Air blower

Abstract

To provide an air fan capable of evenly drying laundry.SOLUTION: An air fan 1 includes a pedestal part 3, a pillar 70 erected from the pedestal part 3, a blowing part 2 supported on the pillar 70 so as to oscillate up and down, a motor M2 for up-and-down oscillation provided in the blowing part 2, a pinion gear 82 rotatably connected to an output shaft of the motor M2 via a ratchet mechanism 81, and a rack gear 85 provided on the pillar 70 for engaging with the pinion gear 82. The pinion gear 82 is driven by the motor M2, so that the blowing part 2 oscillates up and down.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] This embodiment provides a blower that can dry laundry evenly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a blower including a pedestal portion, a support column erected from the pedestal portion, a blower portion supported so as to be vertically swingable with respect to the support column, a motor for vertical swinging provided in the blower portion, a pinion gear rotatably connected to an output shaft of the motor via a ratchet mechanism, and a rack gear provided on the support column and meshing with the pinion gear. The blower is configured such that the blower portion swings vertically when the pinion gear is driven by the motor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present embodiment, laundry can be dried evenly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar dimensions, the ratio of the thicknesses of the respective layers, etc. are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Also, it goes without saying that there are portions where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0010] [Overview] The blower 1 according to this embodiment is a circulator equipped with a DC motor. This blower 1 is optimal for airing in the clothes drying mode, can adjust the angle of left and right head swinging, and realizes an increase in the blowing capacity by increasing the intake area. In the clothes drying mode, in order to control the wind speed to gradually decrease as it rotates from a position near both ends of the left and right head swinging to a position near the center, the laundry can be dried evenly.

[0011] [Appearance] Figs. 1 to 5 are external views showing the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a perspective view, Fig. 2 is a front view, Fig. 3 is a right side view, Fig. 4 is a top view, and Fig. 5 is a rear view. This blower 1 is configured to enhance the wind speed by a spherical grill structure and to appear compact by an evolved design of a spherical shape.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blower unit 2 having an air outlet 11 on the front side and a grill 12 provided at the air outlet 11, and a pedestal portion (support portion) 3 that supports the blower unit 2. The grill 12 has a plurality of fins (air guiding plates) 13 provided in a spiral shape, and an inner end portion 13A close to the center O of the spiral of the plurality of fins 13 protrudes in the air blowing direction 4 from an outer end portion 13B continuous with the air outlet 11. In other words, the inner end portion 13A protrudes in the air blowing direction 4 with respect to the outer end portion 13B of the portion 13C in which the plurality of fins 13 inside the grill 12 are formed. The inner end portion 13A is the inner end side close to the center O of the spiral and includes the vicinity of the inner end. The outer end portion 13B is a portion on the outer end side continuous with the air outlet 11. Thereby, the wind converges (gathers) at the center, and the wind speed at the center in the air blowing direction can be improved. In addition, the reaching distance of the wind (spiral air flow) blown out from the air outlet 11 can be extended. As a result, the indoor air can be surely agitated, the indoor temperature can be made uniform, and energy saving can be contributed.

[0013] Here, as an example, a configuration is illustrated in which a circular ring 13R intersecting each fin 13 is provided to prevent fingers from entering through the gaps between the plurality of fins 13 and 13 and also to reinforce the grill 12, but this ring 13R may not be provided.

[0014] The cover 15 of the blower unit 2 has a front cover 15a and a rear cover 15b. The front cover 15a is, for example, a hemispherical cover formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, and a spherical grill 12 is provided at a circular air outlet 11 opened forward. The rear cover 15b is also, for example, a hemispherical cover formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. A large number of ventilation holes 21 for taking in outside air are formed over substantially the entire surface of the rear cover 15b.

[0015] The grill 12 is, for example, a front panel formed of a synthetic resin material with high impact resistance. Specifically, the spiral fins 13 are formed in a convexly curved shape so as to gradually protrude as they approach the center O of the spiral. A cap 14 is attached to the center O of the spiral of the grill 12. When air is blown from behind the grill 12 and an air current (wind) passes through the grill 12 in the front-rear direction, a spiral air current that moves straight while swirling is generated.

[0016] The pedestal portion 3 supports the blower portion 2 so that it can swing left and right like a pendulum and is placed on the installation surface. The pedestal portion 3 has a pedestal lower portion 31 formed in a circular shape in plan view and a pedestal upper portion 32 that can be fitted to the pedestal lower portion 31. The covers that form the outer surfaces of both the pedestal lower portion 31 and the pedestal upper portion 32 can be formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, for example. A single-leg-shaped support portion 33 is vertically erected behind the center of the pedestal upper portion 32, and an operation panel 34 is arranged in front of the support portion 33. Here, the pedestal portion 3 is illustrated as the support portion 3, but the support portion 3 may have a structure that can be attached to the ceiling or the like.

[0017] [Internal Structure] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the blower portion 2 is a blower device that generates an air current, and includes a blower fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17. As the blower fan 17 for blowing air, an axial-flow propeller fan is employed. Further, as the motor 18 for the fan 17, a DC motor 18 that enables finer adjustment of the wind speed than an AC motor is employed.

[0018] The blower 1 according to the present embodiment uses a left-right swing motor M1 and an up-down swing motor M2 to automatically perform left-right and up-down swinging. As these two swing motors M1 and M2, stepping motors M1 and M2 that can accurately control the rotation angle and rotation speed by a pulse signal are employed. Note that the up-down swing can also be performed manually.

[0019] [Control Unit] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, a state is shown in which the front cover 15a and the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2 are removed, and also the cover forming the outer surface of the pedestal unit 3 is removed.

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

[0021] In addition, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment can be operated not only using the operation panel 34 but also using the remote controller 25. The signal from the remote controller 25 is notified to the control unit 50 via a signal receiving unit 25a (see FIG. 2) provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 3. The control unit 50 controls each of the above-described processes based on the signals notified from the remote controller 25 and the operation panel 34. Note that the remote controller 25 can be attached to a remote controller holder 26 provided on the upper portion of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2.

[0022] [Comparative Example] FIG. 8 shows a state in which laundry items S1 to S20 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "laundry S") are being dried using a blower 100 according to a comparative example. Here, a case is illustrated in which a towel is hung on a hanger and arranged in two rows on a clothes drying pole.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 8, the blower 100 according to the comparative example is configured to swing its head left and right while keeping the wind speed constant. When trying to dry the laundry S arranged horizontally by blowing wind on it, the wind strongly hits the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17, etc. near the center (see reference numeral 4b), and the laundry S11, S12, S19, S20, etc. near both ends are not hit by much wind (see reference numerals 4a and 4c). Also, if the wind of the blower 100 is made too strong, the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17, etc. near the center will move towards both ends due to the wind pressure, causing the laundry S to be biased towards both ends and not being evenly exposed to the wind, resulting in uneven drying.

