Outdoor units of blowers and air conditioners

Abstract

Even when some of the airflow is drawn into the fan at an inclined angle, the separation of the airflow from the motor support and the resulting widening of the wake are suppressed. [Solution] A blower comprising a fan, a motor for rotating the fan, and a motor support section provided in the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan and supporting the motor, wherein the motor support section comprises a flow straightening member provided on the upstream side of the airflow and a support member provided on the downstream side of the airflow, spaced apart from the flow straightening member, wherein the cross-section of the flow straightening member, when cut along a plane along the airflow, has a width that expands from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow, and the cross-section of the support member, when cut along a plane along the airflow, has a width that is constant or narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. This outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes an outdoor heat exchanger, a fan, a motor that drives the fan, and a motor support base that supports the motor. The fan blows air against the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. A rectifying member is provided on the motor support base, and this rectifying member deflects the air flowing toward the motor support base in a predetermined direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a part of the airflow is sucked into the fan at an inclination angle with respect to the mainstream direction, the airflow tends to separate near the motor support portion and the wake width becomes slightly larger. As a result, the airflow flowing into the fan becomes turbulent or biased, causing an increase in noise and a decrease in blowing efficiency in the fan.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress the separation of the airflow from the motor support portion and the resulting expansion of the wake width even when a part of the airflow is sucked into the fan at an inclination angle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a blower comprising a fan, a motor for rotating the fan, and a motor support portion provided in the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan and supporting the motor, wherein the motor support portion comprises a flow straightening member provided on the upstream side of the airflow and a support member provided on the downstream side of the airflow, spaced apart from the flow straightening member, wherein the cross-section of the flow straightening member, when cut along a plane along the airflow, has a width that expands from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow, and the cross-section of the support member, when cut along a plane along the airflow, has a constant width or a width that narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

[0007] The cross-section of the flow straightening member may have a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. In that case, the cross-section of the flow straightening member may have its greatest width at the downstream end of the airflow.

[0008] Here, if we let A be the length from the upstream end of the airflow cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end of the airflow cross-section of the support member, and B be the length from the upstream end of the airflow cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end, then 0.4

[0009] If A is the length from the upstream end of the airflow cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end of the airflow cross-section of the support member, and C is the length from the widest part of the rectifier member's cross-section to the upstream end of the airflow cross-section of the support member, then 0.1 <C / A<0.3であってよい。

[0010] When the maximum width of the cross-section of the rectifying member is D and the maximum width of the cross-section of the support member is E, then 0.84 <E / D<0.9であってよい。

[0011] In these cases, the cross-sectional shapes of the rectifying member and the support member do not need to be uniform in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] ​Furthermore, the cross-section of the support member may have a width that expands from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifier member. In that case, the cross-section of the support member may have a width that expands curvilinearly from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifier member.

[0013] Here, the point of contact of a straight line drawn from one endpoint of the cross-section of the rectifier member, with reference to the central axis of the downstream end of the airflow, to the other side of the cross-section of the support member facing the rectifier member, may be located closer to the central axis than the other endpoint of the portion of the support member having its maximum width.

[0014] Furthermore, the blower may further include fastening members for fastening the rectifier member and the support member. In this case, the fastening members may fasten the rectifier member and the support member at a position offset in one direction from the motor plate that holds the motor and at a position offset in the other direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising a fan, a motor for rotating the fan, a motor support section provided in the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan and supporting the motor, and a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the air and refrigerant in the airflow as the airflow passes through it, wherein the motor support section comprises a flow straightening member provided on the upstream side of the airflow and a support member provided on the downstream side of the airflow, spaced apart from the flow straightening member, the cross-section of the flow straightening member when cut along a plane along the airflow has a width that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow, and the cross-section of the support member when cut along a plane along the airflow has a constant width or a width that narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

