Blower and cart

Abstract

Improve safety. [Solution] The blower 100A comprises an intake port 140 facing a first direction, an intake port frame 131A surrounding the intake port 140 and formed of an elastic member, an exhaust port 160 facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an exhaust port frame 151 surrounding the exhaust port 160, and when viewed in the first direction, at least a part of the outer edge of the intake port frame 131A is positioned outward from the exhaust port frame 151.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, carts that are small transport vehicles have been known, such as the golf cart disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-271255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a cart used outdoors, such as a golf cart, may be provided with a fan as a measure against the heat. For example, when the fan is attached to the ceiling of the cart, it is desirable to improve safety by suppressing a decrease in safety caused by the passenger's head coming into contact with the fan.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a blower and a cart that can improve safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the blower of the present invention comprises an intake port facing a first direction, an intake port frame surrounding the intake port and formed of an elastic member, an exhaust port facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an exhaust port frame surrounding the exhaust port, and when viewed in the first direction, at least a part of the outer edge of the intake port frame is positioned outward from the exhaust port frame.

[0007] The air outlet frame is rotatably arranged within a predetermined range of motion, and regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake frame may be positioned outward from the air outlet frame when viewed in the first direction.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the cart of the present invention is equipped with the above blower. Effect of the Invention

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

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cart according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A3-A3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the blower in a first state. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the blower in a second state. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the intake port. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the air outlet. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the blower in a first state. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the second state of the blower. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery is attached to the main body case. [Figure 15]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery is not attached to the main body case. [Figure 16] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover immediately before the battery is attached to the main body case. FIG. [Figure 17] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover after the battery is attached to the main body case. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the main body terminal is deformed. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion where the blower unit is attached to the frame. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion where the blower unit is attached to the frame. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cart from the left side. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cart seen from the rear. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a blower according to a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a side view of a blower according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0012] An overview of a cart 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cart 1 according to this embodiment. The cart 1 according to this embodiment is a self-propelled four-wheel vehicle equipped with a power source consisting of an engine or a motor (not shown). In the following drawings, the forward direction of the cart 1 is indicated as "front" and the backward direction is indicated as "rear". Furthermore, the left direction when facing the forward direction of the cart 1 is indicated as "left" and the right direction is indicated as "right". The left-right direction of the cart 1 corresponds to the width direction of the cart 1. Furthermore, the upward direction of the cart 1 is indicated as "up" and the downward direction is indicated as "down".

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

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

[0016] The cart 1 also includes a ceiling panel 6. The ceiling panel 6 extends from above the resin panel 2 to the rear of the rear seat 5 in the backward direction of the cart 1. The width of the ceiling panel 6 is slightly larger than the widths of the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5. The ceiling panel 6 is located above the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5, and a passenger space for passengers to sit is provided below the ceiling panel 6.

[0017] Four fans 100 are provided on the ceiling surface 6a, which is the lower surface of the ceiling board 6. The four fans 100 blow air toward passengers seated on the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5, respectively. Two of the four fans 100 are disposed apart from each other in the width direction of the cart 1, at a position shifted in the forward direction from directly above the front seat 4. Here, one fan 100 is positioned directly above the steering wheel 3.

[0018] The remaining two fans 100 are disposed apart from each other in the width direction of the cart 1 at a position shifted in the forward direction from directly above the rear seat 5. Here, the two fans 100 are positioned between the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5.

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

[0020] An overview of the fan 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

[0023] The main body case 110 extends in the width direction. In other words, the width of the main body case 110 is longer than the length of the main body case 110 in the front-rear direction and the height of the main body case 110. The top surface F1 has a generally planar shape that extends longer in the width direction than in the front-rear direction. The front surface F2 is continuous with the rear edge side of the top surface F1 and extends downward from the top surface F1. The back surface F3 is continuous with the front edge side of the top surface F1 and extends downward from the top surface F1. Therefore, the back surface F3 and the front surface F2 face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

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

[0025] The main body case 110 is surrounded on all four sides by a top surface F1, a front surface F2, a back surface F3, and a bottom surface F4. A battery 120 is detachably attached to the back surface F3 of the main body case 110. The attachment of the battery 120 to the main body case 110 will be described in detail later.

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

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

[0028] Air intake frame 131 forms the outer edge of air intake cover 130, and extends along the edge of the opening at the end in the width direction of main body case 110. Fins 132 are attached to the inner periphery of air intake frame 131. Gaps between fins 132 correspond to air intakes 140. In this manner, air intake 140 is surrounded by air intake frame 131, and opens to the side surface of main body case 110. Air outside main body case 110 is taken into main body case 110 through air intake 140.

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

[0030] Air outlet frame 151 extends in the width direction at the bottom of main body case 110. Fins 152 are attached to the inner periphery of air outlet frame 151. Gaps between fins 152 correspond to air outlets 160. In this manner, air outlet 160 is surrounded by air outlet frame 151. Air outlet 160 opens in a direction (second direction) intersecting with the width direction (first direction) in which main body case 110 extends. Air taken into main body case 110 through intake port 140 is sent out from air outlet 160 to the outside of main body case 110.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, a motor case 170 is housed inside the main body case 110. The motor case 170 is a substantially rectangular box, and is fixed to the center of the main body case 110 in the width direction. The motor case 170 houses a pair of motors 171 inside. The pair of motors 171 are disposed symmetrically with respect to each other in the width direction. A motor shaft 171a of the motor 171 protrudes from the motor case 170 outward in the width direction.

