Blower and moving body

Abstract

Provided is a blower including a case body constituting a circulation passage and a part of an exhaust passage. The case body has, on an outer surface of the case body, an annular attachment part provided with an attachment surface to which a seal member is attached. The attachment part has, in a circumferential direction in which the circulation passage extends, a first section on a side farther from the exhaust passage than a circumferential center point of the circulation passage and a second section on a side closer to the exhaust passage than the circumferential center point of the circulation passage. A first thickness of the case body at the first section is equal to or greater than a second thickness of the case body at the second section.

Description

Fans and moving objects

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a blower unit (air blower) having a fan housing (fan case), a motor and a blower fan (centrifugal fan) housed within the fan housing. The blower unit discharges airflow generated by the centrifugal fan through an outlet provided in the peripheral wall of the fan housing.

[0003] The air intake of the blower is connected to a duct. An annular seal sponge is disposed between the blower case body and the duct to prevent external air from flowing into the blower. The seal sponge is attached to an annular attachment portion of the case body.

[0004] In a blower, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow path is designed to gradually expand from upstream to downstream. Accordingly, the thickness of the case body at the annular attachment point also gradually decreases. As a result, when the resin that makes up the case body cools and hardens after molding, the difference in shrinkage between the different thicknesses can cause the case body to warp (deform), which can disrupt the flatness of the attachment point.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-249907

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a blower and a moving body in which the mounting portion of the case body to which the seal member is attached has a high degree of flatness.

[0007] A blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case body that constitutes a circular passage and a portion of an exhaust passage. The case body has an annular mounting portion on an outer surface of the case body, the mounting portion having a mounting surface to which a seal member is attached. The mounting portion has, in a direction in which the circular passage extends, a first location that is farther from the exhaust passage than a circumferential center point of the circular passage and a second location that is closer to the exhaust passage than the circumferential center point of the circular passage. A first thickness of the case body at the first location is equal to or greater than a second thickness of the case body at the second location.

[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 moving body main body on which the blower and the object to be cooled are mounted.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a blower and a moving body can be obtained in which the mounting surface of the case body to which the seal member is attached has a high degree of flatness.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the blower according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second case of a fan case of the blower according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second case of the same. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3, showing a portion of the attachment surface of the second case of the same. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of a configuration in which a seal sponge is attached to the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of a configuration in which a seal sponge is attached to the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first recess of the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second recess of the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third recess of the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth recess of the attachment surface of the same. FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of an inner surface of a second cover according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a second case of a fan case of a blower according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth recess on the attachment surface of the second case. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth recess on the attachment surface of the second case. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh recess on the attachment surface of the second case. Fig. 17 is a partial plan view of an inner surface of a second cover in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, a blower and a moving body according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram. The ratio of the size or thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. The configuration described in the following embodiments is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (First embodiment) (1) Basic configuration and basic operation of a blower Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a blower 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the blower 1. The blower 1 is, for example, a blower for cooling a battery in a vehicle. Specifically, the blower 1 is a centrifugal fan blower.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, blower 1 mainly includes a fan case 2, a motor 3, and a centrifugal fan 4. The motor 3 and centrifugal fan 4 are housed inside the fan case 2. The fan case 2 has an intake port 33 for drawing in outside air, an exhaust port 34 for discharging air toward the outside space, and a circular passage 31 and an exhaust passage 32 that connect the intake port 33 and the exhaust port 34. The intake port 33 is circular. The exhaust port 34 is rectangular. Air is drawn into the fan case 2 through the intake port 33, flows through the circular passage 31 and the exhaust passage 32 in that order, and is discharged from the exhaust port 34.

[0014] The motor 3 is, for example, an inner rotor type brushless motor. However, the motor 3 is not limited to a brushless motor. The motor 3 may be another type of DC motor or AC motor. A brushed motor may also be used as the motor 3.

[0015] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the axial direction is defined as the direction in which the axis X1 (see FIG. 2) of the rotating shaft 44 of the motor 3 extends. In a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the direction extending from the axis X1 is defined as the radial direction, and the direction going around the axis X1 is defined as the circumferential direction.

[0016] The centrifugal fan 4 is a component in which multiple blade members are connected at a predetermined interval between opposing annular members. The centrifugal fan 4 is coupled to the rotary shaft 44 of the motor 3 so as to rotate integrally with the motor 3. The blade members may be formed of either metal or resin. The centrifugal fan 4 rotates in the circumferential direction at a predetermined speed in response to the rotation of the motor 3, thereby drawing in outside air through the intake port 33 and compressing it. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The compressed air travels through the circulating passage 31 in the order of arrows A1, A2, A3, and A4 in FIG. 3 . The compressed air further travels through the exhaust passage 32 in the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 3 . The compressed air is finally discharged from the exhaust port 34. The discharged air is supplied to a battery from the exhaust port 34.