[0016] The heat exchanger may have a surface that is parallel and symmetrical to the plane containing the fan's rotation axis, and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor support. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the fan's rotation axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, even when a part of the air flow is sucked into the fan at an inclination angle, it is possible to suppress the separation of the air flow from the motor support portion and the resulting expansion of the wake width.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a configuration example when the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in the first embodiment is viewed from the side of the viewpoint V1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section when the motor support base is viewed from the viewpoint V2 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing the rectifying effect by a motor support base that is not divided into a rectifying member and a support member, and (b) is a diagram showing the rectifying effect by a motor support base divided into a rectifying member and a support member. [Figure 5] (a) is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the motor support base, (b) is an enlarged view of the first fastening member and the second fastening member, and (c) is an enlarged view of the third fastening member and the fourth fastening member. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing a first modification example of a cross-section when the motor support base is viewed from the viewpoint V2 in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a second modification example of a cross-section when the motor support base is viewed from the viewpoint V2 in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the dimensions of the cross-section of the rectifying member and the support member focused on in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] (a) is a graph showing the change in shaft power when B / A is changed, and (b) is a graph showing the change in blowing noise when B / A is changed. [Figure 10] (a) is a graph showing the change in shaft power when C / A is changed, and (b) is a graph showing the change in blowing noise when C / A is changed. [Figure 11](a) is a graph showing the change in shaft power when E / D is changed, and (b) is a graph showing the change in blowing noise when E / D is changed. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a plane for cutting the outdoor unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the air flow in the cross section when cut by plane X. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the air flow in the cross section when cut by plane Y. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the air flow in the cross section when cut by plane Z. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the conditions regarding the cross-sectional shapes of the flow rectifying member and the support member in consideration of the air flow shown in Fig. 13. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the conditions regarding the cross-sectional shapes of the flow rectifying member and the support member in consideration of the air flow shown in Fig. 14. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [Background and Outline of the Present Embodiment] In air conditioners, compactness, high efficiency, and low noise have been demanded for a long time. In blowers, continuous efforts have been made to reduce noise and improve efficiency by improving the fan shape and the shape of structures in the air flow path. This time, the inventors focused on the motor support base. In the previous application, in order to reduce the air resistance and noise caused by the motor support base, the cross section of the motor support base was made into a shape consisting of an enlarged portion, a reduced portion, and a curved portion that smoothly connects them. As a result, the wake width generated by the motor support base became smaller, and the pressure fluctuation was reduced. However, when some airflow is drawn into the fan at an angle relative to the main flow direction, the airflow tends to separate near the motor support base, resulting in a slightly larger wake width. This has been found to cause turbulence and unevenness in the airflow entering the fan, leading to increased fan noise and decreased airflow efficiency.

[0021] Therefore, this embodiment proposes a motor support base shape that reduces the wake width and suppresses the increase in fan noise and the decrease in airflow efficiency. Specifically, the motor support base is composed of multiple members with gaps between them, and the airflow is configured to pass through the sides and gaps of the motor support base. This suppresses airflow separation from the motor support base and the resulting expansion of the wake width, even when some of the airflow is drawn into the fan at an inclined angle.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit 1 of an air conditioner in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the outdoor unit 1 includes a fan 10, a motor 20, a motor plate 30, and a motor support base 40 as components of the blower. In addition, the outdoor unit 1 includes a heat exchanger 51 as a component other than the blower.

[0023] The fan 10 rotates due to the rotation of its rotating shaft, and the pressure difference resulting from this rotation creates an airflow in the direction indicated by the white arrow. The motor 20 is an example of a motor that rotates the fan, and receives power to rotate its rotor, which in turn rotates the rotating shaft of the fan 10. The motor plate 30 is connected to the stator of the motor 20 and directly supports the motor 20. The motor support base 40 is an example of a motor support that supports the motor, and is fixed to the motor plate 30, thereby supporting the motor 20 via the motor plate 30. In this embodiment, the motor support base 40 includes a rectifier member 41 and a support member 42 that are spaced apart from each other. Details of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 will be described later.

[0024] The heat exchanger 51 is through which the airflow indicated by the black arrow, created by the airflow indicated by the white arrow, passes, and heat exchange takes place between the air and the refrigerant in this airflow. The outdoor unit 1 also includes other general components for circulating the refrigerant, such as a compressor, but these are not shown in the illustration.