[0032] A rotor 172 is attached to the motor shaft 171a of the motor 171. The rotor 172 is a cylindrical member. The rotor 172 has a plurality of blades 172a extending in the width direction and arranged with a gap maintained in the rotation direction. A partition plate 172b is provided near the center of the width direction of the rotor 172. The partition plate 172b has a circular thin plate shape, and the tip side of the motor shaft 171a is fixed to the center. Therefore, the rotor 172 is rotatably supported in the main body case 110 by the motor shaft 171a. In addition, the partition plate 172b is located between the intake port 140 and the motor 171. This reduces the risk that rainwater that has entered the rotor 172 from the intake port 140 will reach the motor 171.

[0033] Air intake 140 of main body case 110 is located in the axial direction of rotor 172. In other words, air intake 140 opens in the direction of the rotation axis of rotor 172. When rotor 172 is rotated by driving motor 171, air is taken into rotor 172 through air intake 140. The air taken into rotor 172 passes between blades 172a and is sent out radially outward of rotor 172.

[0034] A pair of scroll cases 180 are housed inside the main body case 110. Each scroll case 180 is disposed on both the left and right sides of the motor case 170. The scroll cases 180 are generally cylindrical boxes extending in the width direction. Each rotating body 172 is housed in each scroll case 180. Specifically, the left rotating body 172 is housed in the left scroll case 180, and the right rotating body 172 is housed in the right scroll case 180.

[0035] The pair of scroll cases 180 are connected by the air outlet cover 150. In other words, the air outlet cover 150 connects the pair of scroll cases 180. The air outlet 160 formed in the air outlet cover 150 is provided on the radial outside of the rotor 172 and opens in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction. As described below, air is sucked into the rotor 172, passes between the blades 172a, and is sent out to the radial outside of the rotor 172. The air is pressurized and accelerated in the scroll case 180, and is sent out from the air outlet 160.

[0036] 2, a switch button 173 is provided on the outside of motor case 170. Switch button 173 faces the front side of blower 100. A sensor 174 for detecting a passenger is provided below switch button 173. Sensor 174 faces the front side of blower 100, downward rather than horizontally. An opening is provided in main body case 110 at a position corresponding to switch button 173 and sensor 174.

[0037] Therefore, with motor case 170 housed within main body case 110, switch button 173 and sensor 174 are exposed to the outside of main body case 110. This makes it possible to operate switch button 173 from outside main body case 110. Also, it becomes possible for sensor 174 to detect a passenger.

[0038] The sensor 174 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it can detect the presence or absence of a passenger within the detection range. The sensor 174 can be configured with, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a visible light sensor.

[0039] Blower 100 is equipped with a control device (not shown). The control device has electronic circuits including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and is connected to motor 171, switch button 173, and sensor 174. The control device is started by operating switch button 173, and receives power supply from battery 120 based on a signal input from sensor 174 to drive (control) motor 171. The control device may change the value of the current passed through motor 171 by operating switch button 173, thereby switching the operating state of blower 100 between strong and weak.

[0040] In addition, an aperture member 175 is provided in an opening of the main body case 110 through which the sensor 174 is exposed. The aperture member 175 is a member that determines the detection range of the sensor 174, and is provided detachably on the main body case 110. The distance from the sensor 174 to the passenger and the optimum detection range for the passenger vary depending on the size of the cart 1 to which the blower 100 is attached and the installation position of the blower 100. Making the aperture member 175 detachable allows the attachment of the aperture member 175 according to the size of the cart 1 and the installation position of the blower 100, and the optimum detection range for the sensor 174 can be easily set.

[0041] It should be noted that a recess is formed in the center of the width direction of the air outlet cover 150 so as to avoid the sensor 174. The recess of the air outlet cover 150 prevents the detection range of the sensor 174 from being obstructed.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the rotor 172 is rotatably housed in the scroll case 180. In addition, a scroll passage 181 is formed in the scroll case 180 and located radially outward of the rotor 172. Specifically, the scroll passage 181 is formed by a gap formed between the inner circumferential surface of the scroll case 180 and the rotor 172.

[0043] The scroll passage 181 is wound around the entire circumference in the rotation direction of the rotor 172. In Fig. 4, the rotor 172 rotates in a clockwise direction. The scroll passage 181 has a radial width, i.e., a passage width, gradually increasing toward the front side in the rotation direction of the rotor 172. The blower port cover 150 is attached to the scroll case 180 so as to close an outlet corresponding to the downstream end of the scroll passage 181.

[0044] With the above configuration, when the rotor 172 rotates, air is drawn into the rotor 172 from the intake port 140 in the direction of the rotation axis. Then, due to the rotation of the rotor 172, air is sent out from the inside of the rotor 172 to the outside in the radial direction through the gaps of the blades 172a. The air sent out in the radial direction from the rotor 172 is pressurized and accelerated in the process of flowing through the scroll passage 181, and is sent out to the outside from the blower port 160.

