As a result, the blade 12 is positioned axially A relative to the hub 11.

[0041] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the impeller 1. As shown in Figure 7, the resin portion 13 is located radially inward, radially outward, and in the other axial direction A2 relative to the hub 11. The radially inward end of the blade support portion 122 is located radially outward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 11. The resin portion 13 located radially outward relative to the hub 11 covers the outer circumferential surface of the hub 11 and the radially inward end of the blade support portion 122, and integrates the hub 11 with the multiple blades 12.

[0042] This allows multiple blades 12 to be fixed to the hub 11. Therefore, in the impeller 1 in which the hub 11 and multiple blades 12 are combined, the joint strength between the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 can be improved.

[0043] As described above, the impeller 1 is an impeller having an annular hub 11 and a plurality of blades 12 extending radially outward from the hub 11 and arranged circumferentially. Each of the plurality of blades 12 has a blade body portion 121 that spreads in the axial direction A and radial direction R and has a curved shape with the axial central portion protruding in one circumferential direction C1, a blade support portion 122 that extends radially inward from one axial side A1 of the blade body portion 121, and a blade connecting portion 123 located at the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122 and connected to the hub 11. The hub 11 and the plurality of blades 12 are each different components.

[0044] When manufacturing an impeller with a curved shape in which the blade body protrudes in the circumferential direction, the curved portion of the blade body cannot be manufactured using only two molds, an upper and a lower mold, which are aligned in the axial direction of the product. It is necessary to use an auxiliary mold that is placed between the blades that are aligned in the circumferential direction. In a configuration where multiple blades are aligned in the circumferential direction and adjacent blades are close together in the circumferential direction, the auxiliary mold cannot be easily removed.

[0045] In contrast, in the impeller 1 having the above-described configuration, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are each different components. That is, in the impeller 1, the multiple blades 12 are manufactured individually. Each blade 12 can be manufactured using two molds arranged in the circumferential direction of the blade 12. Therefore, even if the impeller 1 has a complex shape, the number of molds used to manufacture the impeller 1 can be kept from increasing. Thus, even if the impeller 1 has a complex shape, it is possible to provide an impeller 1 configuration that can be easily manufactured.

[0046] In this embodiment, the hub 11 has a plurality of grooves 111 that are arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and extend radially R. The blade connecting portion 123 has a projection 1231 that protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122 and is housed within the grooves 111.

[0047] In the impeller 1, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are connected by a groove 111 in the hub 11 and a protrusion 1231 housed within the groove 111. This configuration allows for easy positioning of the multiple blades 12 relative to the hub 11. Therefore, the impeller 1, which combines the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12, can be easily manufactured. Thus, even when the impeller 1 has a complex shape, a configuration of the impeller 1 that can be easily manufactured can be provided.

[0048] In this embodiment, the blade connection portion 123 has a stepped surface 123a between the blade support portion 122 and the protruding portion 1231 that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the hub 11.

[0049] This allows the blade support portion 122 to be easily positioned in the radial direction R and the circumferential direction C relative to the hub 11. Therefore, the impeller 1, which is a combination of the hub 11 and multiple blades 12, can be easily manufactured.

[0050] Furthermore, the fan device 100 according to this embodiment is a fan device 100 that delivers fluid drawn in one axial direction A1 radially outward. The fan device 100 includes an impeller 1 having the above-described configuration, and a motor 2 having a shaft 21 that can rotate together with the impeller 1 about a rotation axis P extending in the axial direction A, and at least a portion of which is arranged radially inward of the hub 11.

[0051] This makes it possible to achieve a configuration that can be easily manufactured in a fan device 100 in which the impeller 1 has a complex shape.

[0052] (Impeller manufacturing method) Next, an exemplary manufacturing method for the impeller 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Figures 4, 6, 8 to 10. The manufacturing method for the impeller 1 includes a hub forming step, a blade forming step, a blade insertion step, and a resin molding step. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the blade insertion step. Figure 9A is a diagram showing the relationship between the blades 12 before they are connected to each other. Figure 9B is a diagram showing the state after the blades 12 have been connected to each other. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the blade insertion step.

[0053] The hub formation process is the process of manufacturing the hub 11. In the hub formation process, for example, the hub 11 shown in Figure 4 is manufactured. The hub formation process is carried out by, for example, injection molding or die casting. Alternatively, the hub formation process may be carried out using, for example, a 3D printer.

