Flow path adjustment mechanism and fluid delivery device

Abstract

A flow path adjustment mechanism of a fluid delivery device is able to adjust a flow area of a fluid flowing by driving of a driver. The flow path adjustment mechanism includes a shielding assembly to adjust shielding and opening of at least a portion of a flow surface of a flow path as viewed from a flow direction of the fluid based on a detection result of at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path through which the fluid flows. The fluid delivery device includes the flow path adjustment mechanism and a flow device. The flow device causes the fluid to flow by driving the driver.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flow path adjustment mechanisms and fluid delivery devices.2. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an electronic device including a cooling target unit and a fan unit is known (see, for example, WO 2018 / 084016 A).

[0003] However, in the fan unit described above, when the rotation speed of the blower fan decreases, the blowing efficiency may decrease. In addition, in a case where a plurality of fan units are operated in parallel as in WO 2018 / 084016 A, when the rotation speed of the blower fan decreases in at least one fan unit, the above-described decrease in blowing efficiency is likely to occur in the blower fan in which the rotation speed decreases. Therefore, there is a possibility that the overall air blowing efficiency decreases. Alternatively, there is a possibility that a reverse flow occurs in the blower fan in which the rotation speed is lowered.SUMMARY

[0004] Example embodiments of the present disclosure reduce or prevent a decrease in fluid delivery efficiency.

[0005] An example embodiment of a flow path adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure is able to adjust a flow area of a fluid flowing by driving of a driver. The flow path adjustment mechanism includes a shielding assembly to adjust shielding and opening of at least a portion of a flow surface of the flow path as viewed from a flow direction of the fluid based on a detection result of at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path through which the fluid flows.

[0006] In addition, an example embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present disclosure includes the above-described flow path adjustment mechanism and a flow device. The flow device causes the fluid to flow by driving the driver.

[0007] According to the example embodiments of the flow path adjustment mechanism and the fluid delivery device of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce or prevent a decrease in fluid delivery efficiency.

[0008] The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example embodiment of a fluid delivery device according to the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a fluid delivery device according to the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating another example embodiment of the fluid delivery device.

[0012] FIG. 4A is an external view illustrating a first example embodiment of a flow path adjustment mechanism according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 4B is an external view illustrating a second example embodiment of a flow path adjustment mechanism according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 5A is an external view illustrating a state in which an outlet is closed in a modification example embodiment of the fluid delivery device.

[0015] FIG. 5B is an external view illustrating a state in which an outlet is opened in a modification example embodiment of the fluid delivery device.

[0016] FIG. 5C is an exploded perspective view of the fluid delivery device according to the modification example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a stator blade in the fluid delivery device according to the modification example embodiment as viewed from a radial direction.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an external view illustrating another configuration example of the fluid delivery device according to the modification example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of a stator blade in the fluid delivery device according to the modification example embodiment as viewed from the radial direction.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Example embodiments and modifications thereof will be described with reference to the drawings hereinafter.

[0021] In the present specification, in a fluid delivery device 100, a direction parallel to a rotation axis J of a motor 12 is referred to as an “axial direction”. Of the axial directions, a direction from an inlet 21 to an outlet 22 of a flow path 2 to be described later is referred to as “one axial direction Da”, and a direction from the outlet 22 to the inlet 21 is referred to as “the other axial direction Db”. A direction orthogonal to a predetermined axis (for example, a rotation axis J) is referred to as a “radial direction”, and a rotation direction around the predetermined axis (for example, the rotation axis J) is referred to as a “circumferential direction”. Of the radial directions, a direction approaching the predetermined axis is referred to as “radially inward”, and a direction separating from the predetermined axis is referred to as “radially outward”.

[0022] In the present specification, an “annular shape” includes not only a shape continuously connected without any cut along the entire circumferential direction about a predetermined axis (for example, the rotation axis J) but also a shape having one or more cuts in a portion of the entire circumference direction about the predetermined axis. In addition, a shape that draws a closed curve around a predetermined axis in a curved surface intersecting with the predetermined axis is also included.

