Blower and moving body

Abstract

This blower comprises a fan unit and a motor unit. The fan unit includes a centrifugal fan and a fan case accommodating the centrifugal fan. The motor unit includes a rotor, a stator, and a motor case accommodating the rotor and the stator. The fan case has formed therein an opening for inserting part of the motor case into the fan case. A gap connected to the opening is formed between the fan case and the motor case. The gap constitutes an airflow passage whereby the interior of the fan case is in communication with an exterior space via the opening.

Description

Fans and moving objects

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blower and a moving body.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Centrifugal blowers installed in vehicles such as automobiles are well known. These blowers include a fan unit and a motor unit attached to the fan unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The fan unit has a centrifugal fan and a fan case that houses the centrifugal fan. The motor unit has a rotor, a stator, and a motor case that houses them.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for higher output of the above-mentioned blowers, and as the output of the blowers increases, heat generation from the motor unit becomes a problem.

[0005] International Publication No. 2016 / 059776

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a blower and a moving body that can improve the heat dissipation performance of a motor unit.

[0007] A blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fan unit and a motor unit attached to the fan unit. The fan unit has a centrifugal fan and a fan case that houses the centrifugal fan. The motor unit has a rotor including a rotating shaft connected to the centrifugal fan, a stator that rotates the rotor, and a motor case that houses the rotor and the stator. An opening is formed in the fan case for inserting a portion of the motor case into the inside of the fan case. A gap is formed between the fan case and the motor case, which leads to the opening. The gap forms at least a portion of an air passage that connects the interior of the fan case to an external space through the opening.

[0008] A moving body according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the blower, an object to be cooled by the blower, and a vehicle body on which the blower and the object to be cooled are mounted.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an advantage of being able to improve the heat dissipation performance of a motor unit included in a blower.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blower according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a side view of the blower. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 4, showing a side view of the blower. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a board holder provided in the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a heat sink provided in the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an insulating sheet provided in the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a circuit board provided in the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a moving object equipped with the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a blower according to a first modified example. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a blower according to a second modified example. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a blower according to a third modified example. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a blower of a fourth modified example. Fig. 12 is a plan view of a blower of a fifth modified example. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a plan view of a centrifugal fan provided in the blower of the fifth modified example. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a blower of a sixth modified example.

[0011] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. It is also possible to apply a combination of configurations of multiple modifications as appropriate.

[0012] (1) One embodiment A blower 1 according to one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As will be described later, the blower 1 according to one embodiment is preferably mounted on a mobile object 9 such as an automobile (see FIG. 9 described later). However, the blower 1 may also be mounted on other devices such as home appliances.

[0013] (1-1) Overall Structure of the Fan Fig. 1 is a plan view of a fan 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a side view of the fan 1 according to the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, a blower 1 according to one embodiment includes a fan unit 12 and a motor unit 14. The fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together. In a plan view, the motor unit 14 has a smaller outer shape than the fan unit 12. The plan view here refers to a view taken along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 included in the fan unit 12. When the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 coincides with the axis C4 of the rotation shaft 514 included in the motor unit 14.

[0015] The fan unit 12 is a centrifugal fan unit. The fan unit 12 is configured to draw in air along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 and exhaust air in a direction intersecting the axis C2 (in one embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the axis C2). The orientation of the motor unit 14 relative to the fan unit 12 coincides with the direction in which the fan unit 12 draws in air. When the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, a portion of the motor unit 14 is inserted inside the fan unit 12. This portion of the motor unit 14 includes a portion 66 of the motor case 6, which will be described later.

[0016] The specific configurations of the fan unit 12, motor unit 14, etc. will be further described below.

[0017] (1-2) Fan Unit The fan unit 12 has a centrifugal fan 2 and a fan case 3 that rotatably houses the centrifugal fan 2. The centrifugal fan 2 and the fan case 3 are made of resin. However, the centrifugal fan 2 may be made of metal. The fan case 3 may be made of metal.

[0018] The centrifugal fan 2 will now be described. The centrifugal fan 2 includes a hub 21 and a plurality of blades 23. The centrifugal fan 2 is a sirocco fan. Hereinafter, the orientation of the first side along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 will be referred to as the first orientation D1. The orientation of the second side along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 (the orientation opposite to the orientation of the first side) will be referred to as the second orientation D2.

[0019] The hub 21 has a recessed shape in the first direction D1. When the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, a part 66 of the motor case 6 is disposed inside the recess of the hub 21.

[0020] The center of the hub 21 is located closest to the first direction D1 of the entire hub 21. The hub 21 includes a connecting portion 215 that forms the center of the hub 21. The connecting portion 215 is a cylindrical portion into which one end of the rotating shaft 514 in the axial direction (axial center direction) is fitted. The connecting portion 215 opens in the second direction D2. The axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 is formed to pass through the center of the hub 21 (in other words, the connecting portion 215).

[0021] The hub 21 further includes a bottom wall portion 216 , a peripheral wall portion 217 , and a flange portion 218 .