[0017] (2) Fan Case The fan case 2 is a hollow member formed by molding resin. The fan case 2 has an air intake port 33 on the top surface. The fan case 2 houses the motor 3 and the centrifugal fan 4 and is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0018] Specifically, the fan case 2 has an upper wall, side walls, and lower walls of the circulation passage 31 and the exhaust passage 32. The fan case 2 is configured to cover the centrifugal fan 4. Due to this configuration, the circulation passage 31 and the exhaust passage 32 are formed inside the fan case 2 so as to follow the outer periphery of the centrifugal fan 4. In a plan view, as shown in FIG. 3 , the circulation passage 31 has a spiral shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the centrifugal fan 4. The exhaust passage 32 is linear. The circulation passage 31 is an internal space that guides air drawn in through the intake port 33 to the exhaust passage 32 when the centrifugal fan 4 rotates due to the rotation transmitted from the motor 3. The area of ​​a cross section of the circulation passage 31 that includes the axis X1 gradually increases toward the exhaust passage 32.

[0019] The air intake 33 is an inlet for drawing air into, for example, the vehicle cabin. The air intake 33 is formed on the axial end face (the end face at the top in the figure) of the substantially cylindrical fan case 2 that faces the vehicle cabin. The air intake 33 is an opening with a diameter that is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than that of the centrifugal fan 4. The air intake 33 communicates with the vehicle cabin via the duct 10 (see FIG. 2 ). The duct 10 is a member for effectively guiding air to the blower 1.

[0020] The exhaust port 34 opens in a direction that is twisted relative to the axial direction. That is, air drawn in along the axis X1 of the centrifugal fan 4 toward the fan case 2 is exhausted in a direction that is twisted relative to the axis X1.

[0021] The fan case 2 is made of a resin such as polypropylene. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fan case 2 is divided into a lower first case 5 and an upper second case 6. The outer side surface of the first case 5 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 41 spaced at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The side surface of the second case 6 is provided with a plurality of hooks 42 spaced at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The hooks 42 are engaged with the protrusions 41, respectively, thereby connecting the first case 5 and the second case 6.

[0022] The intake port 33 is formed in the second case 6. The exhaust port 34 is formed when the second case 6 and the first case 5 are fitted together.

[0023] The motor 3 and the centrifugal fan 4 are fixed to the first case 5 .

[0024] (3) Second Case The second case 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] The second case 6 has a case body 11. The case body 11 is a member that constitutes the upper part of the circulation passage 31 and the exhaust passage 32. The second case 6 mainly has an annular flat surface portion 35 and a side surface portion 36. The annular flat surface portion 35 is a roughly flat annular portion that constitutes the intake port 33. The side surface portion 36 is a roughly cylindrical portion that extends axially from the outer peripheral edge of the annular flat surface portion 35.

[0026] (3-1) Adhesion Portion of Second Case As described above, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the second case 6. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, an annular attachment portion 21 (mounting portion) to which an annular seal sponge 9 (sealing member) is attached is provided on the outer surface (upper surface in the figure) of the annular flat portion 35 of the case body 11. A plurality of individual recesses 22 are formed in the attachment portion 21 and are arranged at equal intervals in the direction in which the attachment portion 21 extends. Each individual recess 22 is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0027] 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3 , illustrating a portion of the attachment surface of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5 , the attachment portion 21 further includes, as an attachment surface, an outer peripheral flat surface 24 (first flat surface) located on the outer peripheral side of the individual recesses 22, an inner peripheral flat surface 25 (second flat surface) located on the inner peripheral side of the individual recesses 22, and a plurality of radial flat surfaces 26 extending between adjacent individual recesses 22 and connecting the outer peripheral flat surface 24 and the inner peripheral flat surface 25. The above configuration and the plurality of individual recesses 22 form the attachment portion 21 in a lattice-like configuration in plan view. An outer peripheral protrusion 27 extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral flat surface 24. An inner peripheral protrusion 28 extending in the axial direction is provided on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral flat surface 25.

[0028] The depth of the individual recesses 22 gradually increases in the direction in which the circular passage 31 extends, from the side farther from the exhaust passage 32 to the side closer to the exhaust passage 32. As a result, the distance (shortest distance) between the bottom surface of each individual recess 22 and the inner surface 12 of the circular passage 31 is the same. This is because, as a prerequisite structure, the thickness of the part of the attachment portion 21 where the individual recesses 22 are not formed (for example, the distance between the outer peripheral plane 24 and the inner peripheral plane 25 and the inner surface 12 of the case body 11) decreases from the side farther from the exhaust passage 32 to the side closer to the exhaust passage 32.