[0024] [Example 1] FIG. 9 shows a state in which the laundry S is being dried using the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here too, similar to the comparative example, a case where towels are hung on hangers and arranged in two rows on a clothes drying pole is exemplified.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 9, when the blowing mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment is the clothes drying mode, the wind is relatively weak near the center of the left and right head-swinging operation and relatively strong near both ends. Thereby, while sending weak wind towards the position near the center with a short distance for the laundry S spread out in the left and right directions (see reference numeral 4b), strong wind is sent towards the positions near both ends with a long distance (see reference numerals 4a and 4c). That is, it is possible to prevent the wind from strongly hitting only the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17 near the center or not hitting the laundry S11, S12, S19, S20 near both ends much for the laundry S11 to S20 at different distances from the blower 1. Therefore, the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0026] As described above, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, a stepping motor M1 is adopted as the motor M1 for left and right head swinging. The stepping motor M1 is a motor that operates in synchronization with a pulse signal (pulse power), and rotates by a certain angle like the second hand of a clock corresponding to the pulse signal from the control unit 50. Therefore, the stepping motor M1 rotates by the amount of the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50 to the stepping motor M1. That is, the blower 1 controls the stepping motor M1 by the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50, can grasp its own posture, and can accurately control the left and right head swinging. Further, even when an external force is applied to the blower unit 2 and there is a difference between the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50 and the rotation of the stepping motor M1, the deviation between the recognition of the control unit 50 and the posture of the blower unit 2 can be corrected by the position detection by the IR sensor 51 (see FIG. 15).

[0027] Furthermore, since a DC motor 18 is adopted as the motor 18 for the fan 17, in correspondence with the left and right head swinging by the stepping motor M1, the wind speed can be controlled in 10 steps. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the center of the left and right head swinging operation is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the blower unit 2 rotates from the center to the end of the left and right head swinging, the wind speed gradually increases from 6→7→8→9→10. Next, when the blower unit 2 returns from the end to the center of the left and right head swinging, the wind speed gradually decreases from 10→9→8→7→6.

[0028] Also, in the wind speed control in the clothes drying mode, for example, it is desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range in a plurality of steps (selectable from a plurality of strong and weak levels), such as strong, medium, and weak.

[0029] Here, the wind speed adjustment range is the amount of change in wind speed with the wind speed at positions closer to both ends of the left - and - right head - shaking as the upper limit and the wind speed at a position closer to the center as the lower limit. Specifically, "strong" in the clothing drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left - and - right head - shaking is at the strong level, "medium" in the clothing drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left - and - right head - shaking is at the medium level, and "weak" in the clothing drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left - and - right head - shaking is at the weak level. In the "strong" clothing drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than that in the "medium" clothing drying mode, and in the "medium" clothing drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than that in the "weak" clothing drying mode. Thus, depending on the distance between the laundry S and the blower 1, it is possible to select an appropriate one from among multiple levels of wind speed adjustment ranges.

[0030] [Embodiment 2] FIG. 10 shows a state in which the laundry S is being dried using the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, a shirt is hung on a hanger and is being dried on a clothes - drying pole.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 10, when the blowing mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment is the clothing drying mode, the wind is relatively weak at a position closer to the lower end (lower limit) of the up - and - down head - shaking operation and relatively strong at a position closer to the upper end (upper limit). Thus, for the laundry S suspended in the vertical direction, weak wind is sent toward the lower part of the laundry S that is close to the blower 1 (see reference numeral 4e), and strong wind is sent toward the upper part of the laundry S that is far from the blower 1 (see reference numeral 4d), so that uneven drying states between the upper and lower parts of the laundry S are not caused.

[0032] As already described, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, a stepping motor M2 is adopted as the motor M2 for up - and - down head - shaking. Therefore, it is possible to accurately control the up - and - down head - shaking by the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M2.

[0033] Furthermore, since a DC motor 18 is adopted as the motor 18 for the fan 17, it is possible to perform 10-step wind speed control corresponding to the up-and-down head shaking by the stepping motor M2. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the lower end of the up-and-down head shaking operation is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the blower unit 2 rotates from the lower end to the upper end of the up-and-down head shaking, the wind speed gradually increases as 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10. Next, when the blower unit 2 returns from the upper end to the lower end of the up-and-down head shaking, the wind speed gradually decreases as 10 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6. Also, in the wind speed control of the clothes drying mode, it is desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range, for example, in multiple steps (selectable from multiple strong and weak levels) such as strong, medium, and weak. Thereby, depending on the distance between the laundry S and the blower 1, it is possible to select an appropriate one from the multiple-step wind speed adjustment ranges and perform the up-and-down head shaking in the clothes drying mode.

[0034] [Operation panel] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an operation panel 34 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel 34 includes a power button 34a, an off timer button 34b, an on timer button 34c, a blowing mode button 34d, air volume buttons 34e·34f, an up-and-down head shaking button 34g, a left-and-right head shaking button 34h, and the like. The power button 34a is a button for setting the power on / off. The off timer button 34b is a button for setting the off timer. The on timer button 34c is a button for setting the on timer. The blowing mode button 34d is a button for selecting the blowing mode (continuous mode, rhythm mode, clothes drying mode). The air volume buttons 34e·34f are buttons for adjusting the air volume of the blower unit 2. Each time the air volume button 34e is pressed, the air volume is weakened, and each time the air volume button 34f is pressed, the air volume is strengthened. The up-and-down head shaking button 34g is a button for setting the on / off of the up-and-down head shaking. The left-and-right head shaking button 34h is a button for setting the on / off of the left-and-right head shaking, and the swing width of the left-and-right head shaking can be adjusted to three-step set angle ranges (60° 90° 120°).

[0035] [Set the left - right swinging angle range in the clothing drying mode in three steps] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the effect of setting the left - right swinging angle range in the clothing drying mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment in three steps. That is, when using the blower 100 according to the comparative example, since the set angle range (swing width) of the left - right swinging cannot be adjusted, when a large amount of laundry S is spread out left and right for drying, it is necessary to blow air from a place far away from the laundry S (see FIG. 12(a)). On the other hand, when using the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12(b), according to the installation width of the laundry S, the swing width of the left - right swinging can be adjusted to a plurality of set angle ranges (60°, 90°, 120°). Therefore, there is no need to install the blower 1 far away from the laundry S. Also, in the wind speed adjustment in the clothing drying mode, while sending air with a strength suitable for drying all of the laundry S, the laundry S is prevented from being biased to both ends, so that the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0036] [Set the wind speed according to the left - right swinging angle setting in the clothing drying mode] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the set angle range of the left - right swinging and the wind speed in the clothing drying mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. That is, in the usage scene where the set angle range (swing width) of the left - right swinging is changed, when the installation width of the laundry S expands, even if the distance between the blower 1 and the central position of the installation width of the laundry S is the same, the distances between the blower 1 and the both - end positions of the installation width of the laundry S become longer. Therefore, it is desirable that a wind speed increase - decrease range is set corresponding to each set angle range (60°, 90°, 120°) of the left - right swinging. Here, the wind speed increase - decrease range is the change amount of the wind speed with the wind speed at the positions closer to both ends of the left - right swinging as the upper limit and the wind speed at the position closer to the center as the lower limit, and it may be rephrased as the above - mentioned wind speed adjustment range.