[0054] In this embodiment, the hub 11 has a plurality of grooves 111 that are arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and each extends radially R. Each of the plurality of grooves 111 opens in the other axial direction A2. Therefore, the hub 11 can be manufactured by two molds that are arranged axially with respect to the hub 11.

[0055] The feather formation process is the process of manufacturing the feather 12. In the feather formation process, for example, the feather 12 shown in Figure 6 is manufactured. The feather formation process is carried out by, for example, injection molding or die casting. The feather formation process may also be carried out using, for example, a 3D printer.

[0056] The blade body portion 121 of the blade 12 has a curved shape that widens in the axial direction A and the radial direction R, with the axial central portion protruding in one direction C1 in the circumferential direction. The blade support portion 122 extends radially inward from the axial side A1 of the blade body portion 121 and has a projection portion 1231 at its tip that protrudes radially inward. A blade 12 having such a shape can be manufactured using two molds aligned in the circumferential direction C with respect to the blade 12.

[0057] Thus, in the manufacturing method of the impeller 1, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are manufactured separately. The hub 11 and the blades 12 can each be manufactured using two molds. In other words, in the manufacturing method of the impeller 1, the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 can be manufactured without using auxiliary molds. Therefore, the impeller 1 can be manufactured more easily compared to a manufacturing method that uses auxiliary molds.

[0058] Furthermore, the hub formation process and the blade formation process may be performed either before or after the hub formation process. Alternatively, the hub formation process and the blade formation process may be performed simultaneously. This improves the manufacturing efficiency of the impeller 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in the blade formation process, the blades 12 may be manufactured one by one, or multiple blades 12 may be manufactured simultaneously. This improves the manufacturing efficiency of the blades 12. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the impeller 1 can be improved.

[0060] The blade insertion process involves inserting the protruding portions 1231 of each of the multiple blades 12 into the grooves 111 of the hub 11. As shown in Figure 8, in the blade insertion process, the blades 12 are connected to the hub 11 one by one by inserting the protruding portions 1231 of the blades 12 into the grooves 111 of the hub 11.

[0061] Next, adjacent blades 12 in the circumferential direction are connected to each other. This results in an impeller 1, which is a combination of the hub 11 and multiple blades 12.

[0062] When the blade insertion process is performed, the tip of the blade projection 1211 of each blade 12 is in contact with the surface 121a of the other blade 12 located on the other side C2 in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 9A. Therefore, the tip of the blade projection 1211 of each blade 12 is inserted into the blade insertion opening 1212a of the other blade 12 located on the other side C2 in the circumferential direction, connecting adjacent blades 12 in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 9B. This results in an impeller 1 in which multiple blades 12 arranged in the circumferential direction are connected in the circumferential direction.

[0063] The blade insertion process may involve connecting the blades 12 one by one to the hub 11, as shown in Figure 8, or connecting multiple blades 12 together and then connecting the connected multiple blades 12 to the hub 11, as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, the blade insertion process may involve connecting all of the multiple blades 12 in the impeller 1 together and then connecting the multiple blades 12 to the hub 11.

[0064] The resin molding process involves molding the hub 11, to which multiple blades 12 are connected, with resin. Specifically, in the resin molding process, after the blade insertion process, the outer surface of the hub 11 and the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122 are molded with resin.

[0065] This allows the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 to be integrated. Therefore, in the impeller 1 in which the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 are combined, the joint strength between the hub 11 and the multiple blades 12 can be improved.

[0066] The exemplary manufacturing method for the impeller 1 described above is a method for manufacturing an impeller 1 having an annular hub 11 and a plurality of blades 12 extending radially outward from the hub 11 and arranged circumferentially. The manufacturing method for the impeller 1 comprises a hub forming step, a blade forming step, and a blade insertion step. The hub forming step manufactures a hub 11 having a plurality of grooves 111 arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and each extending radially R. The blade forming step manufactures a plurality of blades 12, each having a blade body portion 121 that extends axially A and radially R and has a curved shape with the axial central portion protruding in one circumferential direction C1, a blade support portion 122 that extends radially inward from one axial side of the blade body portion 121, and a protruding portion 1231 that protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122. The blade insertion step inserts the protruding portions 1231 of the blades 12 into the grooves 111 of the hub 11.

[0067] In the manufacturing method for the impeller 1, the hub 11 and multiple blades 12 are manufactured separately and then combined to produce the impeller 1. The hub 11 can be manufactured using two molds aligned axially A with respect to the hub 11. Each blade 12 can be manufactured using two molds aligned circumferentially with respect to the blade 12. Therefore, even if the impeller 1 has a complex shape, the shape of the molds used to manufacture the impeller 1 can be simplified. Thus, a manufacturing method for the impeller 1 that can be easily produced, even if the impeller 1 has a complex shape, can be provided.