[0029] With the above configuration, the distance (first distance, first thickness) between the bottom surface of the individual recess 22 (first location, first portion) farther from the exhaust passage 32 than the circumferential center point C1 ( FIG. 3 ) of the circular passage 31 and the inner surface 12 of the circular passage 31 is the same as the distance (second distance, second thickness) between the bottom surface of the individual recess 22 (second location, second portion) closer to the exhaust passage 32 than the circumferential center point C1 of the circular passage 31 and the inner surface 12 of the circular passage 31. In this case, "same" means that the difference in thickness is small enough that significant warping (deformation) does not occur due to differential shrinkage between portions with different thicknesses when the resin constituting the case body 11 cools and hardens after molding. For example, a case in which the thinnest portion is 2 mm and the thickest portion is 3 mm (1.5 times the thickness) is also included in the "same" definition in this embodiment. However, it is preferable that the thickness of the thickest portion be less than twice the thickness of the thinnest portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the former be in the range of 1.0 to 1.6 times the thickness of the latter.

[0030] As a result of the above, it is possible to ensure a sufficient adhesive area for the seal sponge 9, and also to make the area of ​​the portion where the distance between the attachment portion 21 and the inner surface 12 of the circular passage 31 is substantially the same large.

[0031] The bottom surface of each individual recess 22 may be flat, curved, or a combination of multiple surface shapes. It is preferable that the distance between the bottom surface of each individual recess 22 and the corresponding inner surface 12 is uniform across the entire bottom surface of each individual recess 22. For example, if the corresponding inner surface 12 is curved, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the individual recess 22 is curved to correspond to the inner surface 12.

[0032] (3-2) Deformation of Seal Sponge Deformation of the seal sponge 9 at the attachment portion 21 will be explained schematically using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of a configuration in which the seal sponge 9 is attached to the attachment surface of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of a configuration in which the seal sponge 9 is attached to the attachment surface of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] 6, the seal sponge 9 is attached to the attachment portion 21. More specifically, the seal sponge 9 is attached to the outer peripheral flat surface 24, the inner peripheral flat surface 25, and the plurality of radial flat surfaces 26 (see FIG. 5) via an adhesive between the outer peripheral protrusion 27 and the inner peripheral protrusion 28. In this state, a gap is secured between the seal sponge 9 and the bottom surface of the individual recess 22.

[0034] 7, when the seal sponge 9 is compressed between the duct 10 and the case body 11, a part of the seal sponge 9 enters the individual recess 22. This is because the minimum compression allowance T1 of the seal sponge 9 is greater than the depth D1 of the individual recess 22. As a result of the above, even if the individual recess 22 is provided, the area of ​​the seal sponge 9 that is in close contact with the attachment portion 21 does not decrease, or decreases only slightly.

[0035] The seal sponge 9 may have a structure in which it does not adhere to the bottom surface of the individual recess 22. In this case, it is preferable to set an appropriate ratio of the area of ​​the individual recess 22 to the attachment portion 21. For example, the ratio of the area of ​​the individual recess 22 to the attachment portion 21 is 40 to 60%.

[0036] (3-3) Specific Shape of Individual Recesses The shape of the individual recesses 22 will be specifically described using FIGS. 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 . FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first recess 221 on the attachment surface of the second case 6 of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second recess 222 on the attachment surface. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the third recess 223 on the attachment surface. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth recess 224 on the attachment surface. In the following description, the first recess 221 and the second recess 222 are each an example of a first location that is farther from the exhaust passage 32 than the circumferential center point C1 (see FIG. 3 ) of the circular passage 31. The third recess 223 and the fourth recess 224 are each an example of a second location that is closer to the exhaust passage 32 than the circumferential center point C1 (see FIG. 3 ) of the circular passage 31.

[0037] 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 3) of the starting point of the circular passage 31 or its vicinity in FIG. 3, showing the first recess 221. The inner peripheral portion of the first recess 221 has a curved surface shape that follows the curved surface shape of the inner surface 12. The inner peripheral portion of the first recess 221 has a thickness t11 (shortest distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the inner surface 12). The outer peripheral portion of the first recess 221 has a flat shape. The outer peripheral portion of the first recess 221 has a thickness t12 (shortest distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the inner surface 12).

[0038] 9 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows II-II in FIG. 3) of the first midpoint of the circular passage 31 in FIG. 3, showing the second recess 222. The second recess 222 is located closer to the start point of the circular passage 31 than the circumferential center point C1. The second recess 222 has a planar shape that follows the planar shape of the inner surface 12, and has a thickness t2 (the shortest distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the inner surface 12). The thickness t2 is equal to or less than the thicknesses t11 and t12.

[0039] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second midpoint of the circular passage 31 in FIG. 3 (a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 3), showing the third recess 223. The third recess 223 is located closer to the end point of the circular passage 31 than the circumferential center point C1. The third recess 223 has a curved surface shape that follows the curved surface shape of the inner surface 12, and has a thickness t3 (the shortest distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the inner surface 12). The thickness t3 is equal to or less than the thickness t2.

[0040] 11 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows IV-IV in FIG. 3) of the end point of the circular passage 31 or its vicinity in FIG. 3, showing the fourth recess 224. The fourth recess 224 has a curved surface shape that follows the curved surface shape of the inner surface 12, and has a thickness t4 (the shortest distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the inner surface 12). The thickness t4 is equal to or less than the thickness t3.