[0037] For example, as shown in Fig. 13(a), when the set angle range of left - right head shaking is 60°, the wind speed at the position closer to the center of left - right head shaking is set to 3 out of 10 levels (see reference numeral 4b). As the left - right head shaking rotates towards the ends, the wind speed gradually increases as 3 → 4 → 5 (see reference numerals 4a, 4c). When returning from the ends of the left - right head shaking to the position closer to the center, the wind speed gradually decreases as 5 → 4 → 3. That is, when the set angle range of left - right head shaking is 60°, the wind speed is switched among three levels of 3 to 5.

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13(b), when the set angle range of left - right head shaking is 120°, the wind speed at the position closer to the center of left - right head shaking is set to 3 out of 10 levels (see reference numeral 4b). As the left - right head shaking rotates towards the ends, the wind speed gradually increases as 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 (see reference numerals 4a, 4c). When returning from the ends of the left - right head shaking to the position closer to the center, the wind speed gradually decreases as 7 → 6 → 5 → 4 → 3. That is, when the set angle range of left - right head shaking is 120°, the wind speed is switched among five levels of 3 to 7.

[0039] That is, corresponding to the expansion of the installation width of the laundry S, when the set angle range of left - right head shaking is changed from 60° to 120°, the distance between the blower 1 and both end positions of the installation width of the laundry S increases. However, since the wind speed at the positions closer to both ends of the left - right head shaking is set high, appropriate wind can also be sent to the laundry S at both end positions of the installation width. There is no unevenness in the drying rate of the laundry S at the center position and both end positions of the installation width, and the laundry S can be dried firmly. That is, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment can cope with a small amount to a large amount of laundry S.

[0040] [Left - right head shaking: Stepping motor & IR sensor] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the left - and - right head - swinging of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As already described, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, a stepping motor M1 is adopted as the motor M1 for left - and - right head - swinging. Therefore, by controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1, as shown in FIG. 14, when the left - and - right automatic head - swinging is stopped (see reference sign P11), the blowing unit 2 returns to the reference posture facing the front (see reference sign P10). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the blowing unit 2 also returns to the reference posture facing the front.

[0041] The reference posture refers to the stationary postures shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. In other words, the reference posture is a posture in which the left - and - right head - swinging position of the blowing unit 2 is at the center position and the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 faces the horizontal direction.

[0042] Thus, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, at the time of stopping the left - and - right head - swinging and when the power is turned off, it returns to the same front posture as the reference posture. As a result, in the standby state (stop state) of the left - and - right head - swinging, the blowing unit 2 can maintain a neat posture always facing the front. Also, if the left - and - right head - swinging in the clothes - drying mode is started (resumed) with the blowing unit 2 facing the laundry S directly, since the left - and - right head - swinging will always resume at an equal angle, it is easy to align with the center position for clothes - drying applications.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the pedestal portion 3 of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, an IR (infrared) sensor 51 such as a photo - transistor detects the left - and - right head - swinging position (one position). Thereby, as will be described below, it becomes possible to correct the left - and - right head - swinging position during operation.

[0044] That is, a stepping motor M1 is fixed to the upper surface of the fixed plate 41, and a left-right head shaking mechanism 43 is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor M1. An IR sensor 51 is attached to the lower part of the fixed plate 41. When the left-right head shaking position of the air blowing unit 2 is at the center position, the IR sensor 51 is blocked by a light shielding plate 52 provided on the lower part of the pedestal 31. Thus, since it is possible to detect that the left-right head shaking position of the air blowing unit 2 is at the center position, the number of steps of the stepping motor M1 can be corrected each time the center position is passed. As a result, even when an external force is applied to the air blowing unit 2 and the air blowing unit 2 cannot move, or when it is forcibly rotated, or when the air blowing unit 2 hits an object during the left-right head shaking and cannot move, it is possible to continue the left-right head shaking operation with the correct number of steps.

[0045] [Vertical head shaking: Stepping motor] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the vertical head shaking of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As already described, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, a stepping motor M2 is adopted as the motor M2 for vertical head shaking. Therefore, by controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M2, as shown in FIG. 16, when the vertical automatic head shaking is stopped (see reference sign P21), the air blowing unit 2 returns to the reference posture facing horizontally (see reference sign P20). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the air blowing unit 2 also returns to the reference posture facing horizontally.

[0046] As described above, in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, at the time of stopping the vertical head shaking and when the power is turned off, it returns to the same horizontal posture as the reference posture. Thereby, it is possible to maintain a neat posture in which the air blowing unit 2 always faces horizontally in the standby state (stopped state) of the vertical head shaking.

[0047] [Center of the sphere = Center of head shaking rotation (vertical and horizontal)] In the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, in a plan view, the rotation axis C1 of the left - right head swing is provided at a position passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in a side view, the rotation axis C2 of the up - down head swing is provided at a position passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2. According to the configuration in which both the rotation axis C1 of the left - right head swing and the rotation axis C2 of the up - down head swing are arranged at positions passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2, no matter which direction the head swings (left - right or up - down), the outline (silhouette) has the same shape. Therefore, even when installed in a narrow place such as near a window or a staircase, it does not contact the adjacent objects during head swinging.

[0048] [The set angle of the left - right head swing ≠ an integer multiple of the angle of the up - down head swing] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the set angle of the left - right head swing and the angle of the up - down head swing of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the angle of the up - down head swing is 65°. Also, the set angle of the left - right head swing is any one of 60°, 90°, and 120°. Here, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the set angle of the left - right head swing is set to 90°. In this way, the set angle of the left - right head swing is not an integer multiple of the angle of the up - down head swing. If the left - right and up - down simultaneous head swing has the same left - right and up - down head swing speeds, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the blowing trajectory becomes random, and it is possible to blow air so as to cover the entire blowing range.

[0049] The following will explain FIG. 17(c) in more detail. The dashed line in FIG. 17(c) represents the position where the center of the air blowing direction 4 is located when the air blowing target is a plane, and the arrow in FIG. 17(c) represents the air blowing trajectory. Now, assume that the left - right head shaking is at the left - most end and the up - down head shaking is at the bottom - most position. Also, assume that the left - right and up - down head shaking speeds are the same. In this state, assume a case where the head moves 90° to the right and 65° upward while shaking. In such a case, while the head moves 65° upward, it also moves 65° to the right. When it moves 65° upward, it starts to move downward, and while moving from 65° to 90° to the right, it continues to move downward. And when it moves 90° to the right, the head is moving downward, so it will reverse to the left while moving downward. Thus, it is possible to easily realize air blowing in a random trajectory by simultaneous left - right and up - down head shaking. Therefore, uneven air blowing can be prevented, and the laundry S in the air blowing direction 4 can be dried evenly.