[0045] Here, scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 function as movable bodies provided in main body case 110 rotatably around an axis center along the width direction (first direction) that is the extension direction of main body case 110. These movable bodies operate around an axis center along the rotation axis direction of rotor 172. In other words, scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 are rotatably supported by main body case 110. Here, the rotation axis of scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 coincides with the rotation axis of rotor 172. However, the rotation axis of scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 may be deviated from the rotation axis of rotor 172.

[0046] Blower 100 is provided with angle adjustment mechanism 190, which will be described later. Angle adjustment mechanism 190 makes it possible to adjust the angles of scroll case 180 and blower port cover 150. Thus, the angle of blower port 160 can be adjusted.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A3-A3 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 5, angle adjustment mechanism 190 includes an adjustment groove 191 and a stopper member 192. Adjustment groove 191 is provided in each scroll case 180. Adjustment groove 191 is provided on the outer side in the width direction of each scroll case 180, i.e., at the end opposite to the side on which motor case 170 is provided.

[0048] The adjustment grooves 191 are grooves recessed in the radial direction of the rotor 172, and a plurality of adjustment grooves 191 are provided spaced apart in the rotation direction of the rotor 172. Here, a plurality of adjustment grooves 191 are provided at equal intervals around the rotation axis of the rotor 172 over a range of approximately 90 degrees. Also, a stopper member 192 is provided in the main body case 110 at a position facing the adjustment grooves 191 in the radial direction of the rotor 172. More precisely, the stopper member 192 is provided such that its tip faces the adjustment groove 191 from the radial outside of the rotor 172.

[0049] A biasing member (not shown) made of a spring or the like is provided in main body case 110, and the biasing force of this biasing member acts on stopper member 192. Specifically, the biasing member applies a biasing force to stopper member 192 in a direction in which the tip of stopper member 192 approaches adjustment groove 191. Therefore, the tip of stopper member 192 enters adjustment groove 191 due to the biasing force of the biasing member. The tip of stopper member 192 entering adjustment groove 191 prevents movement of scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 in the rotational direction.

[0050] The width of adjustment groove 191 in the circumferential direction of rotor 172 increases radially outward. Therefore, when scroll case 180 and blower port cover 150 are rotated in the rotational direction with the tip of stopper member 192 inserted in adjustment groove 191, stopper member 192 is pushed out by the bottom surface of adjustment groove 191.

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

[0052] In this state, when scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 are further rotated counterclockwise, the tip of stopper member 192 enters adjustment groove 191 located second from the bottom. In this manner, by rotating scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150, the direction and angle of air outlet 160 can be changed. Note that the biasing force of the biasing member is set so that stopper member 192 is not pushed out of adjustment groove 191 by the weight of scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 itself.

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

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

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

[0056] Here, in a state where scroll case 180 and air outlet cover 150 are supported by main body case 110, at least a part of air outlet cover 150 is exposed to the outside from bottom opening 111 of main body case 110, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Air outlet cover 150 protrudes from the surface of main body case 110 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of rotor 172. In other words, air outlet 160 is positioned protruding from the surface of main body case 110 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction. This allows a passenger to adjust the angle of air outlet 160 by gripping air outlet cover 150 (for example, air outlet frame 151).

[0057] For example, a knob protruding from the air outlet cover 150 may be provided, and the angle of the air outlet 160 may be adjusted by operating the knob. However, if a knob is provided, the passenger may not easily notice the knob, and may hit his / her head against the knob and be injured when getting on or off the vehicle. In addition, the knob may be damaged at this time. On the other hand, in this embodiment, at least a part of the air outlet frame 151 protrudes from the surface of the main body case 110, so that the passenger can easily grasp the position of the air outlet frame 151, and the risk of hitting his / her head is reduced.

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

[0059] As described above, the blower 100 of this embodiment is a sirocco fan. According to the blower 100, the intake port 140 and the exhaust port 160 face in directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other. For example, a blower that takes in air from the forward direction of the cart 1 and blows air in the backward direction of the cart 1 has a large size in one direction, making it difficult to install in a cart 1 with large installation space restrictions. According to this embodiment, the size in one direction can be reduced, so that a blowing function that is comfortable for passengers can be realized even in a cart 1 with large installation space restrictions.

[0060] Further improvements implemented in the fan 100 of this embodiment will be described below in order with reference to Figs. 8 to 22.

[0061] First, with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the ingenuity in the configuration around the intake port 140 will be described.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the periphery of air intake port 140. As described above, air intake port covers 130 are provided on both the left and right sides of main body case 110. Although air intake port cover 130 on the right side is shown in Fig. 8, the configuration of air intake port cover 130 on the left side is similar to the configuration of air intake port cover 130 on the right side.

[0063] As described above, the air intake 140 is surrounded by the air intake frame 131 of the air intake cover 130. A passenger of the cart 1 enters the front seat 4 or the rear seat 5 from the width direction of the cart 1. When the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the air intake frame 131 is located at the outermost part of the blower 100 in the width direction of the cart 1. Therefore, there is a risk that the head of a passenger entering the cart 1 may collide with the air intake frame 131.