[0041] (4) Modification of the First Embodiment The individual recesses 22 are arranged at equal intervals in the direction in which the circular passage 31 extends. However, the intervals may vary. For example, the intervals may become wider or narrower as the distance to the exhaust passage 32 increases.

[0042] The individual recesses 22 are rectangular in plan view. However, the individual recesses 22 may have other shapes in plan view. Furthermore, individual recesses of different planar shapes may be provided on one attachment surface.

[0043] The bottom surfaces of the individual recesses 22 all have the same area. However, the areas may be different from one another. For example, the bottom surfaces of the individual recesses 22 may have areas that increase or decrease as they approach the exhaust passage 32.

[0044] The individual recesses 22 are separated from one another. However, the individual recesses 22 may be connected to one another by a connecting recess that extends in the direction in which the circular passage 31 extends. In this case, the width of the connecting recess is not particularly limited.

[0045] The plurality of individual recesses 22 are formed around the entire circumference of the attachment portion 21. However, the plurality of individual recesses 22 may be formed only on a part of the entire circumference of the attachment portion 21.

[0046] The recess formed in the attachment portion may be a single recess along the extension direction of the attachment portion.

[0047] The radial plane 26 is connected to the outer circumferential plane 24 and the inner circumferential plane 25. However, the radial plane 26 may be separated from both. In other words, a recess may be provided between the radial plane 26 and the outer circumferential plane 24 and the inner circumferential plane 25.

[0048] The radial plane 26 extends in the radial direction. However, the radial plane 26 may extend obliquely so as to follow the flow of gas flowing from the centrifugal fan 4 toward the circulation passage 31.

[0049] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the inner surface 12 of the case body 11 has a smoothly extending shape. However, a groove may be provided on the inner surface 12 of the case body 11.

[0050] The above structure will be described as a second embodiment using Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a partial plan view of the inner surface of the second cover in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The basic configuration and basic operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0051] (1) Groove formed on the inner surface of the case body Fig. 12 shows a part of the inner surface 12A of the annular flat portion 35A of the case body 11A. Specifically, the attachment portion 21A, the plurality of individual recesses 22A, the outer peripheral flat surface 24A, and the inner peripheral flat surface 25A on the opposite side are shown by dashed lines.

[0052] A groove 15A is provided on the inner surface 12A of the case body 11A. Specifically, the groove 15A has a first portion 151A formed at a position corresponding to the outer circumferential plane 24A (between the outer circumferential edge and the inner circumferential edge of the outer circumferential plane 24A in a plan view) and a second portion 152A formed at a position corresponding to the plurality of individual recesses 22A (between both circumferential edges of the radial plane 26A in a plan view).

[0053] The first and second portions 151A, 152A of the groove 15A gradually increase in depth in the direction in which the circular passage extends, from the side farther from the exhaust passage to the side closer to the exhaust passage. As a result, the distance between the bottom surfaces of the first and second portions 151A, 152A of the groove 15A and the outer circumferential plane 24A and the radial plane 26A of the attachment portion 21A is the same. This is because, as a prerequisite structure, the thickness of the portion of the attachment portion 21A where the individual recesses 22A are not formed (the distance between the outer circumferential plane 24A and the inner circumferential plane 25A and the inner surface 12A of the case body 11A) decreases from the side farther from the exhaust passage to the side closer to the exhaust passage.

[0054] The groove 15A makes the thickness of the case body 11A in the portion other than the individual recess 22A in the attachment portion 21A equal to or close to the thickness of the case body 11A in the individual recess 22A. As a result, the area of ​​the portion where the distance between the attachment portion 21A and the inner surface 12A of the circular passage is substantially the same can be made sufficiently large.

[0055] (2) Modification of the Second Embodiment The shape and position of the groove are not particularly limited.

[0056] The grooves may be formed at positions corresponding to both the outer circumferential plane and the inner circumferential plane.

[0057] The grooves do not necessarily have to be formed at positions corresponding to the radial planes, but may be formed only at positions corresponding to the radial planes.

[0058] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the attachment portion is provided with a recess. However, the attachment portion may have a flat shape without a recess.

[0059] The above structure will be described as a third embodiment using Figures 13 to 16. Figure 13 is a plan view of the second case 6B of the fan case 2 of the blower 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the second case 6B at the fifth recess on the attachment surface 22B. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth recess on the attachment surface 22B. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh recess on the attachment surface 22B. The basic configuration and basic operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the basic configuration and basic operation of the third embodiment will focus on the differences.

[0060] (1) Adhesion Portion of Case Body The adhesion portion 21B has a flat adhesion surface 22B. The seal sponge 9B is adhered to the adhesion surface 22B.