[0050] [Up - down head shaking latch structure] FIGS. 18 to 20 are diagrams for explaining the up - down head shaking latch structure provided in the air blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As will be described below, not only can the up - down head shaking be automatically performed, but also the up - down head shaking angle can be manually adjusted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 18, when the front cover 15a, rear cover 15b, etc. of the air blowing unit 2 are removed, the stepping motor M2, ratchet mechanism 81, and rack gear 85 are revealed. The rack gear 85 is fixed to the support column 70. The support column 70 sandwiches the motor cover 71 from both sides, and with this sandwiched position as the axis 72 of the up - down head shaking, the air blowing unit 2 performs up - down head shaking with respect to the pedestal unit 3. A gear is attached to the output shaft of the stepping motor M2, and it moves up and down by a rack - and - pinion.

[0052] Specifically, the ratchet mechanism 81 has a structure in which a pinion gear 82 having a locking recess 82a (see FIG. 19) faces a latch base 83 having a locking pin 84 (see FIG. 20). The output shaft of the stepping motor M2 enters the central hole 83b of the latch base 83. The pin 84 of the latch base 83 is pressed against the locking recess 82a by an elastic force in the axial (axis) direction. As a result, the latch is completed within the range of the size of the pinion gear 82, so that the ratchet mechanism 81 can be made compact.

[0053] Here, when automatically performing the up-and-down head shaking, the latch base 83 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor M2. When the latch base 83 rotates, since the locking pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a, the pinion gear 82 also rotates simultaneously.

[0054] On the other hand, when manually adjusting the up-and-down head shaking angle, since the stepping motor M2 is stopped, the latch base 83 does not rotate. When the blower unit 2 is manually moved in this state, only the pinion gear 82 rotates. That is, since the locking pin 84 is only pressed by the spring B (see FIG. 22), the latch base 83 does not rotate. Even if the blower unit 2 is manually moved, it does not affect the stepping motor M2.

[0055] Here, although one of the plurality of holes 83a formed in the latch base 83 has the locking pin 84 attached thereto, the number of the locking pins 84 can be adjusted as appropriate. When attaching a plurality of locking pins 84, it is desirable to attach them at symmetric positions.

[0056] [Up-and-down head shaking latch structure (gear holder)] Figs. 21 to 22 are diagrams for explaining the gear holder 86 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figs. 21 to 22, a gear holder 86 integrated with the rack gear 85 is provided. When the stepping motor M2 is driven, the output shaft M2a of the stepping motor M1 rotates, and the rotational force is transmitted to the pinion gear 82 via the latch base 83. Due to this rotational force, the pinion gear 82 meshing with the rack gear 85 moves up and down. At this time, the convex portion 82c formed at the center of the pinion gear 82 moves along the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. The gear holder 86 abuts against the surface (on the side opposite to the surface where the pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a of the pinion gear 82) in the (axial direction) to support the pinion gear 82 and plays a role in maintaining the locked state between the locking recess 82a and the pin 84. Further, the guide portion 86g of the gear holder 86 holds the meshing between the pinion gear 82 and the rack gear 85. Thereby, the meshing state can be surely maintained, and failures can be prevented.

[0057] [Vertical head nodding: Head nodding operation after manual adjustment] Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining the vertical head nodding operation of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 23(a), when the vertical movable range θ2 is 65°, when manually moving from the state where the blowing direction of the blowing unit 2 faces the horizontal direction to the intermediate position P22 of the vertical head nodding, a deviation occurs between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual head nodding position. Therefore, when starting (resuming) the vertical head nodding from the vertical head nodding stop state, as shown in Fig. 23(b), it operates upward to the upper limit in step (1), stops by the amount manually moved in step (2), and operates downward to the lower limit in step (3). In step (2), the convex portion 82c formed at the center of the pinion gear 82 is physically locked at the end of the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. Thereby, if it is always operated upward at the start of head nodding, the generated deviation can be eliminated in the first step (2).

[0058] [Vertical head nodding: Modification example of the head nodding operation after manual adjustment] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the vertical head swing of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here too, as in FIG. 23, when the vertical movable range θ2 is 65°, it is assumed that the blower is manually moved to position P22 in the stopped state of the vertical head swing. Of course, at this time as well, there is a deviation between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual head swing position. After that, when the vertical head swing is restarted, the head swing starts with small vertical head swings as in steps (1) → (2) → (3) → (4), and the angle is gradually increased. As a result, the "time lag" in which the vertical head swing stops due to the "deviation" between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual head swing position can be reduced. By reducing the "time lag", the number of seconds during which the vertical head swing remains stopped can be shortened, and the user's misjudgment of a failure can be reduced.

[0059] [Increase intake area → Improve air blowing capacity] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of intake holes 15d are formed at the edge of the front cover 15a. As a result, outside air can be taken in not only through the ventilation port 21 formed in the rear cover 15b but also through the plurality of intake holes 15d. As a result, the intake area is enlarged and air flows smoothly, so the air blowing capacity can be improved. As a result, the clothing drying performance is improved.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 25, since a cylindrical wind tunnel portion 16 is provided inside the front cover 15a, the wind speed of the wind blown out from the air outlet 11 is stabilized. The wind blown out from the circulator is a spiral air flow that travels straight while swirling, and has higher wind directivity and straightness compared to a fan or the like. By providing the wind tunnel portion 16, the directivity and straightness of the wind, which are specific effects of such a circulator, can be ensured. In the present embodiment, since the curved (spherical) grill 12 produces an effect of straightness, the wind tunnel portion 16 may be short.

[0061] [Remote control holder] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the remote control holder 26 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, a remote control holder 26 for holding the remote control 25 is provided above the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2. Specifically, a space recessed inward is provided so as not to break the spherical shape, and double plate-like members 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are provided on both the left and right sides of the space. Since the upper surface of the remote control 25 can be pressed by the upper plate-like members 26a, 26b and the side surface of the remote control 25 can be pressed by the lower plate-like members 26c, 26d, the remote control 25 can be firmly held. Further, with the remote control 25 held in the remote control holder 26, a finger can be inserted into the space above the remote control 25 to lift the blower 1, and the structure shares the remote control holder 26 and the handle.

[0062] [Clothing drying mode: Left and right head shaking] When the blower 1 according to the present embodiment is set to the clothing drying mode (left and right head shaking), the angle of left and right head shaking is set to 60° (automatically). The angle of left and right head shaking can be set as 60° → 90° → 120° → 60° → ··· each time the head shaking (left and right) button 34h is pressed. In addition, even in the clothing drying mode, when the head shaking (left and right) is 60°, the wind speed may be set so as not to change. When the angle of left and right head shaking is switched between 90° / 120°, the left and right wind speeds become stronger than the front wind speed.