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

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intake port frame 131 is provided with a concave-convex portion 131a. In the example of Fig. 8, the concave-convex portion 131a is pleated and provided in the lower half of the intake port frame 131. More specifically, in the concave-convex portion 131a, protrusions and grooves extending in the rotation axis direction of the rotor 172 and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the intake port frame 131. By providing the concave-convex portion 131a in the intake port frame 131, if the head of the occupant collides with the intake port frame 131, the impact applied to the head of the occupant can be more effectively reduced, and safety is more effectively improved.

[0066] However, uneven portion 131a may have a shape other than pleats, and may be, for example, a lattice shape. Also, uneven portion 131a may be formed over the entire circumference of intake port frame 131. However, since the portion of intake port frame 131 that is likely to be hit by the head of a passenger is the lower portion of intake port frame 131, it is particularly necessary that uneven portion 131a be provided in the lower half of intake port frame 131.

[0067] The air intake cover 130 is provided with a net (not shown). The net covers the surface defined by the inner periphery of the air intake frame 131 and has air permeability. The provision of the net can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the main body case 110 through the air intake 140. When a cover is provided on the air intake cover 130, the air intake cover 130 is particularly likely to become dirty. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the air intake cover 130. In order to facilitate cleaning of the air intake cover 130, the air intake frame 131 is detachable from the main body case 110. The through hole 133 shown in FIG. 8 penetrates the air intake frame 131 and is provided for attaching and detaching the air intake frame 131 to and from the main body case 110, as described later.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of intake port 140. As shown in Fig. 9, intake port cover 130 is provided with locking member 134. When viewed from above, locking member 134 has a substantially L-shape. Meanwhile, main body case 110 is provided with locked portion 113. Locked portion 113 is provided at an end of main body case 110 in the width direction, extends in the up-down direction, and has a column shape. Locking member 134 is movable in the left-right direction.

[0069] When air intake frame 131 is attached to main body case 110, locking member 134 is biased outward in the width direction by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown) and is locked to locked portion 113, as shown by a solid line in Fig. 9. This makes it impossible to remove air intake frame 131 from main body case 110. On the other hand, by inserting a long and thin rod into through hole 133 and pushing locking member 134 inward in the width direction with the tip of the rod, locking member 134 separates from locked portion 113, as shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to remove air intake frame 131 from main body case 110.

[0070] As described above, by providing the locking member 134 and the locked portion 113, the intake port frame 131 becomes detachable from the main body case 110. This allows the intake port cover 130 to be easily cleaned. Furthermore, the intake port frame 131 cannot be removed from the main body case 110 unless a long and thin rod is inserted into the through hole 133. For example, by setting the diameter of the through hole 133 to a size that does not allow the insertion of equipment used in golf (e.g., a tee), it is possible to prevent a passenger from accidentally removing the intake port frame 131 from the main body case 110. However, the mechanism for making the intake port frame 131 detachable from the main body case 110 is not limited to the example in FIG. 9.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figs. 10 to 13, the ingenuity in the configuration around the air outlet 160 will be described.

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

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the air outlet frame 151 is formed of an elastic material. Examples of the elastic material include silicon. By forming the air outlet frame 151 of an elastic material, if the head of a passenger collides with the air outlet frame 151, the impact on the head of the passenger can be reduced, thereby improving safety.

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

[0075] Furthermore, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction (second direction) of the air outlet 160 becomes shorter at the ends of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction as it moves away from the center of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction. For example, in the example of Fig. 10, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction is constant at length L1 at the center side of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction. Meanwhile, at the ends of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction gradually decreases from length L1 to length L2 shorter than length L1 as it moves outward in the width direction.

[0076] As described above, the air outlet frame 151 extends in the width direction (first direction). Therefore, when the head of a passenger collides with an end of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction, the impact on the head of the passenger is likely to be large. Therefore, as described above, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction becomes shorter at the end of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction as it moves away from the center of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the impact on the head of the passenger when the head collides with the end of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction, and therefore, safety is more effectively improved.

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

[0078] The first fin 152a is fixed to the air outlet frame 151, and is arranged over the entire area of ​​the air outlet cover 150. On the other hand, the second fins 152b are not arranged in the center in the width direction of the air outlet cover 150, but are arranged on the left and right sides. Although the internal configuration of the right side of the air outlet cover 150 is shown in FIG. 11, the internal configuration of the left side of the air outlet cover 150 is similar to the internal configuration of the right side of the air outlet cover 150.

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

[0080] The front ends of the second fins 152b are connected by a connecting member 154, so that the second fins 152b move in conjunction with each other. The second fins 152b are provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 155 that passes near the center of the second fins 152b in the front-rear direction, is perpendicular to the width direction, and is parallel to the air outlet 160. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 11, when a passenger moves the knob 153 left and right, the second fins 152b rotate about the rotation shaft 155, and the orientation of the second fins 152b changes left and right. As a result, the direction of the air blown from the air outlet 160 changes left and right. Therefore, for example, when three passengers are riding on the rear seat 5 of the cart 1, the air from the air outlet 160 can reach the passenger sitting in the center.

[0081] From the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the wind from the air outlet 160, it is preferable that the front end of the second fin 152b has a tapered shape and is as thin as possible. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the front end of the first fin 152a also has a tapered shape and is as thin as possible.