[0061] The portion of the inner surface 12B of the case body 11B corresponding to the bonding surface 22B has a flat or curved surface that extends smoothly along the direction of the circular passage 31B. As a result, the distance between the bonding surface 22B and the portion of the inner surface 12B corresponding to the bonding portion 21B of the case body 11B is uniform throughout the entire circumference in the direction of the circular passage 31B. In this case, "same" means that the difference in thickness is small enough that significant warping (deformation) does not occur due to differential shrinkage between the portions with different thicknesses when the resin constituting the case body 11B cools and hardens after molding. For example, a case in which the thinnest portion is 2 mm and the thickest portion is 3 mm (1.5 times the thickness) is also considered "same" in this embodiment. However, it is preferable that the thickness of the thickest portion be less than twice the thickness of the thinnest portion. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the former be in the range of 1.0 to 1.6 times the thickness of the latter.

[0062] As a result of the above, it is possible to ensure a sufficient adhesive area for the seal sponge 9B, and also to sufficiently widen the area of ​​the portion where the distance between the pasted portion 21B and the inner surface 12B of the circular passage 31B is substantially the same.

[0063] With the above configuration, the distance (first distance) between the attachment surface 22B (first location) on the side farther from the exhaust passage 32B than the circumferential center point C1 (see Figure 13) of the circular passage 31B and the inner surface 12B is the same as the distance (second distance) between the attachment surface 22B (second location) on the side closer to the exhaust passage 32B than the circumferential center point C1 (see Figure 13) and the inner surface 12B.

[0064] (2) Specific Shape of the Adhesion Portion The relationship between the attachment portion 21B and the inner surface 12B will be specifically described using Figures 14, 15, and 16. In the following description, the first portion 221B and the second portion 222B are examples of a first location that is farther from the exhaust passage 32B than the circumferential center point C1 of the circular passage 31B. The third portion 223B is an example of a second location that is closer to the exhaust passage 32B than the circumferential center point C1 of the circular passage 31B.

[0065] 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the V-V arrow in FIG. 13) of a first intermediate point of the circular passage 31B in FIG. 13, showing the first portion 221B. The first portion 221B is located closer to the starting point of the circular passage 31B than the circumferential center point C1. In the first portion 221B, the inner surface 12B has a flat portion on the radially inner side and a curved portion on the radially outer side. The inner surface 12B has a radially inner thickness t51 (shortest distance between the joining surface 22B and the inner surface 12B) and a radially outer thickness t52 (shortest distance between the joining surface 22B and the inner surface 12B).

[0066] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the second midpoint of the circular passage 31B in FIG. 13 (a cross-sectional view taken along arrows VI-VI in FIG. 13 ), showing the second portion 222B. The second portion 222B is located closer to the starting point of the circular passage 31B than the circumferential center point C1. In the second portion 222B, the inner surface 12B has a flat portion on the radially inner side and a curved portion on the radially outer side. The inner surface 12B has a radially inner thickness t61 (shortest distance between the joining surface 22B and the inner surface 12B) and a radially outer thickness t62 (shortest distance between the joining surface 22B and the inner surface 12B). The thicknesses t61 and t62 are equal to or less than the thicknesses t51 and t52, respectively.

[0067] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along arrows VII-VII in Figure 13) of the end point of the circular passage 31B or its vicinity, showing the third portion 223B. The third portion 223B has a planar shape that conforms to the planar shape of the inner surface 12B. The third portion 223B has a thickness t7 (the shortest distance between the attachment surface 22B and the inner surface 12B). The thickness t7 is equal to or less than the thicknesses t61 and t62.

[0068] Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment, the inner surface of the case body 11B corresponding to the attachment portion has a flat shape or a smoothly curved surface shape, but may have a recess.

[0069] The above structure will be described as a fourth embodiment using Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a partial plan view of the inner surface 12C of the second cover in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The basic configuration and basic operation of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0070] The adhering portion 21C has a flat adhering surface 22C.

[0071] On the inner surface 12C of the case body 11C corresponding to the bonding surface 22C, a plurality of individual inner recesses 15C are formed, aligned in the direction in which the bonding surface 22C extends. The plurality of individual inner recesses 15C correspond to the bonding surface 22C and are located near the outer circumferential corners of the inner surface 12C. Each of the plurality of individual inner recesses 15C has a shape that widens in width as it approaches the exhaust passage along the circumferential direction. In this way, the width of the individual inner recess 15C widens from upstream to downstream in the air flow direction. Therefore, within the individual inner recess 15C, air moves downstream while expanding in the width direction. Therefore, the ventilation resistance caused by the individual inner recess 15C is not large.

[0072] The depth of the individual inner recesses 15C gradually increases in the circumferential direction from the side farther from the exhaust passage to the side closer to the exhaust passage. As a result, the distance between the bottom surface of each individual inner recess 15C and the bonding surface 22C is substantially the same. This is because the thickness of the portion of the bonding portion 21C where the individual inner recesses 15C are not formed decreases in the circumferential direction from the side farther from the exhaust passage to the side closer to the exhaust passage.