[0023] In addition, in a positional relationship between any one of an azimuth, a line, and a plane and another, “parallel” includes not only a state in which both of them do not intersect at all no matter how long they extend, but also a state in which they are substantially parallel. In addition, “perpendicular” and “orthogonal” include not only a state in which both of them intersect each other at 90 degrees, but also a state in which they are substantially perpendicular and a state in which they are substantially orthogonal. In other words, each of “parallel”, “perpendicular”, and “orthogonal” includes a state in which the positional relationship between the two of them permits an angular deviation to a degree not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0024] It is to be noted that the above names are used merely for description, and are not intended to limit actual positional relationships, directions, names, and the like.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a fluid delivery device 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the fluid delivery device 100. FIG. 1 is a view of a cross section of the fluid delivery device 100 cut along a virtual plane including the rotation axis J as viewed from the radial direction. In addition, in FIG. 2, only a functional configuration example of the fluid delivery device 100 is illustrated, and thus description of some components is omitted.

[0026] The fluid delivery device 100 generates a flow of a fluid F and causes the fluid F to flow in the axial direction. In the present example embodiment, the fluid F is air, and the fluid delivery device 100 is a blower. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this exemplification, and the fluid F may be a gas other than the air or a liquid.

[0027] The fluid delivery device 100 includes a fan device 1, a flow path 2, and a flow path adjustment mechanism 3. In the fluid delivery device 100, a decrease in the delivery efficiency of the fluid F can be suppressed as described later.<1-1. Fan Device 1>

[0028] The fan device 1 includes an impeller 11, a motor 12, a housing 13, a rib 14, a substrate 15, a detector 16, and a fan controller 17. The fan device 1 is an example of a “flow device” of the present disclosure, and causes the fluid F to flow by driving the impeller 11.

[0029] The impeller 11 is an example of a “driver” of the present disclosure, and is rotatable about the rotation axis J. The impeller 11 includes an impeller base (reference numeral is omitted) and a rotor blade 111. The impeller base has a plate shape extending in the radial direction. The rotor blades 111 extend radially outward from the radially outer end of the impeller base and are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J.

[0030] The motor 12 is an example of a “drive assembly” of the present disclosure, and rotationally drives the impeller 11. As described above, the fan device 1 includes the motor 12. Specifically, the motor 12 has a shaft 121. The shaft 121 is a shaft extending along the rotation axis J. The other axial end of the shaft 121 is connected to the rotation center of the impeller 11 (specifically, the impeller base). The shaft 121 is rotatable about the rotation axis J together with the impeller 11 in accordance with rotation of the rotor (not illustrated) of the motor 12.

[0031] The housing 13 has a tubular shape extending in the axial direction and surrounds the impeller 11 and the motor 12. That is, the impeller 11 and the motor 12 are accommodated in the housing 13. The inside of the housing 13 functions as a portion of the flow path 2. At the axial ends of the housing 13, openings that function as an inlet 131 and an outlet 132 to be described later are arranged. A portion of the flow path 2 is disposed between the radially outer surface of the motor 12 and the inner peripheral surface (radially inner surface) of the housing 13.

[0032] Preferably, the flow path 2 located inside the fan device 1 has a cylindrical shape extending from the inlet 131 side to the outlet 132 side of the fluid F in the axial direction. Further, at an axial end of the flow path 2 for example, a recess that is recessed in the axial direction from the axial end and is open to the radially inner surface of the flow path 2 or the like is not disposed. Thus, for example, at least the inner diameter of the flow path 2 located inside the fan device 1 can be made the same size in the axial direction. Therefore, the flow resistance of the fluid F flowing in the flow path 2 can be reduced.

[0033] The plurality of ribs 14 support the motor 12 with respect to the housing 13 and are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J. The radially inner end of the rib 14 is connected to the radially outer surface of the motor 12, and the radially outer end of the rib 14 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 13. Each rib 14 is an example of a “first rib” of the present disclosure, and extends at least radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the flow path 2 and extends in the axial direction. As described above, the fan device 1 includes the rib 14. The rib 14 functions as a stator vane Sv in the present example embodiment, and rectifies the fluid F flowing through the flow path 2.

[0034] The substrate 15 has a plate shape extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction (for example, a radial direction), and is attached to one axial end of the motor 12. When viewed from the axial direction, the outer shape of the substrate 15 may be inside the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end thereof) or may be disposed at the same position as the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end thereof). However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the outer shape of the substrate 15 is outside the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end portion thereof) when viewed from the axial direction.