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

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

[0084] As shown in Fig. 12, in the first state of blower 100, cable terminal cover 115 is covered by air outlet cover 150, which is a movable body. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13, in the second state of blower 100, cable terminal cover 115 is exposed without being covered by air outlet cover 150, which is a movable body. In this way, cable terminal cover 115 is exposed when the rotation angle of air outlet cover 150 is within a predetermined range, and is covered by air outlet cover 150 when the rotation angle of air outlet cover 150 is outside the predetermined range.

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

[0086] Note that the setting information of blower 100 that can be changed using cable terminal 114 is not particularly limited. For example, in a case where control is performed to stop motor 171 when a predetermined time has elapsed since a passenger is no longer detected by sensor 174, the setting information may be information on the predetermined time. In a case where control is performed to stop motor 171 by determining that an error has occurred if the rotation speed of motor 171 has not reached a predetermined rotation speed when a predetermined time has elapsed since motor 171 was started, the setting information may be information on the predetermined time or the predetermined rotation speed.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figs. 14 to 18, the following describes the ingenuity involved in mounting the battery 120 in the main body case 110. Figs.

[0088] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery 120 is not attached to the main body case 110.

[0089] 14, the battery 120 is attached to the rear surface F3 of the main body case 110. However, the battery 120 may be attached to a surface of the main body case 110 other than the rear surface F3. As shown in FIG. 14, the length of the battery 120 in the left-right direction (i.e., width direction) is shorter than the length of the main body case 110 in the left-right direction, the length of the battery 120 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the main body case 110 in the front-rear direction, and the length of the battery 120 in the up-down direction (i.e., height direction) is shorter than the length of the main body case 110 in the up-down direction.

[0090] The battery 120 is attached to the back surface F3 of the main body case 110 in an attachment direction D1 (see FIG. 15) along the back surface F3. In the example of FIG. 15, the attachment direction D1 is the rightward direction. However, the attachment direction D1 may be other than the rightward direction.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 15, a main body terminal 116 is provided on the rear surface F3 of the main body case 110. The main body terminal 116 protrudes from the rear surface F3. Specifically, the main body terminal 116 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface F3. The main body terminal 116 extends in the up-down direction. When the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110, the main body terminal 116 is connected to a battery terminal (see battery terminal 121 in Figs. 16 and 17 described later) which is a terminal of the battery 120.

[0092] Further, a main body terminal cover 117 is provided on the rear face F3 of the main body case 110. The main body terminal cover 117 covers the tips of the main body terminals 116 when the battery 120 is not attached to the main body case 110. As will be described later, the main body terminal cover 117 is movable in a direction along the rear face F3, and moves when the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110. The main body terminal cover 117 will be described in detail later.

[0093] Further, a pair of stoppers 118 are provided on the rear surface F3 of the main body case 110. The stoppers 118 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the main body terminal 116. Each stopper 118 protrudes from the rear surface F3. Specifically, each stopper 118 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface F3. The left end surface of each stopper 118 is located to the left of the left end surface of the main body terminal 116. Here, when the battery 120 is attached to the rear surface F3 of the main body case 110 in the attachment direction D1, there is a possibility that the surface of the battery 120 will collide with the main body terminal 116 from the left side. In this case, since the stoppers 118 are provided, the surface of the battery 120 will collide with the stoppers 118 before colliding with the main body terminal 116. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the main body terminal 116.

[0094] Hereinafter, main body terminal cover 117 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0095] 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover 117 immediately before the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110. As described above, the battery 120 is provided with the battery terminal 121. The battery 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110, the battery terminal 121 is provided on the rear surface of the battery 120.

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] 16, when the battery 120 is not attached to the main body case 110, the first extension portion 117a of the main body terminal cover 117 is located forward of the tip of the main body terminal 116. That is, in this state, the tip of the main body terminal 116 is covered by the first extension portion 117a of the main body terminal cover 117. Specifically, the tip of the main body terminal 116 is covered by a portion of the first extension portion 117a that is to the left of the fourth extension portion 117d.

[0102] Here, the main terminal cover 117 is biased in a biasing direction D2 opposite to the mounting direction D1 by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown). In the example of FIG. 16, the biasing direction D2 is the left direction. The main terminal cover 117 is movable in the left and right directions. In the state of FIG. 16, no external force is applied to the main terminal cover 117. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 16, the main terminal cover 117 is located at the leftmost position within the movable range. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the abutment surface 117e, which is the left surface of the fourth extension portion 117d of the main terminal cover 117, abuts against the main terminal 116 in the biasing direction D2.

[0103] 16, although no external force is applied to the main body terminal cover 117, the step 122 on the rear surface of the battery 120 is in contact with the left end of the first extension portion 117a of the main body terminal cover 117. When the battery 120 moves in the mounting direction D1 from this state, the main body terminal cover 117 is pushed by the step 122 of the battery 120 and moves to the right.

[0104] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover 117 after the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110. The state in Fig. 17 is a state in which the battery 120 has moved in the attachment direction D1 from the state in Fig. 16, and the battery terminal 121 is connected to the main body terminal 116. As described above, when the battery 120 moves in the attachment direction D1 from the state in Fig. 16, the main body terminal cover 117 is pushed by the stepped portion 122 of the battery 120 and moves to the right.