[0063] The blower 1 is controlled to switch among a plurality of types of blowing modes (continuous mode, rhythm mode, and clothing drying mode) by pressing the blowing mode button 34d. In the continuous mode, while controlling the motor 18 so that the wind speed is constant, the left and right head swinging of the blowing unit 2 is performed at a predetermined speed. In the clothing drying mode, the motor 18 is controlled so that the wind speed at a position closer to the center is lower than the wind speed at a position closer to both ends in the left and right head swinging of the blowing unit 2, and the left and right head swinging of the blowing unit 2 is performed at a speed lower than the predetermined speed in the continuous mode. That is, the speed of the left and right head swinging in the clothing drying mode is set slower than that of the normal (continuous mode) left and right head swinging. Preferably, the left and right head swinging in the clothing drying mode is performed at a low speed that is 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 times the left and right head swinging speed in the continuous mode. Specifically, the left and right head swinging speed in the clothing drying mode is set to 1 / 3 times the left and right head swinging speed in the continuous mode. It is also preferable to set the speed of the left and right head swinging in the clothing drying mode to change according to the angle of the left and right head swinging (60°, 90°, 120°). By performing the left and right head swinging in the clothing drying mode at a low speed, the time during which the wind continuously hits the laundry S becomes longer, and drying is promoted. Further explanation is as follows. When the wind hits the laundry S, the laundry S may shake and the orientation (angle) with respect to the blower 1 may change. If the time during which the wind continuously hits the laundry S is short, the laundry S will receive the wind in an unstable posture. By lengthening the time during which the wind continuously hits the laundry S, there is an advantage that the laundry S receives the wind in a stable posture after the shaking of the laundry S subsides (converges), and the laundry S dries well.

[0064] The inventors of the present invention conducted a clothing drying test. As a result, when comparing the case of performing clothing drying at the left and right head swinging speed of a predetermined speed (normal) in the continuous mode and the case of performing clothing drying at a low left and right head swinging speed in the clothing drying mode, the time during which the clothing drying rate decreases from 100% to 72% is 176 minutes in the continuous mode and 160 minutes in the clothing drying mode, and it was found that a time reduction of about 10% can be expected.

[0065] [Clothing drying mode: simultaneous up, down, left, and right head swinging] The blower 1 according to this embodiment can perform simultaneous swinging up, down, left, and right in the clothes drying mode, and can adjust the wind speed according to the blowing directions up, down, left, and right to keep the strength of the wind hitting the laundry S constant. In other words, when set to simultaneous swinging up, down, left, and right in the clothes drying mode, wind speed control is performed according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. The wind is made weaker for the nearby laundry S and stronger for the distant laundry S.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 27, the area where the laundry S is dried is divided into 15 areas (3 areas in the height direction and 5 areas in the width direction), and the standard of the strength of the wind hitting each area is expressed by numbers from 1 to 5. The larger the number, the stronger the wind. In this example, the strongest wind (the "5" in the range of 1 to 5) is sent to the areas at the upper left and right ends where there is laundry S far from the blower 1, and the weakest wind (the "1" in the range of 1 to 5) is sent to the central area at the lower stage where there is laundry S close to the blower 1. Thereby, the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0067] [Distance detection means] Distance detection means such as a distance sensor 61 (see FIG. 36) for detecting the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction is provided, and the motor 18 and the swinging can be controlled based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61 to adjust the wind speed. That is, in the clothes drying mode, wind speed control is performed according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S detected by the distance detection means. The wind is made weaker for the nearby laundry S and stronger for the distant laundry S. As the distance sensor 61, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor can be adopted. The mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described later.

[0068] [Moisture detection means] Provided is a wetness detection means such as a temperature sensor 62 (see Fig. 36) for detecting the wetness state of the laundry S in the air blowing direction. Based on the wetness state of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, the motor 18 and the head swing are controlled, and the wind speed may be adjusted so as to send appropriate wind toward the wet laundry S. As an example of the wind speed and head swing control of the air blower 1, as shown in Fig. 28, within the air blowing range where there is wet laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, wind speed control is performed according to the air blowing direction. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost regions in the upper stage and all regions in the lower stage, weak wind (the "1" in the standard of 1 to 5) is being sent. On the other hand, since there is wet laundry S in the remaining regions (the thick frame parts), wind speed control is performed according to the distance between the air blower 1 and the laundry S, with the wind being weaker toward the nearby laundry S and stronger toward the distant laundry S. The waste of sending strong wind to the regions where there is no laundry S is saved, and the wet laundry S can be dried efficiently. As the temperature sensor 62, a surface temperature measuring device composed of a non-contact thermometer such as an infrared radiation thermometer can be adopted. The mounting position of the temperature sensor 62 will be described later. Wind speed control by sharing the temperature sensor 62 and the distance sensor 61 is also possible.

[0069] As another example of the wind speed and head swing control of the air blower 1, as shown in Fig. 29, the air blowing part 2 may be swung to perform air blowing so that the frequency of the air blowing direction of the air blowing part 2 pointing to the wet laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62 becomes higher. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost regions in the upper stage and all regions in the lower stage, it is determined as a non-drying target region and no air is being sent. On the other hand, since there is wet laundry S in the remaining regions (the thick frame parts), wind speed control is performed according to the distance between the air blower 1 and the laundry S, with the wind being weaker toward the nearby laundry S and stronger toward the distant laundry S. The waste of sending air to the regions where there is no laundry S is saved, and the wet laundry S can be dried efficiently.

[0070] The control unit 50 of the blower 1 determines, based on the wet state of the laundry S (the object to be blown) detected by the temperature sensor 62, a range where the wet laundry S exists within the blowing range by the up-and-down and left-and-right swinging as the drying target area, and a range where the wet laundry S does not exist as the non-drying target area. If it is determined that a part of the laundry S in the drying target area has dried, the range where the dried laundry S exists is changed from the drying target area to the non-drying target area. That is, if it is determined that the laundry S has dried, the range may be excluded and the swinging range of the blower unit 2 may be gradually narrowed. In this way, if the blowing range is gradually decreased based on the drying determination of the control unit 50 using the temperature sensor 62, the wet laundry S can be dried more efficiently.