[0035] The detector 16 is a sensor for detecting at least one of the driving state of the impeller 11 and the state of the fluid F in the flow path 2, and outputs a detection result to the fan controller 17. The driving state of the impeller 11 is, for example, the presence or absence of rotation of the impeller 11, the direction of rotation, the number of rotations per unit time, and the like. The state of the fluid F is, for example, the temperature of the fluid F, the flow direction, the flow velocity, the pressure of the fluid F in the axial direction, and the like. Thus, for example, the shielding and opening of the flow path 2 can be adjusted based on the detection result of the detector 16.

[0036] The detector 16 includes a first detector 161, a second detector 162, and a third detector (not illustrated). The first detector 161 is disposed, for example, on the inlet 131 side of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 13, and is preferably disposed on the other side Db in the axial direction with respect to the impeller 11. The first detector 161 detects the state of the fluid F on the side of the inlet 131 with respect to the impeller 11, and outputs the state to the fan controller 17. For example, the second detector 162 is disposed on the one axial direction Da side with respect to the impeller 11, and is preferably disposed on the outlet 132 side of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 13. The second detector 162 detects the state of the fluid F on the outlet 132 side with respect to the impeller 11, and outputs the state to the fan controller 17. The third detector is, for example, a sensor unit such as a Hall element or an encoder, detects a driving state of the impeller 11, and outputs the driving state to the fan controller 17.

[0037] The fan controller 17 is an example of a “flow controller” of the present disclosure, and controls the fan device 1 based on information, programs, and the like stored in a memory (not illustrated) which is a non-transitory storage medium. For example, the fan controller 17 is mounted on the substrate 15, and controls driving (in other words, rotation of the impeller 11) of the motor 12 based on a detection result of the detector 16. The fan controller 17 compares the first detection result of the first detector 161 with the first detection result of the second detector 162, and controls driving of the motor 12 (rotation of the impeller 11) based on the comparison result.

[0038] The flow path 2 is a passage through which the fluid F flows, and in the present example embodiment, the flow path 2 includes an internal space of the housing 13 and an opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 described later. The outlet 22 is disposed at one axial end of the flow path 2, and the inlet 21 is disposed at the other axial end of the flow path 2. The inlet 21 is an opening into which the fluid F flows, and the outlet 22 is an opening from which the fluid F flows out.

[0039] Next, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B. FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating another configuration example of the fluid delivery device 100. FIG. 4A is an external view illustrating a first example of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. FIG. 4B is an external view illustrating a second example of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. In FIG. 4A, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed at the other axial end of the fan device 1.

[0040] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can adjust a flow area of the fluid F flowing by driving (rotating) the impeller 11. As described above, the impeller 11 is an example of the “driver” of the present disclosure. The flow area here means a cross-sectional area as viewed from the axial direction of the flow path 2 through which the fluid F can pass. The flow surface is a cross section viewed from the axial direction of the flow path 2 through which the fluid F can pass. In the present example embodiment, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed at the other axial end of the fan device 1 (on the inlet 21 side of the flow path 2). In this way, the amount and the flow velocity of the fluid F sucked into the flow path 2 by the fan device 1 can be adjusted.

[0041] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3a may be disposed at one axial end of the fan device 1 (on the outlet 132 side of the flow path 2). In this way, the amount and the flow velocity of the fluid F delivered from the flow path 2 by the fan device 1 can be adjusted.

[0042] Alternatively, the flow path adjustment mechanisms 3 and 3a may be disposed at both the other axial end (the inlet 131 side) and the one axial end (the outlet 132 side) of the fan device 1 respectively.

[0043] Hereinafter, the flow path adjustment mechanisms 3 and 3a may be collectively referred to as a “flow path adjustment mechanism 3”.

[0044] Alternatively, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 may be disposed between a plurality of fan devices 1 connected in series. For example, in FIG. 3, a plurality of fan devices 1 are connected in series in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis J. The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed between the outlet 132 of a preceding-stage fan device 1a and the inlet 131 of a subsequent-stage fan device 1b. In this way, the flow path area of the fluid F delivered from the fan device 1a at the preceding stage to the fan device 1b at the subsequent stage can be adjusted.