[0105] In the state shown in Fig. 17, main body terminal cover 117 is located at the rightmost position within the movable range. As shown in Fig. 17, when battery 120 is attached to main body case 110, first extension portion 117a of main body terminal cover 117 does not face the tip of main body terminal 116 in the front-rear direction. In other words, in this state, the tip of main body terminal 116 is not covered by first extension portion 117a of main body terminal cover 117 and is exposed.

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

[0107] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the main body terminal 116 is deformed. The main body terminal 116 may be deformed by an unexpected external force. For example, as shown in Fig. 18, the main body terminal 116 may be deformed such that the tip of the main body terminal 116 falls in the mounting direction D1 of the battery 120. In such a case, the abutment surface 117e of the fourth extension part 117d of the main body terminal cover 117 can play a role in correcting the falling deformation of the main body terminal 116.

[0108] As described above, when the battery 120 is not attached to the main body case 110, the contact surface 117e of the main body terminal cover 117 contacts the main body terminal 116 in the biasing direction D2. Therefore, by pressing the main body terminal cover 117 from the state of Fig. 18 in the biasing direction D2 toward the main body terminal 116, the main body terminal 116 is pressed in the biasing direction D2 by the contact surface 117e, and the tilted deformation of the main body terminal 116 is corrected.

[0109] Next, with reference to Figs. 19 to 22, a description will be given of the ingenuity with regard to mounting the fan unit 200 to the frame 7.

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

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

[0112] Both ends of each bar member 8 are provided with a mechanism for mounting the fan unit 200 to the frame 7 of the cart 1. Such a mechanism will be described below with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

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

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

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

[0116] The first extending portion 9b has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubular portion 9a. The first extending portion 9b is connected to an end of the tubular portion 9a and covers the opening at the end of the tubular portion 9a. The first extending portion 9b is provided with a plurality of fitted portions 9e. In the example of FIG. 19, the fitted portion 9e is a through hole. However, the fitted portion 9e may be a groove or a depression. The multiple fitted portions 9e are arranged at intervals in the height direction (i.e., the up-down direction) of the blower 100.

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

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

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

[0120] The first extension portion 10a has a rectangular flat plate shape. In a posture in which the second bracket 10 is attached to the first bracket 9, the first extension portion 10a extends on a plane parallel to the second extension portion 9c and the third extension portion 9d of the first bracket 9. The first extension portion 10a is provided with an engagement portion 10d that engages with the fitted portion 9e of the first bracket 9. The engagement portion 10d is a protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the first extension portion 10a. In addition, the first extension portion 10a is provided with a through hole 10e that penetrates the first extension portion 10a.

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

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

[0123] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame 7 is sandwiched in the vertical direction by the third extension portion 9d of the first bracket 9 and the second extension portion 10b of the second bracket 10, so that the fan unit 200 is attached to the frame 7. Here, when the second bracket 10 is attached to the first bracket 9, the engagement portion 10d of the second bracket 10 is engaged with one of the multiple engagement portions 9e of the first bracket 9. In the example of FIG. 20, the engagement portion 10d is engaged with the engagement portion 9e located at the top. Then, a bolt is inserted into the through hole 9f of the first bracket 9 and the through hole 10e of the second bracket 10, and the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10 are bolted together in the vertical direction, so that the frame 7 is sandwiched between the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10. At this time, the third extension portion 10c of the second bracket 10 prevents the frame 7 from falling off.

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

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

[0126] In the above, an example in which the first bracket 9 and the rod member 8 are separate bodies has been described, but all or any part of the first bracket 9 may be formed integrally with the rod member 8.

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

[0128] 21, from the viewpoint of increasing the space for a passenger sitting in front seat 4 and preventing the passenger's head from colliding with blower 100, it is preferable that front blower unit 200 be located as far forward as possible. For example, it is preferable that front blower unit 200 be located as far forward as possible to avoid interference with a mounting member for a navigation device provided on the upper part of the front side of plastic panel 2 of cart 1. However, it is preferable that the gap between battery 120 and the mounting member for the navigation device is a distance (e.g., 20 mm) or more that allows a person's hand to enter in order to attach and detach battery 120.

[0129] Here, the gap L3 between the top surface F1 of the main body case 110 and the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 is less than the diameter of a golf ball. The diameter of a golf ball is specifically 42.67 mm. By making the gap L3 small in this way, the position of the blower 100 in the cart 1 can be set as high as possible. This can prevent the head of the passenger from colliding with the blower 100, improving safety. Furthermore, by making the gap L3 small, golf equipment such as a golf ball or a smartphone can be inserted into the gap L3 to prevent these items from falling. This further improves safety.

[0130] Furthermore, when the battery 120 is attached to the main body case 110, the lower surface F6 of the battery 120 is located above the bottom surface F5 of the main body case 110. This increases the space for the occupant and prevents the occupant's head from colliding with the blower 100, as compared to a case in which the lower surface F6 of the battery 120 is flush with the bottom surface F5 of the main body case 110 or is located below the bottom surface F5 of the main body case 110, thereby improving safety.

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

[0132] As described above, the position of blower 100 can be adjusted in the extending direction of rod member 8, so that the left-right position of blower 100 can be brought closer to the left-right center of cart 1. This can prevent the head of a passenger from colliding with blower 100, improving safety.