[0071] Another embodiment of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 30, the vertical movable range θ1 of the blower 1 according to another embodiment is from 15° downward (-15°) to 90° upward. In the clothing drying mode, the angle range θ2 of the up-and-down swinging is limited to from 15° downward (-15°) to 45° upward. The waste of blowing air in the upward blowing direction where the laundry S does not exist is eliminated, and the air can be intensively blown toward the laundry S existing from 15° downward to 45° upward of the blower 1.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 31, the blower 1 according to another embodiment can change the blowing direction upward while maintaining the angle range θ2 of the up-and-down swinging in the clothing drying mode. Thereby, while blowing air from below onto the flat drying net 120 or the like, the suspended laundry S can be dried at the same time. Although the case where the angle range of the up-and-down swinging is 60° is illustrated, it is not limited thereto. That is, the up-and-down swinging of the blower unit 2 is set in an angle range of 45° to 75°, and the angle can be adjusted in the up-and-down direction while maintaining the angle range of the up-and-down swinging of the blower unit 2. The 45° angle range is, for example, -15° to 30° or 45° to 90°. The 75° angle range is, for example, -15° to 60° or 15° to 90°. According to the configuration in which the angle range can be changed in this way, various needs of the user can be met.

[0074] [Forced Stirring Mode] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which the blower 1 according to the present embodiment is stirring the air in the room 110.

[0075] The blower 1 is configured to be able to switch and control the blowing mode to the forced stirring mode (with the aforementioned blowing mode button 34d). In the forced stirring mode, it is controlled to swing left and right at a higher speed than the continuous mode (normal) so as to swing the head. The speed of the left and right head swings in the forced stirring mode is set, for example, twice as fast as the normal (continuous mode) left and right head swings. Preferably, the left and right head swings in the forced stirring mode are performed at a high speed of 1.5 to 3 times the left and right head swing speed in the continuous mode. When the blowing mode of the blower 1 is set to the forced stirring mode, even if the head swing (left and right) is "off", the head swing (left and right) automatically turns "on", and the angle of the head swing (up and down) is fixed at 45° upward. In the forced stirring mode, the up and down head swing of the blowing unit 2 is stopped, and while maintaining the up and down angle (45° upward), it is controlled to swing left and right intermittently at a high speed (for example, twice the speed) and repeat the operation and stop. Specifically, it swings 15 degrees to the left and right (in a 30° angle range) and stops for a certain period of time (for example, 4 seconds) at both end positions. The forced stirring mode generates an airflow that rotates vertically throughout the room 110 to circulate the air in the room 110.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 32, the forced stirring mode is used when it is desired to stir the air in the room 110 and reduce the temperature difference. By sending air to the ceiling to circulate the air, the temperature unevenness of the air in the room 110 can be reduced.

[0077] The inventors conducted a forced stirring test in which the blower 1 was set to the forced stirring mode, and the improvement rate of temperature unevenness near the ceiling and near the floor in the center of the room before and after operation (hereinafter referred to as the average stirring rate) was examined. Specifically, a 20-mat room was used, and the indoor temperature was raised with a heat source (oil stove) without a blowing function. After creating a temperature difference (about 7 to 8 °C) between the upper and lower parts of the room, the blower 1 was operated for 0.5 hours to measure the stirring effect. As a result, the average stirring rate before and after the stirring operation in the continuous mode was 92.9%, while in the forced stirring mode with left and right head shaking at a speed twice that of the continuous mode, the average stirring rate was 95.8%, and in the comparative example mode with left and right head shaking at a speed half that of the continuous mode, it was 88.1%. In addition, in the forced stirring mode where the left and right head shaking was doubled and the head was shaken within an angular range of 15 degrees to the left and right and stopped for 4 seconds at both end positions, it was found that the average stirring rate improved to 98.9%. Thus, it became clear that when the left and right head shaking is performed at a high speed (for example, twice the speed) compared to the normal left and right head shaking, there is an effect of more efficiently stirring the indoor air.

[0078] [Forced Stirring Mode: Intermittent Left and Right Head Shaking Operation] FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing another example of the head shaking operation in the forced stirring mode of the blower 1. When the forced stirring mode is set, as described below, it is also possible to intermittently shake the head left and right and repeat the operation and stop.

[0079] First, when the forced stirring mode is selected (using the air blowing mode button 34d), the blower 1 swings its neck so that the air blowing direction 4 of the air blowing unit 2 faces the front, and for example, fixes it in the state of facing the front for 10 minutes (step S1). Next, the blower 1 swings its neck so that the air blowing direction 4 of the air blowing unit 2 faces 60° to the left, and for example, fixes it in the posture of facing 60° to the left for 5 minutes (step S2). Next, the blower 1 swings its neck so that the air blowing direction 4 of the air blowing unit 2 faces the front, and for example, fixes it in the posture of facing the front for 5 minutes (step S3). Next, the blower 1 swings its neck so that the air blowing direction 4 of the air blowing unit 2 faces 60° to the right, and fixes it in the posture of facing 60° to the right for 5 minutes (step S4). Next, the blower 1 swings its neck so that the air blowing direction 4 of the air blowing unit 2 faces the front, and fixes it in the posture of facing the front for 5 minutes (step S5). Thereafter, the same process is repeated (step S2 → S3 → S4 → S5 → S2 → ···). By intermittently swinging the neck left and right and repeating the operation and stop in this way, an airflow rotating in the vertical direction can be generated.

[0080] [Forced Stirring Mode: Distance Sensor] The blower 1 is equipped with a distance sensor 61 in the air blowing unit 2, detects the wall at the farthest place (i.e., the corner 111 of the room 110 in FIG. 32), and may adjust the wind direction to blow towards there. Alternatively, it is controlled to swing the neck left and right between two points 111, 112 (or three points 111, 112, 113) at the corners of the room 110. Thereby, regardless of the installation location of the blower 1, the corner of the room 110 with the greatest distance can be found, and the air in the room 110 can be circulated efficiently. It is also possible to control the adjustment of the wind speed according to the distance from the blower 1 to the corner of the room 110.

[0081] [Forced Stirring Mode: Temperature Sensor] As shown in FIG. 34, a temperature sensor 62 may be mounted on the blower unit 2 to detect the position of the air conditioner 115 during heating and blow air toward the air conditioner 115. Thereby, regardless of the installation location of the blower 1, the warm air staying near the air conditioner 115 (near the ceiling) can be circulated. In this way, the temperature of the room can be made uniform and the heating efficiency can be improved. Also, since only the cost of mounting the temperature sensor 62 on the blower 1 is required, it can be realized at a low cost compared to the cost when the blower 1 is interlocked with the air conditioner 115.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 35, during cooling operation, it is desirable to circulate the cold air that accumulates below with the air conditioner 115 at the back. In this way, an air current for circulating the cold air that accumulates near the floor surface is generated, and the sense of coolness is enhanced.

[0083] Therefore, based on the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 62 of the blower unit 2, the cooling operation and heating operation of the air conditioner 115 may be discriminated, and the blowing method may be changed between during cooling use and during heating operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, during cooling use, air is blown horizontally, while, as shown in FIG. 34, during heating operation, air is blown obliquely upward. Thereby, the effect of the circulator can be maximally exerted, and the cooling and heating efficiency can be improved according to the season.