[0045] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 includes a shielding assembly 31 and a frame 32. The shielding assembly 31 can adjust shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 as viewed from the flow direction (for example, the axial direction) of the fluid F, based on the detection result by the detector 16. Here, shielding means that the flow of the fluid F is blocked by the shielding assembly 31 by increasing the area of the shielding assembly 31 overlapping the flow path 2 in the flow direction of the fluid F. Opening means to suppress the shielding of the flow of the fluid F by the shielding assembly 31 by reducing the area of the shielding assembly 31 overlapping the flow path 2 in the flow direction of the fluid F. The above-described detection result is, for example, at least one of the driving state of the impeller 11 and the state of the fluid F in the flow path 2 through which the fluid F flows. In this way, since the flow area of the fluid F can be adjusted by the shielding assembly 31, a decrease in the delivery efficiency of the fluid F can be suppressed. In addition, when foreign matter such as dust or liquid is mixed in the fluid F, the foreign matter can be shielded, and the foreign matter can be prevented from flowing in the flowing direction.

[0046] The frame 32 is a housing that supports the shielding assembly 31 so as to be able to be driven, and is attached to an axial end of the fan device 1. The opening 321 is disposed at the center of the frame 32 as viewed in the axial direction. The opening 321 penetrates the frame 32 in the axial direction. The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 includes the opening 321. The opening 321 is connected to an end of the flow path 2 on the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 side in the axial direction.

[0047] Preferably, when viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening 321 is the same as the inner diameter of an end of the flow path 2 on the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 side in the axial direction, and the outer edge of the opening 321 corresponds to, for example, the outer edge of the end of the flow path 2. Alternatively, when viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening 321 may be larger than the inner diameter of an end of the flow path 2 on the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 side in the axial direction, and the outer edge of the opening 321 may surround the outer edge of the end of the flow path 2. In other words, when viewed from the axial direction, the opening 321 may overlap (for example, coincide) with the end of the flow path 2 or may overlap so as to contain the entire end of the flow path 2. Thus, the fluid resistance in the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be reduced, and the fluid F can smoothly flow from one of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 and the fan device 1 to the other. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the inner diameter of the opening 321 is smaller than the inner diameter of an end of the flow path 2 on the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 side in the axial direction and a configuration in which the outer edge of the end of the flow path 2 surrounds the outer edge of the opening 321.

[0048] Preferably, when the impeller 11 is started to be driven, the shielding assembly 31 shields the above-described flow surface entirely. By shielding the entire flow surface of the flow path 2 to prevent the flow of the fluid F, it is possible to prevent the flow of the fluid F from applying an excessive load to the impeller 11 at the start of driving the impeller 11. Therefore, the rotation of the impeller 11 can be smoothly started. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the shielding assembly 31 shields only a portion of the above-described flow surface at the start of driving of the impeller 11 and a configuration in which the shielding assembly 31 does not shield the above-described flow surface at the start of driving of the impeller 11.

[0049] The configuration of the shielding assembly 31 is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the shielding assembly 31 may have a configuration like a blind shutter. In FIG. 4A, a plurality of shielding plates 311 extending in the left-right direction in the drawing are arranged in the up-down direction in the drawing. One axial end of each shielding plate 311 is connected to the frame 32 in a turnable manner. The other axial end of each shielding plate 311 is turnable about one axial end of the shielding plate 311. When the other axial end of each shielding plate 311 is turned to the other axial direction Db (and upward in the drawing), the opening 321 connected to the flow path 2 is opened. That is, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is opened. On the other hand, when the other axial end of each shielding plate 311 is turned in the one axial direction Da (and downward in the drawing), the opening 321 connected to the flow path 2 is shielded. That is, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is shielded.

[0050] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the shielding assembly 31 may be configured to open and close the flow path 2 using an iris diaphragm. In FIG. 4B, a plurality of diaphragm blades 312 are disposed in the circumferential direction. One end of the diaphragm blade 312 is turnably connected to the frame 32 radially outside the opening 321. The other end of the diaphragm blade 312 is turnable radially inward. A plate-shaped base 313 extending perpendicularly to the axial direction is disposed in a central portion of the opening 321 when viewed from the axial direction. For example, the base 313 is supported by a rib (not illustrated) with respect to the frame 32. A plurality of the ribs are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J. One end of the rib is connected to the radially outer surface of the base 314, and the other end of the rib is connected to the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 321 of) the frame 32.

[0051] An annular space Sa formed between the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 321 of) the frame 32 and the plate-shaped base 313 is connected to the flow path 2. The space Sa is shielded by the other end of the diaphragm blade 312 when the diaphragm blade 312 is turned radially inward. That is, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is shielded. In addition, the above-described space Sa is opened when the other end of the diaphragm blade 312 is turned radially outward, and is connected to the outside of the fluid delivery device 100. That is, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is opened.