[0025] Thus, the outdoor unit 1 is a so-called upward-blowing type outdoor unit. Furthermore, in this outdoor unit 1, the heat exchanger 51 is positioned approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the fan 10. Moreover, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the motor support base 40 and containing the rotation axis of the fan 10, the heat exchanger 51 is positioned symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the fan 10. In other words, the heat exchanger 51 has a surface that is parallel and symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor support base 40 and containing the rotation axis of the fan 10.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner in the first embodiment, as viewed from viewpoint V1 in Figure 1. However, the heat exchanger 51 shown in Figure 1 is omitted from the illustration.

[0027] As shown in the figure, the motor plate 30 has a rectangular plate shape. Furthermore, both the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 have a pillar shape. The rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are spaced apart from each other as a whole pillar shape. The rectifier member 41 is positioned furthest to the viewer in the figure. The rectifier member 41 is an example of a rectifier member provided on the upstream side of the airflow. The support member 42 is positioned behind the rectifier member 41 in the figure, spaced apart from the rectifier member 41, and is fixed to the motor plate 30. The support member 42 is an example of a support member provided downstream of the airflow, spaced apart from the rectifier member. Note that the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are fastened together by several fastening members as will be described later, but here only the two fastening members 431 at the upper end and the two fastening members 432 at the lower end are shown.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the two fastening members at the upper end may fasten the upper plate for fixing the motor 20 to the housing of the outdoor unit 1. Also, although not shown in the diagram, the two fastening members at the lower end may fasten the lower plate for fixing the motor 20 to the housing of the outdoor unit 1.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of a cross-section of the motor support base 40 as viewed from viewpoint V2 in Figure 2. This cross-section of the motor support base 40 is a cross-section obtained by cutting along a plane that follows the airflow.

[0030] The cross-section of the motor support base 40 has a shape that reduces the input to the fan 10. Specifically, the cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 has a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow, with the maximum width at the downstream end. The cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 is an example of a cross-section of a flow straightening member having a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. The cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 is an example of a cross-section of a flow straightening member having a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. The cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 is an example of a cross-section of a flow straightening member having the maximum width at the downstream end of the airflow.

[0031] Furthermore, the cross-section of the support member 42 has a width that is curvilinearly widened from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow, and then becomes approximately constant or slightly narrowed. The cross-section of the support member 42 is an example of a cross-section of a support member having a constant width or a width that narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. The cross-section of the support member 42 is an example of a cross-section of a support member having a width that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifier member. The cross-section of the support member 42 is an example of a cross-section of a support member having a width that widens curvilinearly from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifier member.

[0032] Figure 4(a) shows the rectification effect of a motor support base 90 that is not divided into a rectifier member and a support member. Figure 4(b) shows the rectification effect of a motor support base 40 that is divided into a rectifier member 41 and a support member 42.

[0033] In Figure 4(a), the airflow F0, which flows in at an inclination relative to the main flow direction, splits into a left-side flow F11 and a right-side flow F12 at the stagnation point S. In this case, the flow path length from the stagnation point S to the outlet of the motor support base 90 is long. Therefore, the pressure difference between the high-pressure section P11 on the left side of the motor support base 90 and the low-pressure section P12 on the right side of the motor support base 90 becomes large. As a result, the velocity difference between flow F11 and flow F12 at the outlet of the motor support base 90 becomes large. Consequently, a vortex flow F15 is generated at the right-side outlet of the motor support base 90.

[0034] In other words, if there is an airflow F0 that flows in at an inclination relative to the main flow direction, the flow F12 that branches off to the right will not be able to follow the curved surface of the motor support base 90, resulting in separation.