[0022] The bottom wall portion 216 is positioned so as to surround the entire circumference of the connecting portion 215 in a plan view. The peripheral wall portion 217 is positioned so as to surround the entire circumference of the bottom wall portion 216 in a plan view. The flange portion 218 is positioned so as to surround the entire circumference of the peripheral wall portion 217 in a plan view. The connecting portion 215, bottom wall portion 216, peripheral wall portion 217, and flange portion 218 of the hub 21 are formed continuously in this order radially outward of the hub 21.

[0023] The bottom wall portion 216 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the connecting portion 215. The bottom wall portion 216 is inclined as a whole so that the farther away from the axis C2 it is positioned in the second direction D2. The peripheral wall portion 217 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 216. The peripheral wall portion 217 is inclined as a whole so that the farther away from the axis C2 it is positioned in the second direction D2.

[0024] The inclination of the peripheral wall portion 217 and the inclination of the bottom wall portion 216 are different from each other. The inclination angle of the peripheral wall portion 217 with respect to the axis C2 is smaller than the inclination angle of the bottom wall portion 216 with respect to the axis C2. The flange portion 218 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the peripheral wall portion 217.

[0025] Each blade 23 is integral with the flange portion 218 of the hub 21. Each blade 23 extends from the flange portion 218 in the first direction D1. Each blade 23 has an arc-shaped outer shape in a plan view. Each blade 23 includes an inner peripheral end portion close to the axis C2 and an outer peripheral end portion far from the axis C2. The multiple blades 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction surrounding the axis C2.

[0026] The fan case 3 will now be described. The fan case 3 has an intake port 34 for drawing in outside air, an outlet port 35 for discharging air toward the outside space, and a flow path 36 connecting the intake port 34 and the outlet port 35. When the centrifugal fan 2 rotates inside the fan case 3, air drawn in through the intake port 34 in the second direction D2 is guided along the flow path 36 to the outlet port 35. The intake port 34 is circular, and the outlet port 35 is rectangular.

[0027] The fan case 3 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. The first member 31 forms one half of the fan case 3. The second member 32 forms the other half of the fan case 3. The first member 31 and the second member 32 are fitted together to form the fan case 3. The first member 31 forms the half of the fan case 3 on the first direction D1 side. The second member 32 forms the half of the fan case 3 on the second direction D2 side.

[0028] The intake port 34 is included in the first member 31. The intake port 34 is open in a first direction D1. The discharge port 35 is open in a direction intersecting the axis C2 (in one embodiment, in a direction perpendicular to the axis C2). The discharge port 35 is formed when the first member 31 and the second member 32 are fitted together. The flow path 36 forms a spiral that surrounds the periphery of the centrifugal fan 2. The flow path 36 is formed when the first member 31 and the second member 32 are fitted together.

[0029] The fan case 3 further has a connection portion 33 for connecting the motor unit 14. The connection portion 33 is included in the second member 32. When the first member 31 and the second member 32 are fitted together, the connection portion 33 included in the second member 32 is positioned opposite the intake port 34 included in the first member 31.

[0030] The connection portion 33 includes a wall portion 38 located opposite the intake port 34 and a connection opening 30 surrounded by the wall portion 38 (see also FIG. 7 ). FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 1 according to one embodiment. The opening 30 is a circular opening located opposite the intake port 34. The axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2 is set to pass through the center of the opening 30. The opening 30 is an opening for inserting a part 66 of the motor case 6 that forms the outer shell of the motor unit 14 (in other words, a part of the motor unit 14) into the inside of the fan case 3.

[0031] The wall portion 38 is positioned around the opening 30. The opening 30 is configured as a hole that penetrates the center of the wall portion 38. The wall portion 38 includes an annular portion 380 that surrounds the opening 30. The portion 380 has a surface 380a (see also Figure 3). Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main portion of Figure 2. The surface 380a faces in the second direction D2. The surface 380a is an annular, flat surface. When the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, the surface 380a of the wall portion 38 is positioned along the motor unit 14. The surface 380a of the wall portion 38 is positioned with a small gap between it and the motor unit 14.

[0032] The connecting portion 33 further has a protrusion 39 positioned to surround the opening 30 and the wall portion 38. The protrusion 39 is a rib-like portion included in the second member 32. The protrusion 39 protrudes in the second direction D2.

[0033] (1-3) Motor Unit The motor unit 14 is configured as a so-called inner rotor type brushless motor. The motor unit 14 has an electric mechanism 5 for rotating the centrifugal fan 2 and a motor case 6 that houses the electric mechanism 5. The rotating shaft 514 is included in the electric mechanism 5. The motor case 6 is made of metal. The motor case 6 may also be made of resin.

[0034] The axial direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft 514 extends is the direction along the axis C4 of the rotating shaft 514. The orientation of the first side along the axis C4 of the rotating shaft 514 matches the orientation of the first side along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2. That is, the orientation of the first side is first orientation D1. The orientation of the second side along the axis C4 of the rotating shaft 514 matches the orientation of the second side along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2. That is, the orientation of the second side is second orientation D2. By fitting the end of the rotating shaft 514 facing the first orientation D1 into the connecting portion 215 of the centrifugal fan 2, the rotating shaft 514 and the centrifugal fan 2 are fixed so as to be rotatable together.