[0052] The shielding assembly 31 may be made of resin. For example, the shielding plate 311 in FIG. 4A and the diaphragm blade 312 in FIG. 4B may be made of resin. Thus, the shielding assembly 31 can be reduced in weight. In addition, since the manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced, the productivity of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be improved.

[0053] Alternatively, the shielding assembly 31 may be made of metal. For example, the shielding plate 311 in FIG. 4A and the diaphragm blade 312 in FIG. 4B may be made of metal. Thus, the shielding plate 311, the diaphragm blade 312, and the like can be thinned while suppressing or preventing a decrease in strength. In addition, even when electromagnetic waves are emitted from the motor 12 that drives the impeller 11, electronic components mounted on the substrate 15, and the like, the electromagnetic waves can be shielded.

[0054] The shielding assembly 31 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is driven by a component different from the motor 12. For example, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes a shielding driving unit 33 (see FIG. 2). The shielding driving unit 33 drives the shielding assembly 31. The drive mechanism thereof is not particularly limited. Thus, even if a problem occurs in the motor 12, the shielding assembly 31 can be driven without being affected by the problem.

[0055] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes a shielding controller 34 (see FIG. 2). The shielding controller 34 controls the shielding driving unit 33 to, for example, drive and control the shielding assembly 31. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the drive of the shielding assembly 31 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 and the shielding driving unit 33 may be controlled by the fan controller 17 of the fan device 1. When the fan controller 17 controls both the drive of the fan device 1 and the shielding assembly 31 and the shielding driving unit 33, the fluid delivery device 100 can more easily adjust the shielding and opening of the flow surface of the flow path 2 according to the rotation of the impeller 11. Furthermore, the drive of the shielding assembly 31 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 and the shielding driving unit 33 may be controlled by a controller of an electronic device on which the fan device 1 is mounted.

[0056] An instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 may be transmitted by wired communication. Thus, the fluid delivery device 100 can transmit the instruction signal without concern of communication failure.

[0057] Alternatively, an instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 may be transmitted by wireless communication. This eliminates the need for the wiring for transmitting the instruction signal, so that the space occupied by the wiring can be omitted. Therefore, the fluid delivery device 100 can be made compact. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in designing the fluid delivery device 100 can be improved.

[0058] Preferably, shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 are adjusted based on a detection result by the detector 16. Thus, the shielding assembly 31 can adjust the shielding and opening of the flow surface based on at least one of the driving state of the impeller 11 and the state of the fluid F in the flow path 2 (temperature, flow rate, flow velocity, etc.).

[0059] More preferably, the shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 are adjusted by the shielding assembly 31 based on the first detection result of the first detector 161 and the second detection result of the second detector 162. Thus, the fluid delivery device 100 can estimate the state of the fluid F flowing through the flow path 2 based on the first detection result and the second detection result, and can shield and open the flow surface of the flow path 2 based on the estimation result.

[0060] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes an adjustment switch 35 (see FIG. 2). A portion of the adjustment switch 35 is operable by a mechanical operation. The shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow path 2 by the shielding assembly 31 are continuously adjusted in a plurality of stages or in a stepless manner according to the operation of the adjustment switch 35. Thus, the shielding assembly 31 can be driven by the mechanical operation of adjustment switch 35.

[0061] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes a transmission 361 (see FIG. 2). The transmission 361 converts torque of a shaft extending along a predetermined axis and rotating around the axis into a first driving force, and transmits the first driving force to the adjustment switch 35. Thus, the direction of the first driving force is determined according to the direction of the torque. Therefore, the mechanical operation of the adjustment switch 35 can be performed based on the direction and the magnitude of the first driving force.

[0062] The “(predetermined) axis” and the “shaft” described above may be the rotation axis J and the shaft 121, respectively. Thus, the flow surface of the flow path 2 can be shielded or opened according to the rotation direction of the impeller 11 rotating about the rotation axis J. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the above-described “(predetermined) axis” and “shaft” may not be the rotation axis J and the shaft 121, respectively.

[0063] The configuration of the transmission 361 is not particularly limited. For example, the transmission 361 may have a magnetic portion and use the magnetic force of the magnetic portion. The transmission 361 may perform at least one of conversion from torque to the first driving force and transmission of the first driving force to the adjustment switch 35 using the magnetic force.