[0035] In Figure 4(b), the airflow F0, which flows in at an inclination relative to the main flow direction, splits into a left-side flow F21 and a right-side flow F22 at the stagnation point S. In this case, the flow path length from the stagnation point S to the outlet of the flow straightener 41 is short. Therefore, the pressure difference between the high-pressure section P21 on the left side of the flow straightener 41 and the low-pressure section P22 on the right side of the flow straightener 41 becomes small. As a result, the velocity difference between flow F21 and flow F22 at the outlet of the flow straightener 41 becomes small. Furthermore, flow F21 is divided into flow F23 along the support member 42 and flow F24 passing through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42. As a result, similarly, the velocity difference between flow F23 and the confluence of flows F22 and F24 at the outlet of the support member 42 becomes smaller. Consequently, vortices are less likely to be generated at the outlet of the motor support base 40.

[0036] In other words, if there is an airflow F0 that flows in at an inclination relative to the main flow direction, the flow F22 that branches off to the right flows along the smooth curved surface of the rectifier member 41, making it less likely to separate. Furthermore, as the airflow passes through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42, the flow resistance is reduced on the side opposite to the side from which the airflow flows in at an inclination, and airflow separation is suppressed. Moreover, the flow F24 that branches off from flow F21 and passes through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 is suppressed by flow F22, resulting in less separation.

[0037] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the motor support base 40. As described above, the motor support base 40 comprises a flow rectifier 41 and a support member 42. In addition to these, the motor support base 40 also comprises a first fastening member 431, a second fastening member 432, a third fastening member 433, and a fourth fastening member 434. Figure 5(b) is an enlarged view of the first fastening member 431 and the second fastening member 432. Figure 5(c) is an enlarged view of the third fastening member 433 and the fourth fastening member 434.

[0038] The first fastening member 431 and the second fastening member 432 are members that fasten the spaced-apart flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42 at their ends. Specifically, the first fastening member 431 and the second fastening member 432 may mechanically fasten the respective planar portions of the flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42. The first fastening member 431 and the second fastening member 432 are examples of fastening members that fasten the flow straightening member and the support member. Furthermore, the outer cross-sectional shape of the portion where the first fastening member 431 fastens the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 may be the same as the outer cross-sectional shape of the motor support base 90 shown in Figure 4(a). Similarly, the outer cross-sectional shape of the portion where the second fastening member 432 fastens the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 may also be the same as the outer cross-sectional shape of the motor support base 90 shown in Figure 4(a).

[0039] The third fastening member 433 and the fourth fastening member 434 are members that fasten the spaced-apart flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42 at locations other than their ends. Specifically, the third fastening member 433 and the fourth fastening member 434 may mechanically fasten the respective planar portions of the flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42. The third fastening member 433 and the fourth fastening member 434 are examples of fastening members that fasten the flow straightening member and the support member. Here, the primary deformation mode of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 is two-node bending. If the lengths of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 were halved, the rigidity would increase eightfold and the resonant frequency would increase 2.8 times, thus suppressing resonance. However, since the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are components of the motor support base 40, this is not possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 are fastened together at their central parts.

[0040] Now, suppose the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are fastened together at their central points with a single fastening member. In this case, resonance will occur on both sides of the fastening member in the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, a third fastening member 433 and a fourth fastening member 434 are used as fastening members in the central part. The rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are fastened with the third fastening member 433 at a position shifted in one direction, and with the fourth fastening member 434 at a position shifted in the other direction. As a result, the portions on both sides of the third fastening member 433 and the fourth fastening member 434 are shortened, which increases the resonant frequency and makes it less likely for resonance to occur.

[0041] In this case, the position shifted in one direction may be the position of the end of the motor plate 30 in one direction. The position shifted in the other direction may be the position of the end of the motor plate 30 in the other direction. For example, in Figure 2, the position of the end of the motor plate 30 in one direction may be the position of the upper end of the motor plate 30. The position of the end of the motor plate 30 in the other direction may be the position of the lower end of the motor plate 30.

[0042] Alternatively, the position shifted in one direction may be a position shifted in one direction from the motor plate 30. Also, the position shifted in the other direction may be a position shifted in the other direction from the motor plate 30. For example, in Figure 2, the position shifted in one direction from the motor plate 30 may be a position shifted upward from the upper end of the motor plate 30. Also, the position shifted in the other direction from the motor plate 30 may be a position shifted downward from the lower end of the motor plate 30.