[0035] The motor case 6 is formed by fitting a first member 61 and a second member 62 together. The first member 61 has an opening that opens in the second direction D2. The opening is closed by a lid-shaped second member 62. A bearing 681 is disposed in the first member 61. A bearing 682 is disposed in the second member 62. The bearing 681 rotatably supports an intermediate portion of the rotating shaft 514 in the axial direction. The bearing 682 rotatably supports an end portion of the rotating shaft 514 in the second direction D2.

[0036] The motor case 6 includes a small diameter portion 63 and a large diameter portion 64. The small diameter portion 63 is a cylindrical portion. The small diameter portion 63 forms the end portion of the motor case 6 in the first direction D1. The large diameter portion 64 is continuous with the small diameter portion 63 via a step. The large diameter portion 64 is a cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 63. The small diameter portion 63 and the large diameter portion 64 are included in the first member 61. A portion 66 of the motor case 6 that is inserted inside the fan case 3 includes at least a portion of the small diameter portion 63.

[0037] The large diameter portion 64 has a surface 64a. The surface 64a faces in a first direction D1. The surface 64a is a flat, annular surface. When the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, the surface 64a, which constitutes part of the outer surface of the motor case 6, is positioned along the fan unit 12. The surface 64a is positioned with a small gap between it and the fan unit 12.

[0038] The electric mechanism 5 housed in the motor case 6 includes a rotor 51 and a stator 53. The rotor 51 includes a rotor core 511 in which magnets are arranged, and a rotating shaft 514 connected to the rotor core 511. An end of the rotating shaft 514 facing the first direction D1 protrudes outside the motor case 6. The remaining portion of the rotating shaft 514 is housed in the motor case 6.

[0039] The stator 53 includes a stator core 531 and a winding 533 wound around the stator core 531. The stator 53 is disposed radially outward from the rotor 51. The stator 53 is configured to supply a magnetic force that rotates the rotor 51. The stator core 531 has a plurality of laminated electromagnetic steel plates. The circuit board 57 is configured to control the supply of current to the stator 53. The circuit board 57 is disposed closer to the second direction D2 than the rotor 51 and the stator 53.

[0040] The rotor 51 and the stator 53 are disposed inside the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. That is, the rotor 51 and the stator 53 are housed in a portion 66 of the motor case 6 that is inserted into the inside of the fan case 3 through the opening 30. The stator 53 is thermally conductive to the portion 66 of the motor case 6. The stator 53 and the portion 66 of the motor case 6 are thermally coupled. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 531 is in thermally conductive contact with the inner peripheral surface of the portion 66 of the motor case 6 (see FIG. 5). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 1 taken along line B-B in FIG. 4, which shows a side view of the blower 1. The portion 66 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may be thermally coupled by direct contact, or may be thermally coupled via a thermally conductive member.

[0041] The stator 53 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. Heat transferred from the stator 53 to the motor case 6 can be dissipated, for example, through the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 63. The small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may be thermally coupled by direct contact, or may be thermally coupled via a thermally conductive member sandwiched therebetween.

[0042] The electrical mechanism 5 further includes a board holder 54 , a heat sink 55 , an insulating sheet 56 and a circuit board 57 .

[0043] The substrate holder 54 is disposed closer to the second direction D2 than the rotor 51 and the stator 53. The substrate holder 54 has an annular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 8A ). FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the substrate holder 54 included in the blower 1 of one embodiment. The outer diameter of the substrate holder 54 is larger than the outer diameter of the stator 53. The outer diameter of the substrate holder 54 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6.

[0044] The heat sink 55 is disposed closer to the second direction D2 than the substrate holder 54. The heat sink 55 has an annular shape in plan view (see FIGS. 6 and 8B). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the side view of the blower 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the heat sink 55 provided in the blower 1 according to the embodiment. The heat sink 55 is preferably made of metal. The outer diameter of the heat sink 55 is larger than the outer diameter of the stator 53. The outer diameter of the heat sink 55 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. In plan view, the substrate holder 54 and the heat sink 55 are positioned to overlap each other.

[0045] The insulating sheet 56 is positioned closer to the second direction D2 than the heat sink 55. The insulating sheet 56 has an annular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 8C ). FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the insulating sheet 56 included in the blower 1 of one embodiment. The outer diameter of the insulating sheet 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the stator 53. The outer diameter of the insulating sheet 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. The inner diameter of the insulating sheet 56 is smaller than the inner diameter of the board holder 54. The inner diameter of the insulating sheet 56 is smaller than the inner diameter of the heat sink 55. In a plan view, the radially outer portion of the insulating sheet 56 is positioned to overlap the board holder 54 and the heat sink 55.