[0073] However, the distance (first distance, first thickness) between the bottom surface of the individual inner recess 15C (first location, first portion) farther from the exhaust passage than the circumferential center point of the circular passage and the attachment surface 22C may be longer than the distance (second distance, second thickness) between the bottom surface of the individual inner recess 15C (second location, second portion) closer to the exhaust passage than the circumferential center point of the air passage and the inner surface 12C. Note that the former is preferably less than twice the latter. It is more preferable that the former be in the range of 1.0 to 1.6 times the latter.

[0074] As a result of the above, it is possible to ensure a sufficient adhesive area for the seal sponge, and also to sufficiently widen the area of ​​the portion where the distance between the pasted portion 21C and the inner surface 12C of the circular passage is substantially the same.

[0075] The shape of the individual inner recess 15C in a plan view is not particularly limited, and the number, positions, and intervals of the individual inner recess 15C are not particularly limited.

[0076] The bottom surface of each individual inner recess 15C may be flat, curved, or a combination of multiple surface shapes.

[0077] Fifth Embodiment A vehicle 51 (mobile object) including the blower 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 51 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 18, the vehicle 51 includes the blower 1, a battery 52 (object to be cooled), a control device 53, a cable 54, a cable 56, and a vehicle body 55 (main body of the vehicle).

[0079] 18, a vehicle 51 is a four-wheel hybrid vehicle in which an engine and a driving battery 52 are mounted on a vehicle body 55. The vehicle 51 is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, and may be an electric vehicle.

[0080] The vehicle 51 on which the blower 1 is mounted is not limited to a four-wheeled vehicle, but may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or other vehicle (automobile). The object to be cooled may be a part other than the battery 52.

[0081] The vehicle body 55 is provided with the blower 1, the battery 52, the control device 53, the cable 54, and the cable 56.

[0082] The battery 52 is configured by, for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 52 supplies power to the blower 1, a drive motor for running the vehicle 51, etc.

[0083] The control device 53 is electrically connected to the blower 1 via a cable 54. The control device 53 controls the blower 1. More specifically, the control device 53 is electrically connected to a motor drive circuit of the blower 1 via a cable 54. The control device 53 controls the battery 52 via a cable 56. More specifically, the control device 53 controls the power supply from the battery 52 to the blower 1, the drive motor, etc.

[0084] The blower 1 used in the vehicle 51 functions as a cooling fan system to suppress a rise in temperature of the battery 52. ​​When the control device 53 controls the blower 1 to blow air from the blower 1 toward the battery 52, the air is sent from the blower 1 to the battery 52. ​​This air-cools the battery 52, suppressing a rise in temperature of the battery 52.

[0085] (Combination of Embodiments) Each of the above-described embodiments is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The configurations of the first to fifth embodiments can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0086] (Aspects) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0087] A blower (1) according to a first aspect includes a case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) that constitutes a part of a circulation passage (31, 31B) and an exhaust passage (32, 32B). The case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) has annular mounting portions (21, 21A, 21B, 21C) on the outer surface of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) that are provided with mounting surfaces (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A, 22B, 22C) to which a sealing member (9, 9B) is attached. The attachment portion (21, 21A, 21B, 21C) has, in the circumferential direction in which the circular passage (31, 31B) extends, a first location that is farther from the exhaust passage (32, 32B) than a circumferential center point (C1) of the circular passage (31, 31B), and a second location that is closer to the exhaust passage (32, 32B) than the circumferential center point (C1) of the circular passage (31, 31B). A first thickness of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) at the first location is equal to or greater than a second thickness of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) at the second location.

[0088] According to this aspect, in the attachment portion (21, 21A, 21B, 21C), the first thickness of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) at the first location is equal to or greater than the second thickness of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) at the second location. Therefore, the difference in thickness of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) at the attachment portion (21, 21A, 21B, 21C) in the direction in which the circulating passage (31) extends is small. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage in the portions with different thicknesses is less likely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) can be obtained in which the mounting surfaces (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A, 22B, 22C) of the case body (11, 11A, 11B, 11C) to which the sealing members (9, 9B) are attached have high flatness.

[0089] In the blower (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the case body (11, 11A) has recesses (22, 22A) formed at different positions in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the mounting portion (21, 21A). The recesses (22, 22A) have a first portion as a first location and a second portion as a second location. A first distance between a bottom surface of the first portion as a first thickness and an inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A) is equal to or greater than a second distance between a bottom surface of the second portion as a second thickness and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A).

[0090] According to this aspect, in the recess (22, 22A) provided in the mounting portion (21, 21A), the first distance between the bottom surface of the first portion and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A) is equal to or greater than the second distance between the bottom surface of the second portion and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A). Therefore, the difference in thickness of the case body (11, 11A) at the recess (22, 22A) of the mounting portion (21, 21A) in the direction along which the circulating passage (31) extends is reduced. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11, 11A) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage of portions with different thicknesses is less likely to occur. As a result, the blower (1) can be obtained, in which the mounting surfaces (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A) of the case body (11, 11A) to which the seal member (9) is attached have high flatness.