[0068] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the impeller 1 has a resin portion 13. However, the impeller does not have to have a resin portion. In this case, for example, the hub may be cylindrical with one side open in the axial direction and the other side closed in the axial direction. In this case, each of the multiple grooves of the hub may penetrate the hub radially and open in one direction in the axial direction.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the hub 11 has a plurality of grooves 111 that penetrate the hub 11 radially R and open in the other axial direction A2. However, the hub may have a plurality of grooves that penetrate the hub radially and open in one axial direction. The hub may have a plurality of grooves that penetrate radially and do not open in the axial direction. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the hub 211 may have a plurality of grooves 2111 that open in one or the other axial direction and do not penetrate radially. Even with such a plurality of grooves 2111, a plurality of vanes can be positioned in the circumferential and radial directions on the hub 211.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the hub 11 and the plurality of blades 12 are integrated by the resin part 13. That is, the plurality of blades 12 are fixed to the hub 11 by the resin part 13. However, the plurality of blades may be fixed to the hub by other means. For example, the plurality of blades may be fixed to the hub with an adhesive.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the multiple vanes 12 are connected to the hub 11 by the protrusions 1231 of the multiple vanes 12 being inserted into the grooves 111 of the hub 11. However, the multiple vanes may be connected to the hub by other means. For example, the radially inner end faces of the multiple vanes may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the blade body portion 121 has a blade projection portion 1211 that protrudes in the other circumferential direction C2 on the other axial direction A2 side. However, the blade body portion does not necessarily have to have a portion that protrudes in the other circumferential direction.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the tip of the blade projection 1211 overlaps with the blade body 121 of the other blade 12 located in the other circumferential direction C2 when viewed in the axial direction A. However, the tip of the blade projection may be separated from the blade body of the other blade located in the other circumferential direction when viewed in the axial direction.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the blade body portion 121 has a blade insertion opening 1212a on the surface on one side C1 in the circumferential direction into which the tip of the blade projection 1211 of another blade 12 located on one side C1 in the circumferential direction is inserted. However, the blade body portion does not have to have a blade insertion opening. That is, adjacent blades in the circumferential direction do not have to be connected to each other.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the blade connection portion 123 of the blade 12 has a projection 1231 that protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion 122 and is housed in the groove portion 111 of the hub 11. However, the blade connection portion does not have to have a projection. For example, the radially inner end of the blade may be the blade connection portion. That is, there may be no step at the boundary between the blade support portion and the blade connection portion.

[0077] In the figures of the above embodiment, the projection 1231 of the blade connection portion 123 is located at the center of the radially inner end face of the blade support portion 122. Therefore, the stepped surface 123a between the blade support portion 122 and the projection 1231 is located around the entire outer circumference of the projection 1231. However, the projection does not have to be located at the center of the radially inner end face of the blade support portion. For example, the projection may be located at a position displaced in the circumferential or axial direction with respect to the center position of the radially inner end face of the blade support portion. The projection may also protrude in part from the radially inner end face of the blade support portion. That is, the stepped surface may be located at least a part of the outer circumference of the projection.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the blade support portion 122 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line L passing through the center of the hub 11 when viewed in the axial direction A. However, the blade support portion may extend along the radial line when viewed in the axial direction.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the pair of side surfaces 111a of the projection 1231 and the groove 111 extend in the same direction as the blade support portion 122 when viewed in the axial direction A. However, the pair of side surfaces of the projection and the groove may extend in a different direction from the blade support portion.

[0080] The method for manufacturing the impeller 1 according to the above embodiment includes a resin molding step. However, if the impeller does not have a resin part, the method for manufacturing the impeller does not need to include a resin molding step.

[0081] (Example configuration) Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows:

[0082] (1) The impeller has an annular hub and a plurality of blades that extend radially outward from the hub and are arranged circumferentially. Each of the plurality of blades has a blade body that spreads in the axial and radial directions and has a curved shape with the axial central portion protruding to one side in the circumferential direction, a blade support portion that extends radially inward from one side in the axial direction of the blade body, and a blade connecting portion that is located at the radially inner end of the blade support portion and is connected to the hub. The hub and the plurality of blades are each made of different materials.

[0083] (2) In the impeller described in (1), the hub has a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and extending radially. The blade connecting portion has a projection that protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion and is housed within the groove.