[0046] The circuit board 57 is disposed closer to the second direction D2 than the insulating sheet 56. The circuit board 57 has an annular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 8D ). FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the circuit board 57 included in the blower 1 according to one embodiment. The outer diameter of the circuit board 57 is larger than the outer diameter of the stator 53. The outer diameter of the circuit board 57 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. The inner diameter of the circuit board 57 is smaller than the inner diameter of the board holder 54. The inner diameter of the circuit board 57 is smaller than the inner diameter of the heat sink 55. The inner diameter of the circuit board 57 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insulating sheet 56. In a plan view, the radially outer portion of the circuit board 57 overlaps with the board holder 54, the heat sink 55, and the insulating sheet 56.

[0047] The board holder 54, heat sink 55, insulating sheet 56, and circuit board 57 are disposed inside a large-diameter portion 64 of the motor case 6. In other words, the board holder 54, heat sink 55, insulating sheet 56, and circuit board 57 are housed in a portion 67 of the motor case 6 that is located closer to the second direction D2 than the portion 66. The portion 67 is a portion of the motor case 6 that is not inserted into the inside of the fan case 3 when the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together. In the second direction D2, the board holder 54, heat sink 55, insulating sheet 56, and circuit board 57 are positioned overlapping in this order.

[0048] The heat sink 55 is capable of conducting heat to the portion 67 of the motor case 6. The circuit board 57 is capable of conducting heat to the portion 67 of the motor case 6 via the insulating sheet 56 and the heat sink 55. The heat sink 55 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 64 of the motor case 6. Heat conducted from the circuit board 57 to the motor case 6 via the insulating sheet 56 and the heat sink 55 can be dissipated, for example, through the outer circumferential surface 64b of the large diameter portion 64 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0049] (1-4) Airflow Path As shown in FIG. 3, when the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, a gap 4 is formed between the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14. The gap 4 is a small gap formed between the fan case 3 that forms the outer shell of the fan unit 12 and the motor case 6 that forms the outer shell of the motor unit 14. The gap 4 is, for example, about 0.8 mm. It is preferable that the gap 4 be 5 mm or less. It is more preferable that the gap 4 be 3 mm or less.

[0050] Gap 4 is provided so as to communicate with opening 30 of fan case 3 and with the space outside blower 1. Gap 4 constitutes at least a part of air passage 7 that connects the interior of fan case 3 with the space outside through opening 30 of fan case 3. In one embodiment, gap 4 constitutes the entire air passage 7. However, gap 4 may also constitute only a part of air passage 7.

[0051] The air passage 7 is formed between the wall portion 38 of the fan case 3 and the motor case 6. The wall portion 38 includes a portion 380 that faces the motor case 6 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 514. A flat surface 380a of the portion 380 and a flat surface 64a of the large-diameter portion 64 of the motor case 6 are positioned opposite each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 514. The air passage 7 is formed between the surface 380a of the fan case 3 and the surface 64a of the motor case 6. The width of the air passage 7 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 514 is, for example, approximately 0.8 mm. The width of the air passage 7 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 514 is preferably a gap of 5 mm or less. It is more preferable that the width of the air passage 7 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 514 be a gap of 3 mm or less.

[0052] According to the blower 1 of the embodiment, the heat generated by the motor unit 14 during operation can be effectively dissipated by the air flow in the air passage 7 that occurs as the centrifugal fan 2 rotates.

[0053] In other words, when the centrifugal fan 2 rotates, negative pressure is created inside the fan case 3, causing an air flow from the external space toward the inside of the fan case 3 through the air passage 7. At this time, the air flows along the outer periphery of the motor case 6. The air flows along the outer surface of the portion 67 of the motor case 6 that is not inserted inside the fan case 3. The air flows along the outer periphery 64b of the large diameter portion 64 of the motor case 6, and then along the surface 64a of the large diameter portion 64. After flowing into the inside of the fan case 3 through the opening 30, the air flows along the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6.

[0054] As described above, the heat generated on the circuit board 57 is transferred to the outer peripheral surface 64b of the large diameter portion 64 of the motor case 6 via the insulating sheet 56 and the heat sink 55. The heat generated on the circuit board 57 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the outer peripheral surface 64b.

[0055] The heat generated in the stator 53 is transferred to the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. The heat generated in the stator 53 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 63.

[0056] The air flow generated in the air passage 7 may be reversed depending on the structure or various operating conditions of the blower 1. Even in this case (i.e., even if air flows from the inside of the fan case 3 toward the external space through the air passage 7), the heat generated in the stator 53 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 63, and the heat generated in the circuit board 57 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the outer circumferential surface 64b of the large diameter portion 64.

[0057] (1-5) Mobile Body Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile body 9 equipped with a blower 1 according to one embodiment. The mobile body 9 includes the blower 1, an object 91 to be cooled by the blower 1, and a vehicle body 97 on which the blower 1 and the object 91 to be cooled are mounted. The object 91 to be cooled is, for example, a battery 92.