[0091] In the blower according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the recess (22, 22A) has a plurality of individual recesses (22, 22A) formed in the mounting portion and aligned in the circumferential direction. The plurality of individual recesses (22, 22A) have a first individual recess (22, 22A) as a first portion and a second individual recess (22, 22A) as a second portion.

[0092] According to this aspect, the first distance between the bottom surface of the first individual recess (22, 22A) and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A) is equal to or greater than the second distance between the bottom surface of the second individual recess (22, 22A) and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A). Therefore, the difference in thickness of the case body (11, 11A) between the first individual recess (22, 22A) and the second individual recess (22, 22A) in the direction along which the circular passage (31) extends is small. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11, 11A) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) due to differential shrinkage between portions of different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, the blower (1) can be obtained, with a high degree of flatness of the mounting surface (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A) of the case body (11, 11A) to which the seal member (9) is attached.

[0093] In the blower (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the mounting portion has a first plane (24, 24A) provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of individual recesses (22, 22A) and a second plane (25, 25A) provided on the inner periphery of the plurality of individual recesses (22, 22A).

[0094] According to this aspect, the first plane (24, 24A) and the second plane (25, 25A) function as mounting surfaces (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A) to which the seal member (9) is attached.

[0095] In the blower (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the distances between the first plane (24, 24A) and the second plane (25, 25A) and the inner surface (12, 12A) of the case body (11, 11A) become shorter along the circumferential direction toward the exhaust passage (32), and the depths of the plurality of individual recesses (22, 22A) become smaller along the circumferential direction toward the exhaust passage (32).

[0096] According to this aspect, the difference in thickness of the case body (11, 11A) between the first individual recess (22, 22A) and the second individual recess (22, 22A) is small in the direction in which the circular passage (31) extends. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11, 11A) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage at the portions with different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) is obtained in which the mounting surfaces (24, 25, 26, 24A, 25A, 26A) of the case body (11, 11A) to which the seal member (9) is attached have high flatness.

[0097] In the blower (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the case body (11A) has a groove portion (15A) provided on the inner surface (12A) at a position corresponding to at least one of the first plane (24A) and the second plane (25A) in a plan view.

[0098] According to this aspect, the thickness of the case body (11A) can be reduced at the first plane (24A) and the second plane (25A).

[0099] In the blower (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the first aspect, the mounting surface (22B) has a planar shape. The distance between the mounting surface (22B) and the inner surface (12B) of the case body (11B) corresponding to the mounting surface (22B) is the same at the first location and the second location.

[0100] According to this aspect, the thickness of the case body (11B) of the mounting portion (21B) is the same at the first and second locations in the direction in which the circular passage (31B) extends. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11B) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage at the portions with different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) is obtained in which the mounting surface (22B) of the case body (11B) to which the seal member (9B) is attached has high flatness.

[0101] In the blower (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the first aspect, the case body (11C) further has inner recesses (15C) formed at different positions in the circumferential direction on an inner surface (12C) of the case body (11C) corresponding to the mounting surface (22C). The mounting surface (22C) has a planar shape. The inner recesses (15C) have a first portion as a first location and a second portion as a second location. A first distance, as a first thickness, between a bottom surface of the first portion and the mounting surface (22C) is equal to or greater than a second distance, as a second thickness, between a bottom surface of the second portion and the mounting surface (22C).

[0102] According to this aspect, in the inner recess (15C) of the case body (11C), the first distance between the mounting surface of the first portion and the inner surface (12C) of the case body (11C) is equal to or greater than the second distance between the mounting surface (22C) of the second portion and the inner surface (12C) of the case body (11C). Therefore, the difference in thickness of the case body (11C) at the inner recess (15C) corresponding to the mounting portion (21C) in the direction in which the circulation passage (31) extends is small. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11C) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage between portions of different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) is obtained in which the mounting surface (22C) of the case body (11C) to which the seal member is attached has high flatness.

[0103] In the blower (1) according to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the inner recess (15C) has a plurality of individual inner recesses (15C) formed side by side in the circumferential direction. The plurality of individual inner recesses (15C) have a first individual inner recess (15C) as a first portion and a second individual inner recess (15C) as a second portion.

[0104] According to this aspect, the first distance between the bottom surface of the first individual inner recess (15C) and the mounting surface (22C) is equal to or greater than the second distance between the bottom surface of the second individual inner recess (15C) and the mounting surface (22C). Therefore, the difference in thickness of the case body (11C) between the first individual inner recess (15C) and the second individual inner recess (15C) in the circumferential direction is small. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11C) cools and hardens after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage between the portions with different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) is obtained in which the mounting surface (22C) of the case body (11C) to which the seal member is attached has high flatness.

[0105] In the blower (1) according to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the distance between the mounting surface (22C) and the inner surface (12C) of the case body (11C) decreases in the circumferential direction toward the exhaust passage, and the depths of the plurality of individual inner recesses (15C) decrease in the circumferential direction toward the exhaust passage.