[0043] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show a first modified cross-section of the motor support base 40 as viewed from viewpoint V2 in Figure 2. In this first modified cross-section, the cross-section of the motor support base 40 when cut along one plane along the airflow has the shape shown in Figure 6(a). The cross-section of the motor support base 40 when cut along another plane along the airflow has the shape shown in Figure 6(b). In other words, the first modified cross-section of the motor support base 40 is basically a configuration in which the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are connected by a connecting member 45, as shown in Figure 6(a). However, in the first modified cross-section of the motor support base 40, a hole is made in the connecting member 45 in part, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0044] Figure 7 shows a second modified example of the cross-section of the motor support base 40 as viewed from viewpoint V2 in Figure 2. In this second modified example, the cross-section of the motor support base 40, when cut along a plane in line with the airflow, has the shape shown in Figure 7. In other words, in this second modified example of the cross-section of the motor support base 40, the cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 does not have its maximum width at the downstream end. Furthermore, the cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 protrudes toward the support member 42 at the downstream end.

[0045] In addition, Figures 3, 6, and 7 all show an example where the downstream end of the flow straightening member 41 is closed. However, the downstream end of the flow straightening member 41 may be open. Furthermore, Figures 3, 6, and 7 all show examples where the interiors of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are hollow. However, the interiors of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 may be filled rather than hollow. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 do not need to be uniform in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] Next, we will consider the dimensions of the cross-sections of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 shown in Figure 3. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the dimensions of the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 that are focused on in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, let the length from the most upstream end of the cross section of the rectifying member 41 to the most downstream end of the cross section of the support member 42 be A. Let the length from the most upstream end of the cross section of the rectifying member 41 to the most downstream end of the cross section of the rectifying member 41 be B. Let the length from the maximum width portion of the cross section of the rectifying member 41 to the most upstream end of the cross section of the support member 42 be C. Let the maximum width of the cross section of the rectifying member 41 be D. Let the maximum width of the cross section of the support member 42 be E.

[0047] FIG. 9(a) is a graph showing the change in the axial power when B / A is changed. FIG. 9(b) is a graph showing the change in the blowing noise when B / A is changed. FIG. 10(a) is a graph showing the change in the axial power when C / A is changed. FIG. 10(b) is a graph showing the change in the blowing noise when C / A is changed. FIG. 11(a) is a graph showing the change in the axial power when E / D is changed. FIG. 11(b) is a graph showing the change in the blowing noise when E / D is changed. In the graph, the black circles indicate the measured values of the vertical axis index when the ratio on the horizontal axis takes each value. Also, the broken line indicates the regression curve based on the measured values.

[0048] From FIGS. 9(a) and (b), it can be seen that when 0.4 < B / A < 0.7, both the axial power and the blowing noise become small. Therefore, it is preferable that the condition of 0.4 < B / A < 0.7 is satisfied for B / A. From FIGS. 10(a) and (b), it can be seen that when 0.1 < C / A < 0.3, both the axial power and the blowing noise become small. Therefore, it is preferable that the condition of 0.1 < C / A < 0.3 is satisfied for C / A. From FIGS. 11(a) and (b), it can be seen that when 0.84 < E / D < 0.9, both the axial power and the blowing noise become small. Therefore, it is preferable that the condition of 0.84 < E / D < 0.9 is satisfied for E / D.

[0049] Next, the cross-sectional shapes of the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 shown in FIG. 3 will be considered. In this embodiment, the conditions regarding the cross-sectional shape of the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42 are varied depending on the position of the plane on which the outdoor unit 1 is cut. Therefore, first, the plane on which the outdoor unit 1 is cut will be described.