[0058] The mobile object 9 is a hybrid four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a plurality of wheels 93, and an engine 94 and a motor 95 for driving and rotating the plurality of wheels 93. The battery 92 is configured to supply power to the motor 95. The mobile object 9 may also be another type of four-wheeled vehicle, such as an electric vehicle.

[0059] The moving object 9 on which the blower 1 is mounted is not limited to a four-wheeled vehicle. The moving object 9 may be, for example, a vehicle (automobile) such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle. The object to be cooled 91 may be a part other than the battery 92.

[0060] (2) Modifications The following describes modifications of the blower 1. In each modification of the blower 1, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the blower 1 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] (2-1) First Modification Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of blower 1 of a first modification. In blower 1 of the first modification, wall 38 of fan case 3 includes, in addition to annular portion 380 surrounding opening 30, two extension portions 381, 382 extending from portion 380 along the axial direction of rotation shaft 514 (see Figure 2). Hereinafter, one of the two extension portions 381, 382 will be referred to as first extension portion 381, and the other of the two extension portions 381, 382 will be referred to as second extension portion 382.

[0062] The first extension portion 381 is a portion that extends in the first direction D1 from an inner peripheral portion of the portion 380 that is closer to the opening 30. The first extension portion 381 is, for example, cylindrical. The first extension portion 381 is positioned to surround the portion 66 of the motor case 6 that is inserted inside the fan case 3. The first extension portion 381 is positioned with a small gap between it and the portion 66 of the motor case 6. The gap here is, for example, about 0.8 mm. It is preferable that the gap be 5 mm or less. It is more preferable that the gap be 3 mm or less.

[0063] Inside the fan case 3, the first extension 381 is located along at least a portion of the air passage 7 (in the first modified example, a portion 71 of the air passage 7, which will be described later).

[0064] The second extension portion 382 extends in the second direction D2 from a portion of the portion 380 on the outer periphery away from the opening 30. The direction in which the second extension portion 382 extends is opposite to the direction in which the first extension portion 381 extends. The second extension portion 382 is, for example, cylindrical. The second extension portion 382 is formed integrally with the protrusion 39. However, the second extension portion 382 and the protrusion 39 may be formed separately. The second extension portion 382 is positioned to surround the portion 67 of the motor case 6 that is not inserted inside the fan case 3. The second extension portion 382 is positioned with a small gap from the portion 67 of the motor case 6. The gap here is, for example, approximately 0.8 mm. Preferably, the gap is 5 mm or less. More preferably, the gap is 3 mm or less.

[0065] In the blower 1 of the first modified example, the portion 71 of the air passage 7 is formed along a portion 691 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the stator 53. The portion 691 is a portion with which the stator 53 is in contact so as to allow thermal conduction. The portion 691 is located radially outward of the stator 53. The stator 53 and the portion 691 of the motor case 6 are thermally coupled. In other words, the stator 53 is thermally coupled to the portion 71 of the air passage 7. The portion 691 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may be thermally coupled by direct contact. The portion 691 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may also be thermally coupled via a thermally conductive member sandwiched therebetween.

[0066] Additionally, in the blower 1 of the first modified example, another portion 72 of the air passage 7 is formed along a portion 692 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the circuit board 57. The portion 692 is in contact with the heat sink 55 so as to allow thermal conduction. The portion 692 is located radially outward of the heat sink 55. The circuit board 57 and the portion 692 of the motor case 6 are thermally coupled. The portion 691 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may be thermally coupled via a thermally conductive member such as the heat sink 55. The portion 691 of the motor case 6 and the stator core 531 may be thermally coupled by directly contacting each other. The portion 71 of the air passage 7 is located closer to the first direction D1 than the other portion 72. The portion 71 of the air passage 7 is located closer to the axis C4 of the rotating shaft 514 than the other portion 72. The air passage 7 including the part 71 and the other part 72 is continuous in a crank shape in a cross section passing through the axis C4 of the rotary shaft 514.

[0067] (2-2) Second Modification Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of blower 1 of a second modification. In blower 1 of the second modification, wall 38 of fan case 3 includes, in addition to annular portion 380 surrounding opening 30, extension portion 382 extending from portion 380 along the axial direction of rotation shaft 514. Extension portion 382 basically has the same configuration as second extension portion 382 of the first modification. Extension portion 382 differs from that of the first modification in the following respects.

[0068] In the second variant of the blower 1, the distance between the second extension portion 382 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the radial distance of the rotating shaft 514) is set shorter than the distance between the portion 380 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the axial distance of the rotating shaft 514).

[0069] Therefore, a part 72 of the air passage 7 constitutes a narrow portion 75 that is narrower than other parts of the air passage 7. The narrow portion 75 is formed along a portion 692 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the circuit board 57. The portion 692 is in contact with the heat sink 55 so as to be capable of conducting heat, and is located radially outward of the heat sink 55.

[0070] In the fan 1 of the second modification, the flow of air passing through the air passage 7 is accelerated at the narrow portion 75. Therefore, heat generated on the circuit board 57 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the portion 692 of the motor case 6.