[0106] According to this aspect, the thickness of the case body (11C) in the first individual inner recess (15C) and the second individual inner recess (15C) is uniform in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the resin constituting the case body (11C) is cooled and hardened after molding, warping (deformation) caused by differential shrinkage in the portions with different thicknesses is unlikely to occur. As a result, a blower (1) is obtained in which the mounting surface of the case body (11C) to which the seal member is attached has high flatness.

[0107] In the blower (1) according to an eleventh aspect, in the ninth or tenth aspect, each of the plurality of individual inner recesses (15C) has a shape whose width increases circumferentially toward the exhaust passage side.

[0108] According to this aspect, the width of the individual inner recess (15C) increases from upstream to downstream in the air flow direction, so that the air moves downstream while expanding in the width direction within the individual inner recess (15C). Therefore, the ventilation resistance caused by the individual inner recess (15C) does not increase.

[0109] The moving body (51) according to the twelfth aspect comprises the above-mentioned blower (1), an object to be cooled (52) cooled by the blower (1), and a moving body main body (55) on which the blower (1) and the object to be cooled (52) are mounted.

[0110] According to this aspect, the effect of the blower (1) can be obtained in the moving body (51).

[0111] 1: Blower 2: Fan case 3: Motor 4: Centrifugal fan 9, 9B: Seal sponge (sealing member) 11, 11A, 11B, 11C: Case body 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: Inner surface 15A: Groove 15C: Individual inner recess 21, 21A, 21B, 21C: Adhesion portion (mounting portion) 22, 22A: Individual recess 22B, 22C: Adhesion surface (mounting surface) 24, 24A: Outer peripheral flat surface (first flat surface) 25, 25A: Inner peripheral flat surface (second flat surface) 31, 31B: Circulating passage 32, 32B: Exhaust passage 33: Intake port 34: Exhaust port 51: Vehicle (mobile body) 52: Battery (object to be cooled) 55: Vehicle body (mobile body main body) X1: Shaft center

Claims

1. A blower comprising a case body constituting a circular passage and a part of an exhaust passage, the case body having an annular mounting portion on an outer surface of the case body with a mounting surface for mounting a seal member, the mounting portion having a first location on a side farther from the exhaust passage than a circumferential center point of the circular passage in the circumferential direction in which the circular passage extends, and a second location on a side closer to the exhaust passage than the circumferential center point of the circular passage, and a first thickness of the case body at the first location is equal to or greater than a second thickness of the case body at the second location.

2. A blower as described in claim 1, wherein the case body has recesses formed in different positions in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the mounting portion, the recesses having a first portion as the first location and a second portion as the second location, and a first distance between a bottom surface of the first portion as the first thickness and the inner surface of the case body is greater than or equal to a second distance between a bottom surface of the second portion as the second thickness and the inner surface of the case body.

3. A blower as described in claim 2, wherein the recess has a plurality of individual recesses formed in the mounting portion and aligned in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of individual recesses has a first individual recess as the first portion and a second individual recess as the second portion.

4. A blower as described in claim 3, wherein the mounting portion has a first plane provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of individual recesses, and a second plane provided on the inner periphery of the plurality of individual recesses.

5. A blower as claimed in claim 4, wherein the distance between said first plane and said second plane and the inner surface of said case body becomes shorter in the circumferential direction approaching said exhaust passage, and the depth of said plurality of individual recesses becomes smaller in the circumferential direction approaching said exhaust passage.

6. The blower according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the case body has a groove provided on the inner surface at a position corresponding to at least one of the first plane and the second plane in a plan view.

7. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the mounting surface has a planar shape, and the distance between the mounting surface and the inner surface of the case body corresponding to the mounting surface is the same at the first location and the second location.

8. A blower as described in claim 1, further comprising inner recesses formed over different positions in the circumferential direction on an inner surface of the case body corresponding to the mounting surface, the mounting surface having a planar shape, the inner recess having a first portion as the first location and a second portion as the second location, and a first distance between a bottom surface of the first portion as the first thickness and the mounting surface is greater than or equal to a second distance between a bottom surface of the second portion as the second thickness and the mounting surface.

9. A blower as described in claim 8, wherein the inner recess has a plurality of individual inner recesses formed in a line in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of individual inner recesses have a first individual inner recess as the first portion, and a second individual inner recess as the second portion.

10. The blower as claimed in claim 9, wherein a distance between said mounting surface and said inner surface of said case body becomes shorter in said circumferential direction as it approaches said exhaust passage, and a depth of said plurality of individual inner recesses becomes smaller in said circumferential direction as it approaches said exhaust passage.

11. The blower according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the plurality of individual inner recesses has a shape whose width increases toward the exhaust passage along the circumferential direction.

12. A moving body comprising: a blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 9; an object to be cooled by the blower; and a moving body on which the blower and the object to be cooled are mounted.