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

[0134] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of fan 100A according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 23, in fan 100A, air intake covers 130A are attached to both openings in the width direction of main body case 110. Each of the openings in the width direction of main body case 110 is covered by air intake cover 130A.

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

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

[0137] As described above, the air outlet cover 150 is provided at the bottom opening 111 of the main body case 110. The air outlet frame 151 of the air outlet cover 150 extends in the width direction at the bottom of the main body case 110. Each fin 152 is attached to the inner periphery of the air outlet frame 151. The gap between the fins 152 corresponds to the air outlet 160. In this manner, the air outlet 160 is surrounded by the air outlet frame 151. The air outlet 160 opens in a direction intersecting the width direction, which is the extension direction of the main body case 110 (specifically, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the air inlet 140 faces). That is, the air outlet 160 faces in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the air inlet 140 faces.

[0138] The above-mentioned motor case 170 and the pair of scroll cases 180 are housed inside the main body case 110. When the rotor 172 attached to the motor 171 in the motor case 170 rotates, air outside the main body case 110 is taken into the main body case 110 through the air intake 140 and is blown out of the main body case 110 from the air outlet 160.

[0139] The details of the intake port frame 131A according to the modified example are described below. In the width direction of the blower 100A, the intake port frame 131A has a length approximately equal to that of the above-mentioned intake port frame 131. Meanwhile, in the front-rear and height directions of the blower 100A, the lower portion of the intake port frame 131A is generally wider outward than the above-mentioned intake port frame 131.

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

[0141] As described above, the air blower frame 151 is provided to be rotatable within a predetermined movable range. Specifically, the air blower frame 151 is rotatable about an axis extending along the width direction of the blower 100A (more specifically, about the rotation axis of the rotor 172).

[0142] In the example of Fig. 24, the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151 is the angle in the first state of Fig. 6 described above (i.e., the state in which the direction in which the air outlet 160 faces is closest to the horizontal direction). Note that in Fig. 24, the air outlet frame 151 in the second state of Fig. 7 described above (i.e., the state in which the air outlet 160 faces vertically downward) is shown by a two-dot chain line. The air outlet frame 151 is rotatable between the first state and the second state.

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

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

[0145] Furthermore, the air intake port frame 131A is provided with uneven portions 131Aa, similar to the air intake port frame 131 described above. In the example of Fig. 24, the uneven portions 131Aa are pleated and provided in a lower portion of the air intake port frame 131A (for example, a portion below the center position in the height direction of the air intake port 140). More specifically, the uneven portions 131Aa include a plurality of protrusions 131Aa1 and a plurality of grooves 131Aa2.

[0146] The protrusions 131Aa1 are portions that protrude outward in the width direction of the fan 100A relative to the surroundings, and extend in the width direction of the fan 100A and in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. The grooves 131Aa2 are portions that protrude inward in the width direction of the fan 100A relative to the surroundings, and extend in the width direction of the fan 100A and in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. In the uneven portion 131Aa, the protrusions 131Aa1 and the grooves 131Aa2 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the air intake port frame 131A.

[0147] By providing uneven portion 131Aa in intake port frame 131A, if the head of an occupant collides with intake port frame 131A, the impact on the head of the occupant can be more effectively reduced, thereby more effectively improving safety.

[0148] In particular, as shown in Fig. 24, in the uneven portion 131Aa, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, the protrusion 131Aa1 protrudes outward beyond the groove 131Aa2. In other words, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, the tip of the protrusion 131Aa1 (that is, the portion forming the outer edge of the intake port frame 131A) is located outside the groove 131Aa2. Therefore, the tip of the adjacent protrusions 131Aa1 is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the intake port frame 131A. As a result, if the head of the passenger collides with the intake port frame 131A, the impact on the head of the passenger can be further effectively reduced, and safety is further effectively improved.

[0149] In the example of Figure 24, the area in which the tips of adjacent protrusions 131Aa1 are spaced apart circumferentially around the intake port frame 131A is disposed in a range extending from the downward facing portion of the intake port frame 131A to the rear facing portion (i.e., a range including a range that overlaps with the range of motion of the exhaust port frame 151 when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A).

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

[0151] Therefore, in the blower 100A, when viewed in the width direction (first direction) of the blower 100A, at least a part of the outer edge of the intake port frame 131A is located outside (for example, outside in the radial direction of the rotor 172) with respect to the blower port frame 151. As a result, if the head of a passenger comes into contact with the blower 100A, the head can be brought into contact with the intake port frame 131A before coming into contact with the blower port frame 151. Here, as described above, the intake port frame 131A is designed to reduce the impact on the head of the passenger if the head of the passenger collides with the intake port frame 131A. Therefore, by preventing the head of a passenger getting on the cart 1 from colliding with the blower port frame 151, safety can be improved. Furthermore, since the impact on the blower port frame 151 is prevented, damage to the blower port frame 151 can also be prevented.

[0152] 24, when viewed in the width direction of blower 100A, whatever the angle of rotation of blower port frame 151, blower port frame 151 is located inside (for example, radially inside of rotor 172) line L4 connecting the tips of protrusions 131Aa1 corresponding to the portion forming the outer edge of intake port frame 131A. In other words, when viewed in the width direction of blower 100A, whatever the angle of rotation of blower port frame 151, most of blower port frame 151 overlaps with intake port frame 131A and is covered and hidden by intake port frame 131A.