[0071] (2-3) Third Modification Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of blower 1 of a third modification. In blower 1 of the third modification, wall 38 of fan case 3 includes, in addition to an annular portion 380 surrounding opening 30, an extension portion 381 extending from this portion 380 along the axial direction of rotation shaft 514. Extension portion 381 basically has the same configuration as first extension portion 381 of the first modification. However, extension portion 381 differs from that of the first modification in the following respects.

[0072] In the blower 1 of the third variant, the distance between the first extension portion 381 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the radial distance of the rotating shaft 514) is set shorter than the distance between the portion 380 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the axial distance of the rotating shaft 514).

[0073] Therefore, a part 71 of the air passage 7 constitutes a narrow portion 75 that is narrower than other parts of the air passage 7. The narrow portion 75 is formed along a portion 691 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the stator 53. The portion 691 is in contact with the stator 53 so as to allow heat transfer. The portion 691 is located radially outward of the stator 53.

[0074] In the blower 1 of the third modified example, the flow of air passing through the air passage 7 is accelerated at the narrow portion 75. Therefore, the heat generated in the stator 53 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the portion 691 of the motor case 6.

[0075] (2-4) Fourth Modification Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a blower 1 according to a fourth modification. In the blower 1 according to the fourth modification, the wall 38 of the fan case 3 includes a first extension portion 381 and a second extension portion 382 in addition to an annular portion 380 surrounding the opening 30. The first extension portion 381 and the second extension portion 382 basically have the same configuration as the first extension portion 381 and the second extension portion 382 according to the first modification. However, the first extension portion 381 and the second extension portion 382 according to the fourth modification differ from those according to the first modification in the following respects.

[0076] In the blower 1 of the fourth modification, the distance between the first extension portion 381 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the radial distance of the rotary shaft 514) is set shorter than the distance between the portion 380 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the axial distance of the rotary shaft 514). Also, the distance between the second extension portion 382 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the radial distance of the rotary shaft 514) is set shorter than the distance between the portion 380 of the wall portion 38 and the motor case 6 (the axial distance of the rotary shaft 514).

[0077] Therefore, parts 71 and 72 of the air passage 7 constitute narrow portions 75 that are narrower than other parts of the air passage 7. In other words, one narrow portion 75 included in the air passage 7 is formed along a portion 691 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the stator 53. The portion 691 is in contact with the stator 53 so as to enable thermal conduction. The portion 691 is located radially outward from the stator 53. The other narrow portion 75 included in the air passage 7 is formed along a portion 692 of the motor case 6 to which heat is transferred from the circuit board 57. The portion 692 is in contact with the heat sink 55 so as to enable thermal conduction. The portion 692 is located radially outward from the heat sink 55.

[0078] In the blower 1 of the fourth modification, the flow of air passing through the air passage 7 is accelerated at each of the two narrow portions 75. Heat generated in the stator 53 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the portion 691 of the motor case 6. Heat generated in the circuit board 57 is efficiently dissipated by the air flowing along the portion 692 of the motor case 6.

[0079] (2-5) Fifth Modification Figures 12 to 14 show a blower 1 according to a fifth modification. Figure 12 is a plan view of the blower 1 according to the fifth modification. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a plan view of the centrifugal fan 2 included in the blower 1 according to the fifth modification. In the blower 1 according to the fifth modification, the configuration of the centrifugal fan 2, which will be described below, differs from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0080] The hub 21 of the centrifugal fan 2 has a plurality of vents 25. The plurality of vents 25 are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub 21 surrounding the axis C2. There are six vents 25. In a plan view, each vent 25 is formed in an arc shape centered on the axis C2. Each vent 25 is a hole that penetrates the hub 21 along the axial direction of the centrifugal fan 2. The axial direction of the centrifugal fan 2 is a direction along the axis C2 of the centrifugal fan 2.

[0081] The hub 21 can be conceptually divided into a radially inner half 211 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner half 211") that is closer to the axis C2 of the hub 21 and a radially outer half 213 (hereinafter referred to as the "outer half 213") that is farther from the axis C2 of the hub 21. The inner half 211 and the outer half 213 included in the hub 21 are provided contiguously with each other.

[0082] The radius of the inner half 211 of the hub 21 centered on the axis C2 can be defined as, for example, half the radius centered on the axis C4 of the motor unit 14. The outer half 213 of the hub 21 can be defined as the portion of the hub 21 excluding the inner half 211. The distance from the axis C2 of any portion included in the outer half 213 is greater than half the radius of the motor unit 14.

[0083] The outer half 213 of the hub 21 has the plurality of vent holes 25. Each vent hole 25 is provided in the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 216 of the hub 21. However, only some of the plurality of vent holes 25 may be provided in the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 216. All or some of the plurality of vent holes 25 may be provided in other portions of the bottom wall portion 216. All or some of the plurality of vent holes 25 may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 217 of the hub 21. All or some of the plurality of vent holes 25 may be provided across both a portion of the bottom wall portion 216 and a portion of the peripheral wall portion 217.