[0050] Figure 12 shows the planes used to cut the outdoor unit 1. As shown in the figure, planes X, Y, and Z are assumed to be the planes used to cut the outdoor unit 1. Plane X is above or below the fan 10 and does not intersect with the fan blades of the fan 10. Plane Y is between the rotation axis of the fan 10 and the blade tip and intersects with the fan blades of the fan 10. Plane Z is the plane that contains the rotation axis of the fan 10. In addition, planes X, Y, and Z are all planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectifier member 41 and support member 42 of the motor support base 40.

[0051] Figure 13 shows the airflow within a cross-section when cut by plane X. The airflow F31 within this cross-section is approximately parallel to the rotation axis of fan 10. Figure 14 shows the airflow within a cross-section when cut by plane Y. As shown in the figure, a low-pressure area P32 is generated in this cross-section at a position that coincides with the rotation axis of the fan 10. Therefore, the airflow F32 in this cross-section flows from the outside of the rectifier member 41, through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42, and toward the inside of the support member 42. Figure 15 shows the airflow within a cross-section when cut by the plane Z. As shown in the figure, a low-pressure area P33 is generated on the blade side of the fan 10 within this cross-section. Therefore, the airflow F33 within this cross-section flows from the inside of the rectifier member 41, through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42, and outwards from the support member 42.

[0052] In particular, in Figures 14 and 15, a portion of the airflow is drawn into the fan 10 at an inclined angle relative to the main flow direction. Consequently, in Figures 14 and 15 in particular, a problem arises in this embodiment: the airflow separates near the motor support base 40, resulting in a slightly larger wake width.

[0053] Figure 16 shows the conditions regarding the cross-sectional shape of the flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42 when considering the airflow shown in Figure 13. This condition includes the following first and second conditions: The first condition concerns a straight line drawn from the flow straightening member 41 to the support member 42. This straight line is drawn from one endpoint T1 of the downstream end of the cross-section of the flow straightening member 41 so as to be tangent to the cross-section of the support member 42. The first condition is that this straight line is approximately parallel to the side of the cross-section of the support member 42 that includes one endpoint T2 of the widest part of the cross-section. The second condition is that the maximum width of the cross-section of the support member 42 (E shown in Figure 8) is smaller than the maximum width of the cross-section of the rectifying member 41 (D shown in Figure 8). By adopting this shape, the same effect as when using the motor support base 90 shown in Figure 4(a) can be obtained.

[0054] Figure 17 shows the conditions regarding the cross-sectional shape of the flow straightening member 41 and the support member 42 when considering the airflow shown in Figure 14. This condition concerns a straight line drawn from the rectifier member 41 to the support member 42. This straight line is drawn from one endpoint T1 of the downstream end of the cross-section of the rectifier member 41 to the other side of the portion of the cross-section of the support member 42 that faces the rectifier member 41. Here, "one side" refers to either side with respect to the central axis M, and "the other side" refers to the side opposite to "one side" with respect to the central axis M. This condition means that the point of contact T3 of this straight line is closer to the central axis M than the other endpoint T4 of the widest part of the support member 42. This shape reduces fluid resistance and makes it less likely for vortices to be generated compared to the case where the motor support base 90 shown in Figure 4(a) is used.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit 2 of an air conditioner in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the outdoor unit 2 includes a fan 10, a motor 20, a motor plate 30, and a motor support base 40 as components of the blower. In addition, the outdoor unit 2 includes a heat exchanger 52 as a component other than the blower.

[0056] The fan 10, motor 20, motor plate 30, and motor support base 40 are the same as those described for the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0057] The heat exchanger 52 receives the airflow indicated by the black arrow, which is created by the airflow indicated by the white arrow, and performs heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant in this airflow. The outdoor unit 2 also includes other general components for circulating the refrigerant, such as a compressor, but these are not shown in the illustration.

[0058] In this outdoor unit 2, the heat exchanger 52 is installed from the upper wall to the left wall in the figure, and its cross-section is L-shaped. That is, a part of the heat exchanger 52 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the fan 10, and another part of the heat exchanger 52 is positioned on only one side of the rotation axis 20 of the fan 10. In general terms, this means that the heat exchanger 52 is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the fan 10.