[0084] Also, the blower 1 may be configured to be rotatable (capable of 180-degree direction change) so as to blow air in an optimal blowing direction between during cooling use and during heating operation. Specifically, the movable range of the pedestal portion 3 of the blower 1 is changed to a configuration capable of left and right swinging exceeding 180°. Alternatively, the blower 1 may be provided with traveling means such as tires, and the blower 1 may be turned by the traveling means. Furthermore, the blower 1 may self-run and move to an optimal position in the room and blow air in an optimal blowing direction. Thereby, the cooling and heating efficiency can be further improved.

[0085] The blowing direction in the forced stirring mode can also be manually set.

[0086] For example, when the blower 1 is installed in the room 110 and the blowing mode is set to the forced stirring mode, the search mode is activated. In the search mode, the blower 1 performs a nodding motion up, down, left, and right. Therefore, while the blower 1 is performing the nodding motion up, down, left, and right, using setting operation means such as the remote control 25, for example, if one of the four corners 112 of the wall surface 116 farthest from the blower 1 in the room 110 shown in FIG. 32 and the diagonal corner 114 are set, the search mode ends. When the search mode ends, the blower 1 is controlled to perform a left - right nodding motion within the quadrilateral range defined by the two points 112 and 114 in the room 110 that are set. In this way, it is possible to cope with a peculiar room shape in which the distance sensor 61 does not operate well. That is, it is possible to realize efficient air stirring according to the shape of the room 110. Also, since the distance sensor 61 is not required, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0087] [Sensor mounting position] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the mounting position of the distance sensor 61 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described, but the same applies to the mounting position of the temperature sensor 62. As shown in FIG. 36, the distance sensor 61 is provided on the movable part (the blowing part 2) of the circulator that nods up, down, left, and right. Here, the case where the distance sensor 61 is provided at the upper end of the front cover 15a of the blowing part 2 is illustrated, but the distance sensor 61 may be provided at the lower end of the front cover 15a of the blowing part 2. Thereby, the detection target location of the distance sensor 61 or the temperature sensor 62 follows in the blowing direction 4. For the circulator with a spherical grill structure, since the wind converges and concentrates in a narrow range, even if the detection target location detected by the distance sensor 61 or the temperature sensor 62 is in a narrow range, there is an advantage that the wind can be intensively sent there.

[0088] [On - off timer] When the input timer button 34c (see Fig. 11) of the blower 1 is pressed, the input timer can be selected. Similarly, when the output timer button 34b is pressed, the output timer can be selected. During operation stop (power OFF), while setting the input timer (when the lamp is blinking), it is possible to set the output timer, the blowing mode, the up and down head swing, the left and right head swing, and the air volume.

[0089] Also, when the input timer is set, the up and down and left and right head swing positions at the time of operation stop of the output timer setting time are maintained, and when the operation starts at the input timer setting time, blowing is performed with the head in the original swing position. Thus, if the head swing position is set such that the user is not directly hit by the wind when going to bed, the user will not be directly hit by the wind even after the input timer operates. During normal operation stop, the up and down and left and right head swing positions return to the origin.

[0090] Fig. 37 is an explanatory diagram of the input / output timer of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the output timer is set first and then the input timer is set. As shown in Fig. 37, when the input timer is set during the output timer operation (during operation), the operation stops after the time set by the output timer, and only the input timer lamp lights up. Also, the input timer lamp switches according to the remaining time, and the operation starts after the time set by the input timer.

[0091] [Remote control holder] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the remote control holder 26 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As already described, a remote control holder 26 for holding the remote control 25 is provided above the rear cover 15b of the blowing unit 2. As shown in Fig. 38, at least one rib 26e among the ribs constituting the remote control holder 26 may be set a little higher. Thereby, when the remote control 25 is attached to the remote control holder 26, the rib 26e hits the lower surface of the remote control 25, so that it is possible to prevent the remote control 25 from detaching.

[0092] As described above, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blowing fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, a blowing unit 2 that can swing left and right, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blowing unit 2 and the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the wind speed at a position closer to the center to be lower than the wind speed at a position closer to both ends during the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2. As a result, it is possible to send weak wind toward the position closer to the center with a short distance and strong wind toward the positions closer to both ends with a long distance for the laundry S dried while being spread in the left and right directions, and the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0093] Specifically, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a stepping motor M1 that drives the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2 by a pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1. As a result, it becomes possible to control the wind speed according to the left and right swinging position of the blowing unit 2.

[0094] Further, the blowing unit 2 has a DC motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the DC motor 18 corresponding to the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2 by the stepping motor M1. As a result, it becomes possible to perform fine wind speed control in multiple stages, and fine wind speed switching can be performed according to the left and right swinging position of the blowing unit 2.

[0095] Also, it is desirable that a wind speed adjustment range with the wind speed at positions closer to both ends of the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2 as the upper limit and the wind speed at a position closer to the center as the lower limit can be set in multiple steps (selectable from multiple strong and weak levels). As a result, the wind speed can be adjusted according to the distance from the laundry S.

[0096] Also, it is desirable that the swing width of the left and right swinging of the blowing unit 2 can be adjusted to a plurality of set angle ranges. As a result, the left and right swinging angle (swing width) can be adjusted according to the installation width of the laundry S, so the drying efficiency is improved.

[0097] In addition, it is desirable that a wind speed increase / decrease range from the upper limit of the wind speed at a position closer to both ends of the left / right swinging of the blower unit 2 to the lower limit of the wind speed at a position closer to the center is set corresponding to each set angle range of the left / right swinging of the blower unit 2. Thereby, the drying rate of the laundry S is increased, and it is possible to handle a small to large amount of laundry S.

[0098] In addition, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to return to the reference posture in which the blowing direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces the front when the left / right swinging of the blower unit 2 stops and when the power is turned off. Thereby, it becomes easier to align the center in the application of drying clothes.

[0099] In addition, it is desirable to provide a detection unit (IR sensor 51) that detects that the left / right swinging position of the blower unit 2 is at a predetermined position. Thereby, it becomes possible to correct the left / right swinging position during operation.

[0100] In addition, a stepping motor M2 for driving the up / down swinging of the blower unit 2 is provided, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls to increase the wind speed at a position closer to the upper end than the wind speed at a position closer to the lower end in the up / down swinging of the blower unit 2. Thereby, it is possible to send weak wind toward the position closer to the lower end with a short distance and strong wind toward the position closer to the upper end with a long distance for the laundry S suspended in the vertical direction, and the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0101] In addition, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to return to the reference posture in which the blowing direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces the horizontal direction when the up / down swinging of the blower unit 2 stops and when the power is turned off. Thereby, the blower unit 2 can maintain a neat posture facing horizontally at all times in the standby state (stop state) of the up / down swinging.