[0084] 13 , when the fan unit 12 and the motor unit 14 are assembled together, a portion 66 of the motor case 6 is disposed inside a recess formed in the hub 21 of the centrifugal fan 2. Each vent 25 opens toward the portion 66 of the motor case 6 inserted inside the fan case 3. Each vent 25 opens toward the radially outer portion of the portion 66 of the motor case 6.

[0085] In other words, each vent hole 25 opens toward the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. Each vent hole 25 opens toward a radially outer portion of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. As shown in Figure 12, when the blower 1 of the fifth modified example is viewed in the second direction D2, a portion of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6 is exposed through each vent hole 25 of the centrifugal fan 2.

[0086] According to the blower 1 of the fifth variant, the heat generated by the motor unit 14 during operation can be effectively dissipated by the air flow inside the fan case 3 that occurs through each air vent 25 of the centrifugal fan 2 as the centrifugal fan 2 rotates.

[0087] In other words, when the centrifugal fan 2 rotates, some of the air sucked into the inside of the fan case 3 through the air intake 34 flows through the multiple air vents 25 of the centrifugal fan 2 toward a part 66 of the motor case 6 inserted inside the fan case 3.

[0088] At this time, the air flows in the second direction D2 along the outer periphery of the portion 66 of the motor case 6. The air is then guided to the discharge port 35 along the flow path 36 of the fan case 3. In other words, the air that has flowed in the second direction D2 through the multiple vents 25 of the centrifugal fan 2 flows along the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6. The air is then guided to the discharge port 35 along the flow path 36 of the fan case 3.

[0089] As described above, the heat generated in the stator 53 is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the part 66 of the motor case 6. In the blower 1 of the fifth modification, the heat generated in the stator 53 is also efficiently dissipated by the air flowing through each of the air vents 25.

[0090] (2-6) Sixth Modification Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a blower 1 according to a sixth modification. The blower 1 according to the sixth modification further includes heat dissipation fins 65 in addition to the components of the blower 1 according to the fifth modification.

[0091] The heat dissipation fins 65 are provided on the outer surface of the motor case 6. The heat dissipation fins 65 are provided on the outer surface of a part 66 of the motor case 6 that is inserted inside the fan case 3. In other words, the heat dissipation fins 65 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 63 of the motor case 6.

[0092] The heat dissipation fins 65 include, for example, a plurality of plates 651 extending along the axis C2. The plurality of plates 651 are preferably arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis C2. The heat dissipation fins 65 are preferably attached to the motor case 6 using fasteners such as screws. The configuration of the heat dissipation fins 65 is not limited to this, and any other suitable configuration may be used.

[0093] In the blower 1 of the sixth modification, when the centrifugal fan 2 rotates, part of the air introduced in the second direction D2 through the multiple vents 25 of the centrifugal fan 2 flows along the heat dissipation fins 65 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the part 66 of the motor case 6. This allows the heat generated in the stator 53 to be dissipated more efficiently via the heat dissipation fins 65.

[0094] (3) Summary As described above, the blower (1) according to the first aspect includes a fan unit (12) and a motor unit (14) attached to the fan unit (12). The fan unit (12) includes a centrifugal fan (2) and a fan case (3) that houses the centrifugal fan (2). The motor unit (14) includes a rotor (51) including a rotating shaft (514) connected to the centrifugal fan (2), a stator (53) that rotates the rotor (51), and a motor case (6) that houses the rotor (51) and the stator (53). The fan case (3) has an opening (30) for inserting a portion (66) of the motor case (6) into the fan case (3). A gap (4) that connects to the opening (30) is formed between the fan case (3) and the motor case (6). The gap (4) constitutes at least a part of an air passage (7) that connects the inside of the fan case (3) with the outside space through the opening (30).

[0095] In the blower (1) according to the first aspect, when the centrifugal fan (2) rotates, an air flow is generated in the air passage (7) formed between the fan case (3) and the motor case (6). This air flow dissipates heat from the motor unit (14), improving the heat dissipation performance of the motor unit (14).

[0096] In the blower (1) according to the second aspect, the fan case (3) of the first aspect further includes a wall portion (38) that runs along the motor case (6). An air passage (7) is formed between the wall portion (38) and the motor case (6).

[0097] In the blower (1) according to the second aspect, when the centrifugal fan (2) rotates, an air flow is generated in the air passage (7) formed between the wall portion (38) of the fan case (3) and the motor case (6). This air flow dissipates heat from the motor unit (14), improving the heat dissipation performance of the motor unit (14).

[0098] The blower (1) according to the third aspect is the second aspect, in which the wall portion (38) includes a portion (380) that faces the motor case (6) in the axial direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft (514) extends.

[0099] According to the blower (1) of the third aspect, the air passage (7) can be formed so as to pass around the motor case (6) along the portion (380) of the wall portion (38).

[0100] The blower (1) according to the fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the wall portion (38) further includes extension portions (381, 382) extending from the opposing portion (380) along the axial direction of the rotation shaft (514).