[0059] In this outdoor unit 2 as well, some of the airflow is drawn into the fan 10 at an angle relative to the main airflow direction. Consequently, in this outdoor unit 2 as well, the problem of this embodiment arises, where the airflow separates near the motor support base 40, resulting in a slightly larger wake width.

[0060] [summary] In this embodiment, a portion of the airflow, which flows in at an inclination relative to the main flow direction, is made to pass through the gap between the rectifier member 41 and the support member 42. As a result, the flow resistance is reduced on the side opposite to the side from which the airflow flows in at an inclination, and airflow separation is suppressed. Consequently, the wake width is reduced, and the flow resistance and vortex flow drawn in by the fan 10 can be suppressed, making it possible to reduce turbulent noise and improve the airflow efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rectifying member 41 and the support member 42 are fastened together at the center. This improves the ease of positioning the fastening. It also makes it possible to maintain rigidity while suppressing vibration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1,2...Outdoor unit, 10...Fan, 20...Motor, 30...Motor plate, 40,90...Motor support base, 41...Rectifier member, 42...Support member, 431...First fastening member, 432...Second fastening member, 433...Third fastening member, 434...Fourth fastening member, 51,52...Heat exchanger

Claims

1. Fans, A motor that rotates the aforementioned fan, A motor support portion is provided in the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan and supports the motor. Equipped with, The motor support portion is A flow straightening member provided on the upstream side of the aforementioned airflow, A support member is provided downstream of the airflow, spaced apart from the flow straightening member. Equipped with, When the flow straightening member is cut along a plane in line with the aforementioned airflow, the cross-section of the member has a width that expands from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. A blower in which the cross-section of the support member, when cut along a plane in line with the aforementioned airflow, has a constant width or a width that decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

2. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the rectifying member has a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

3. The blower according to claim 2, wherein the cross-section of the rectifying member has its maximum width at the downstream end of the airflow.

4. The blower according to claim 3, wherein when the length from the upstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the support member is A, and the length from the upstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end is B, 0.4 < B / A < 0.

7.

5. The blower according to claim 3, wherein when A is the length from the upstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the rectifier member to the downstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the support member, and C is the length from the maximum width of the cross-section of the rectifier member to the upstream end of the airflow in the cross-section of the support member, 0.1 < C / A < 0.

3.

6. The blower according to claim 3, wherein when the maximum width of the cross-section of the rectifying member is D and the maximum width of the cross-section of the support member is E, 0.84 < E / D < 0.

9.

7. The blower according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the rectifying member and the support member are not uniform in the longitudinal direction.

8. The blower according to claim 3, wherein the cross-section of the support member has a width that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifying member.

9. The blower according to claim 8, wherein the cross-section of the support member has a width that curves inward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the portion facing the rectifier member.

10. The blower according to claim 9, wherein the point of contact of a straight line drawn from one endpoint of the cross-section of the rectifier member, with reference to the central axis of the downstream end of the airflow, to the other side of the portion of the cross-section of the support member facing the rectifier member, with reference to the central axis, is located closer to the central axis than the other endpoint of the portion of the support member having its maximum width.

11. The blower according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening member for fastening the rectifying member and the support member.

12. The blower according to claim 11, wherein the fastening member fastens the rectifier member and the support member at a position offset in one direction and a position offset in the other direction from the motor plate that holds the motor.

13. Fans, A motor that rotates the aforementioned fan, A motor support section is provided within the airflow generated by the rotation of the aforementioned fan and supports the motor, A heat exchanger through which the aforementioned airflow passes performs heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant in the airflow. Equipped with, The motor support portion is A flow straightening member provided on the upstream side of the aforementioned airflow, A support member is provided downstream of the airflow, spaced apart from the flow straightening member. Equipped with, When the flow straightening member is cut along a plane in line with the aforementioned airflow, the cross-section of the member has a width that expands from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the cross-section of the support member, when cut along a plane in line with the aforementioned airflow, has a constant width or a width that decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

14. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger has a surface that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor support and is parallel and symmetrical with respect to the plane containing the rotation axis of the fan.

15. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the fan.

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