[0102] In addition, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blower fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 for driving the fan 17, and a blower unit 2 that can swing left and right. It also includes a control unit 50 for controlling the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left - right swinging of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls so that the wind speed at a position closer to the center is lower than the wind speed at positions closer to both ends during the left - right swinging of the blower unit 2. Further, the control unit 50 controls the air blowing and the left - right swinging of the blower unit 2 by switching between a plurality of types of blowing modes. The plurality of types of blowing modes include a continuous mode in which the motor 18 is controlled so that the wind speed is constant and the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a predetermined speed, and a clothes drying mode in which the motor 18 is controlled so that the wind speed at a position closer to the center is lower than the wind speed at positions closer to both ends during the left - right swinging of the blower unit 2, and the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a speed lower than the predetermined speed. Thereby, in the clothes drying mode, by slowly swinging left and right at a low speed, the drying of laundry S such as clothes can be promoted.

[0103] In addition, the blower unit 2 is provided with a distance sensor 61 for detecting the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction 4. The control unit 50 preferably controls the motor 18 and the swinging of the blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. Thereby, an optimal wind speed can be selected according to the distance from the blower 1 to the laundry S, and air can be blown onto the laundry S at a constant wind speed.

[0104] In addition, the blower unit 2 is provided with a temperature sensor 62 for detecting the wet state of the laundry S in the blowing direction 4. The control unit 50 preferably controls the motor 18 and the swinging of the blower unit 2 based on the wet state of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62. Thereby, the wet laundry S can be efficiently dried.

[0105] Further, based on the wet state of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, the control unit 50 has a determination means for determining, within the blowing range of the blower unit 2, the range where the wet laundry S exists as the drying target area and the range where the wet laundry S does not exist as the non-drying target area. If it is determined that a part of the laundry S in the drying target area has dried, it is desirable to change the range where the dried laundry S exists from the drying target area to the non-drying target area. Thereby, the wet laundry S can be dried efficiently.

[0106] Also, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing left and right and has a blower fan 17 for blowing and a motor 18 for driving the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right swinging of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls so that the wind speed at a position closer to the upper end is greater than the wind speed at a position closer to the lower end in the up and down swinging of the blower unit 2. Thereby, the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0107] Also, the up and down swinging of the blower unit 2 is set in an angle range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees, and it is desirable to be able to adjust the angle in the up and down direction while maintaining the angle range of the up and down swinging of the blower unit 2. Thereby, the wind can be concentrated on the laundry S, and it can be dried efficiently. Also, it can cope with various usage scenes of clothes drying.

[0108] Also, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing in the up and down direction and the left and right direction and has a blower fan 17 for blowing and a motor 18 for driving the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the up, down, left, and right swinging of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls so that the wind speed at the central position is smaller than the wind speed at both end positions in the left and right swinging of the blower unit 2, and controls so that the wind speed at a position closer to the upper end is greater than the wind speed at a position closer to the lower end in the up and down swinging of the blower unit 2. Thereby, the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0109] In addition, the blower 1 according to the present embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that is swingable left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right swinging of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blowing and the left and right swinging of the blower unit 2 by switching between a plurality of types of blowing modes. The plurality of types of blowing modes include a continuous mode in which the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a predetermined speed, and a forced stirring mode in which the blower unit 2 swings left and right in the left and right directions at a speed higher than the predetermined speed. Thereby, in the forced stirring mode, by quickly swinging the head left and right, the indoor air can be circulated.

[0110] In addition, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to swing left and right at a speed higher than the predetermined speed while stopping the up and down swinging of the blower unit 2 and maintaining the up and down angle. Thereby, the indoor air can be efficiently stirred.

[0111] In addition, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to swing left and right intermittently. Thereby, the stirring rate of the indoor air can be improved.

[0112] In addition, the blower unit 2 includes a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and the swinging of the blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. Thereby, regardless of the installation location of the blower 1, in the forced stirring mode, the indoor air can be efficiently stirred.

[0113] In addition, the blower unit 2 includes a temperature sensor 62 that detects the temperature of the object in the blowing direction 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and the swinging of the blower unit 2 based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62. Thereby, the indoor air can be efficiently stirred.

[0114] In addition, the control unit 50 has a determination means for determining, based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62, a cooling operation state in which the air conditioner attempts to lower the indoor temperature and a heating operation state in which the air conditioner attempts to raise the indoor temperature. In the cooling operation state, it is desirable to control the blower unit 2 to blow air toward a low position along the floor of the room. In the heating operation state, it is desirable to control the blower unit 2 to blow air toward a high position in the room. Thereby, the effect of the circulator can be maximally exerted during cooling or heating, and the efficiency of cooling and heating can be improved.

[0115] In addition, it is desirable that the blower unit 2 be configured to be able to change its direction by 180 degrees. Thereby, the indoor air can be efficiently agitated.

[0116] In addition, it is desirable that the blower unit 2 be provided with traveling means. Thereby, the indoor air can be efficiently agitated.

[0117] In addition, a remote controller 25 for setting the blowing range of the blower unit 2 is provided, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 control the swing of the blower unit 2 to blow air toward the blowing range set by the remote controller 25. Thereby, sensors are not required and the cost can be reduced. In addition, the blowing range can be set as desired by the user.

[0118] [Other Embodiments] As described above, several embodiments have been described, but the discussions and drawings forming a part of the disclosure are exemplary and should not be understood as limiting. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0119] Thus, this embodiment includes various embodiments not described herein.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0120] 1 Blower 2 Blower Unit 17... Fan 18... DC Motor 25… Remote control (setting operation means) 50… Control unit 61… Distance sensor (distance detection means) 62… Temperature sensor (humidity detection means) M1… Stepping motor M2… Stepping motor

Claims

1. a pedestal portion, a support column erected from the pedestal portion, a blower portion supported so as to be able to swing up and down with respect to the support column, a motor for swinging up and down provided in the blower portion, a ratchet mechanism, and comprising the ratchet mechanism includes a latch base attached to the output shaft of the motor and having a pin for locking, and a pinion gear having a locking recess against which the pin is pressed and facing the latch base, further includes a rack gear provided on the support column and meshing with the pinion gear, the blower portion is configured to swing up and down by driving the pinion gear by the motor, a hole for accommodating the pin and a spring for pressing the pin against the locking recess is formed in the latch base, further includes a gear holder integrated with the rack gear, the gear holder abuts against a surface of the pinion gear opposite to the locking recess, the gear holder is configured such that the pinion gear is positioned between the gear holder and the rack gear, and a guide portion for holding the meshing of the pinion gear and the rack gear is formed, a blower.

2. a convex portion is formed at the center of the pinion gear, the convex portion is configured to move along a groove formed in the gear holder, The blower according to claim 1.

3. When starting the up and down swinging operation of the blower portion by the motor, the blower portion is operated upward to the upper limit and stopped by the amount of manual movement, so as to eliminate the deviation caused by manually moving the blower portion. The blower according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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