[0084] (3) In the impeller described in (2), the blade connecting portion has a stepped surface between the blade support portion and the protruding portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the hub.

[0085] (4) In the impeller described in (3), the blade support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line passing through the center of the hub when viewed in the axial direction. The projection portion extends in the same direction as the blade support portion. Of the inner surfaces of the plurality of grooves in the hub, a pair of circumferentially opposing surfaces extend in the same direction as the projection portion.

[0086] (5) An impeller according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a resin portion that covers the outer circumferential surface of the hub and the radially inner end of the blade support portion, and integrates the hub and the plurality of blades.

[0087] (6) The fan device is a fan device that delivers a fluid drawn in one axial direction radially outward. The fan device comprises an impeller as described in any one of (1) to (5), and a motor having a shaft that is rotatable together with the impeller about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, and at least a portion of which is positioned radially inward of the hub.

[0088] (7) A method for manufacturing an impeller is a method for manufacturing an impeller having an annular hub and a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the hub and arranged in the circumferential direction. The method for manufacturing the impeller includes a hub forming step of manufacturing the hub having a plurality of grooves arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer surface and each extending radially; a blade forming step of manufacturing a plurality of blades having a curved shape that spreads in the axial and radial directions and whose axial central portion protrudes to one side in the circumferential direction, a blade support portion extending radially inward from one side of the blade body portion in the axial direction, and a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion; and a blade insertion step of inserting the protruding portion of the blade into the groove portion of the hub.

[0089] A method for manufacturing an impeller as described in (8)(7), further comprising a resin molding step after the blade insertion step, in which the outer circumferential surface of the hub and the radially inner end of the blade support portion are molded with resin. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] The present invention is applicable to a method for manufacturing impellers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1 impeller 2 motors 3 Housing 11,211 Hub 12 feathers 13 Resin part 21 Shaft 31 Suction port 32 Outlet 100 Fan Device 111, 2111 groove 111a side 111b Bottom 121 Blade body 121a One side surface in the circumferential direction 122 Blade support section 123 Blade connection part 123a Step surface 1211 Feather protrusion 1212 Through hole 1212a Blade insertion slot 1231 Protrusion Radial line passing through the center of the L hub

Claims

1. A circular hub, Multiple vanes extending radially outward from the hub and arranged circumferentially, An impeller having, Each of the aforementioned multiple feathers is, The blade body has a curved shape that expands in the axial and radial directions, with the central axial portion protruding in one circumferential direction, The blade support portion extends radially inward from one axial side of the blade body, A blade connecting portion is located at the radially inner end of the blade support portion and is connected to the hub, It has, The hub and the plurality of vanes are each made of different components. Impeller.

2. In the impeller according to claim 1, The hub has a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and extending radially, The blade connecting portion has a projection that protrudes radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion and is housed within the groove portion. Impeller.

3. In the impeller according to claim 2, The blade connecting portion has a stepped surface between the blade support portion and the protruding portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the hub. Impeller.

4. In the impeller according to claim 3, The aforementioned blade support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial line passing through the center of the hub when viewed in the axial direction, The aforementioned protrusion extends in the same direction as the aforementioned blade support portion, Of the inner surfaces of the plurality of grooves in the hub, a pair of sides facing each other in the circumferential direction extend in the same direction as the protrusion. Impeller.

5. In the impeller according to claim 1, The resin portion further covers the outer circumferential surface of the hub and the radially inner end of the blade support portion, and integrates the hub and the plurality of blades. Impeller.

6. A fan device that discharges a fluid drawn in one axial direction radially outward, An impeller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A motor having a shaft that can rotate together with the impeller around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, and at least a portion of which is positioned radially inward of the hub, Having, Fan device.

7. A circular hub, Multiple vanes extending radially outward from the hub and arranged circumferentially, A method for manufacturing an impeller having the following characteristics: A hub forming step for manufacturing the hub having a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer surface and each extending radially, A blade forming process for manufacturing a plurality of blades, each having a blade body that is curved in shape, extending in the axial and radial directions, with the central portion of the blade body projecting in one direction in the circumferential direction, a blade support portion extending radially inward from one axial side of the blade body, and a projection portion projecting radially inward from the radially inner end of the blade support portion. A blade insertion step in which the protruding portion of the blade is inserted into the groove portion of the hub, Having, A method for manufacturing an impeller.

8. A method for manufacturing an impeller according to claim 7, The process further includes a resin molding step in which the outer circumferential surface of the hub and the radially inner end of the wing support portion are molded with resin after the blade insertion step. A method for manufacturing an impeller.

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