[0101] According to the fan (1) of the fourth aspect, the air passage (7) is formed long along the motor case (6), thereby further improving the heat dissipation performance of the motor unit (14).

[0102] A blower (1) according to a fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein the extension portion (381) is located inside the fan case (3) along at least a portion of the air passage.

[0103] According to the blower (1) of the fifth aspect, the heat dissipation performance of the part of the motor unit (14) inserted inside the fan case (3) can be further improved.

[0104] A blower (1) according to a sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein a stator (53) is thermally coupled to at least the part of the air passage.

[0105] According to the blower (1) of the sixth aspect, the heat generated in the stator (53) of the motor unit (14) can be efficiently dissipated.

[0106] The blower (1) according to the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the air passage (7) has a narrow portion (75) that is narrower than other portions of the air passage (7).

[0107] According to the blower (1) of the seventh aspect, the flow velocity in the narrow portion (75) of the air passage (7) is increased, thereby further improving the heat dissipation performance of the targeted portion of the motor unit (14).

[0108] The blower (1) according to the eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, in which the narrow portion (75) is formed along a portion (691) of the motor case (6) that is thermally coupled to the stator (53).

[0109] According to the blower (1) of the eighth aspect, the heat generated in the stator (53) of the motor unit (14) can be efficiently dissipated.

[0110] A blower (1) according to a ninth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the motor unit (14) further includes a circuit board (57) housed in the motor case (6). The narrow portion (75) is formed along a portion (692) of the motor case (6) that is thermally coupled to the circuit board (57).

[0111] According to the fan (1) of the ninth aspect, the heat generated in the circuit board (57) of the motor unit (14) can be efficiently dissipated.

[0112] The moving body (9) according to the tenth aspect comprises a blower (1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, an object (91) to be cooled by the blower (1), and a vehicle body (97) on which the blower (1) and the object (91) to be cooled are mounted.

[0113] In the moving body (9) according to the tenth aspect, when the centrifugal fan (2) of the blower (1) rotates, an air flow is generated in the air passage (7) formed between the fan case (3) and the motor case (6). This air flow dissipates heat from the motor unit (14), improving the heat dissipation performance of the motor unit (14) and, ultimately, the heat dissipation performance of the entire blower (1).

[0114] The blower and moving body according to the present disclosure can be used in various products in which a motor is mounted.

[0115] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 blower 12 fan unit 14 motor unit 2 centrifugal fan 21 hub 211 inner half 213 outer half 215 connecting portion 216 bottom wall portion 217 peripheral wall portion 218 flange portion 23 blade 25 vent 3 fan case 30 opening 31 first member 32 second member 33 connecting portion 34 intake port 35 outlet port 36 flow path 38 wall portion 380 portion 381 extension portion 382 extension portion 39 protrusion 4 gap 51 rotor 511 rotor core 514 rotating shaft 53 stator 531 stator core 533 winding 54 board holder 55 heat sink 56 insulating sheet 57 circuit board 6 motor case 61 first member 62 Second member 63 Small diameter portion 64 Large diameter portion 65 Heat dissipation fin 651 Plate 66 Part of motor case 67 Part 681 Bearing 682 Bearing 691 Part 692 Part 7 Ventilation path 71 Part 72 Part 75 Narrow width portion 9 Mobile body 91 Object to be cooled 92 Battery 93 Wheel 94 Engine 95 Motor 97 Vehicle body

Claims

1. A fan unit, a motor unit attached to the fan unit, The fan unit includes: A centrifugal fan, a fan case that houses the centrifugal fan, The motor unit includes: a rotor including a rotating shaft connected to the centrifugal fan; A stator that rotates the rotor; a motor case that houses the rotor and the stator, an opening for inserting a part of the motor case into the fan case is formed in the fan case; a gap communicating with the opening is formed between the fan case and the motor case, The gap constitutes at least a part of an air passage that communicates the inside of the fan case with an external space through the opening. Blower.

2. The fan case further includes a wall portion extending along the motor case, The air passage is formed between the wall portion and the motor case. The blower of claim 1.

3. the wall portion includes a portion facing the motor case in an axial direction in which an axis of the rotation shaft extends, The blower of claim 2.

4. The wall portion further includes an extension portion extending from the opposing portion along the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The blower of claim 3.

5. the extension portion is located inside the fan case and along at least a portion of the air passage; The blower of claim 4.

6. The stator is thermally coupled to at least a portion of the air passage. The blower of claim 5.

7. The air passage has a narrow portion that is narrower than another portion of the air passage. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The narrow portion is formed along a portion of the motor case that is thermally coupled to the stator. The blower of claim 7.

9. The motor unit further includes a circuit board accommodated in the motor case, the narrow portion is formed along a portion of the motor case that is thermally coupled to the circuit board. The blower of claim 7.

10. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 6; An object to be cooled by the blower; a vehicle body on which the blower and the object to be cooled are mounted, Mobile body.