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

[0154] As described above, in the blower 100A, regardless of the rotation angle of the blower frame 151, at least a part of the outer edge of the intake frame 131A is located outside the blower frame 151 when viewed in the width direction (first direction) of the blower 100A. As a result, if the head of a passenger comes into contact with the blower 100A, the head can be brought into contact with the intake frame 131A before coming into contact with the blower frame 151, regardless of the rotation angle of the blower frame 151. Therefore, regardless of the rotation angle of the blower frame 151, the head of a passenger getting on the cart 1 is prevented from colliding with the blower frame 151, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, since the blower frame 151 is prevented from receiving an impact, damage to the blower frame 151 can also be prevented.

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

[0156] In the above example, the air outlet frame 151 is provided to be rotatable within a predetermined range of motion. However, the air outlet frame 151 may be non-rotatable.

[0157] In the above example, the uneven portion 131Aa is provided on the intake port frame 131A. However, the uneven portion 131Aa does not necessarily have to be provided on the intake port frame 131A.

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

[0159] Specifically, the intake port cover 130A may be attached to an opening on one of the widthwise side surfaces of the main body case 110 that is exposed to the outside of the cart 1, and the above-mentioned intake port cover 130 may be attached to an opening on one of the widthwise side surfaces of the main body case 110 that is not exposed to the outside of the cart 1. For example, in the left blower 100 of the two blowers 100 arranged side by side that constitute one blower unit 200, the intake port cover 130A may be attached to an opening on the left side of the main body case 110, and the above-mentioned intake port cover 130 may be attached to an opening on the right side of the main body case 110. Also, for example, in the right blower 100 of the two blowers 100 arranged side by side that constitute one blower unit 200, the intake port cover 130A may be attached to an opening on the right side of the main body case 110, and the above-mentioned intake port cover 130 may be attached to an opening on the left side of the main body case 110. As a result, the air intake cover 130A is attached only to the widthwise side of the main body case 110 that is most likely to be hit by the head of a passenger getting on to the cart 1, thereby reducing the number of air intake covers 130A installed and improving safety.

[0160] Furthermore, the color of the intake port frame 131A is not particularly limited. However, the color of the intake port frame 131A is preferably a color (e.g., yellow) that is easily noticeable to a passenger getting on the cart 1. This makes it easier for a passenger getting on the cart 1 to recognize the presence of the intake port frame 131A, and can prevent the passenger's head from colliding with the intake port frame 131A.

[0161] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0162] For example, in the above description, the cart 1 is a golf cart, but the use of the cart 1 is not limited to this.

[0163] In addition, for example, in the above description, an example has been described in which a plurality of blowers 100 are unitized and the blower unit 200 is attached to the frame 7, but the method of attaching the blowers 100 to the cart 1 is not limited to this. For example, each blower 100 may be attached to the cart 1 individually.

[0164] Also, for example, in the above description, blower 100 is a sirocco fan, but the configuration of blower 100 is not limited to this.

[0165] Also, for example, in the above description, sensor 174 is provided to detect an occupant, but sensor 174 is not an essential component. However, by automatically driving blower 100 when a occupant is detected by sensor 174 and stopping the driving of blower 100 when the occupant is no longer detected, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

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

[0167] Also, for example, in the above, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, it is desirable that the intake port 140 does not face the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 in a side view of the cart 1. Alternatively, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, it is desirable that the rotor 172 or the motor shaft 171a of the motor 171 does not face the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 in a side view of the cart 1. By doing so, the intake volume is secured and a decrease in the blowing function is suppressed.

[0168] 8 and 9, for example, the above describes the ingenuity regarding the configuration around the intake port 140. However, all or any part of the ingenuity regarding the configuration around the intake port 140 described above may not be implemented.

[0169] 10 to 13, for example, the ingenuity regarding the configuration around the air outlet 160 has been described above. However, all or any part of the ingenuity regarding the configuration around the air outlet 160 described above may not be implemented.

[0170] 14 to 18, for example, the ingenious features regarding the mounting of battery 120 in body case 110 have been described above. However, all or any part of the ingenious features regarding the mounting of battery 120 in body case 110 described above may not be implemented.

[0171] 19 to 22, for example, the ingenuity points regarding the attachment of fan unit 200 to frame 7 have been described above. However, all or any part of the ingenuity points regarding the attachment of fan unit 200 to frame 7 described above may not be implemented.

[0172] In the above, an example has been described in which the fans 100 and 100A are provided in the cart 1. However, the fans 100 and 100A may be provided in a device or facility other than the cart 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1 Cart 100A Blower 131A Intake frame 140 Air Intake 151 Ventilator frame 160 Ventilator

Claims

1. An air intake facing a first direction; an intake port frame surrounding the intake port and formed of an elastic member; a blower opening facing a second direction intersecting the first direction; A ventilation port frame surrounding the ventilation port; Equipped with When viewed in the first direction, at least a part of an outer edge of the intake port frame is located outside the air outlet frame. Blower.

2. The air outlet frame is provided rotatably within a predetermined range of motion, Regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame, when viewed in the first direction, at least a part of an outer edge of the air intake frame is located outside the air outlet frame. The blower of claim 1.

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

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