[0064] For example, a magnet gear can be used as the magnetic portion. In the magnet gear, different magnetic poles (that is, the N pole and the S pole) are alternately arranged in the rotation direction. When one of the magnet gears arranged to face each other with a space therebetween is rotated, a repulsive force between the same type of magnetic poles and an attractive force between the different types of magnetic poles act alternately between the magnet gears, so that the other magnet gear can be rotated. Therefore, the power can be transmitted from one of the magnet gears to the other without contact.

[0065] By using the magnetic force, the transmission 361 can convert the torque of the shaft into the first driving force of the adjustment switch 35 or transmit the first driving force to the adjustment switch 35, for example, in a non-contact manner. Therefore, the life of the transmission 361 can be extended. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the transmission 361 does not use a magnetic force. For example, the transmission 361 may be a gear mechanism in which a plurality of gears having no magnetism mesh.

[0066] Further, in the present example embodiment, the transmission 361 performs conversion into the first driving force and transmission to the adjustment switch 35 both at the time of shielding and at the time of opening the flow surface of the flow path 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the transmission 361 may perform the above-described conversion and transmission only when the flow surface of the flow path 2 is shielded or opened.

[0067] In this case, for example, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes a biasing structure 362 (see FIG. 2). The biasing structure 362 applies, to the adjustment switch 35, a second driving force to shield at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2. For the biasing structure 362, for example, an elastic material such as a torsion coil spring or a leaf spring can be used. On the other hand, the transmission 361 transmits the first driving force to open at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 to the adjustment switch 35.

[0068] The biasing structure 362 (for example, an elastic member) applies an elastic force or the like to the adjustment switch 35 as a second driving force. Therefore, even when the first driving force is not transmitted to the adjustment switch 35 (when the transmission 361 does not operate), the second driving force is applied to the adjustment switch 35, so that the flow surface of the flow path 2 can be shielded by the shielding assembly 31.

[0069] For example, when the second driving force is larger than the first driving force, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is shielded by the shielding assembly 31. On the other hand, when the second driving force is smaller than the first driving force, the flow surface is opened by the shielding assembly 31. Thus, the flow surface of the flow path 2 can be shielded or opened according to the difference between the first driving force and the second driving force.

[0070] Preferably, when the second driving force is larger than the first driving force, the flow surface may be entirely shielded by the shielding assembly 31. When the second driving force is smaller than the first driving force, the flow surface may be entirely opened by the shielding assembly 31. This makes it possible to shield or open the entire flow surface according to the difference between the first driving force and the second driving force.

[0071] Alternatively, in the case of shielding at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2, the first driving force may not be transmitted to the adjustment switch 35. For example, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 may further include a switching assembly 37 that switches ON / OFF of the transmission 361 (see FIG. 2). The switching assembly 37 switches whether or not to transmit the first driving force from the transmission 361 to the adjustment switch 35. Thus, whether or not the shielding assembly 31 can be operated (that is, ON / OFF) can be switched according to the switching of the switching assembly 37. For example, in a case where shielding and opening of the flow surface of the flow path 2 are selectively performed according to the first driving force transmitted to the adjustment switch 35, it is possible to switch whether or not to perform both shielding and opening of the flow surface according to a switching instruction of the switching assembly 37. Further, in a case where only opening of the flow surface of the flow path 2 is performed according to the first driving force transmitted to the adjustment switch 35, it is possible to switch whether or not to perform both opening of the flow surface according to the switching instruction of the switching assembly 37.

[0072] The flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes a state maintaining mechanism 38 (see FIG. 2). The state maintaining mechanism 38 maintains the state of the shielding assembly 31, and for example, maintains a state in which the flowing surface of the flow path 2 is entirely shielded by the shielding assembly 31. By maintaining the state in which the flow surface is entirely shielded, for example, even if a problem occurs in the flow path adjustment mechanism 3, backflow of the fluid F can be reliably prevented. In addition, the state maintaining mechanism 38 may maintain a state in which a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 is shielded by the shielding assembly 31, or may maintain a state in which at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2 is opened.

[0073] Next, preferably, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 further includes an attachment portion 39 for attaching the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 to the fan device 1. For example, a plurality of the attachment portions 39 are disposed at the radially outer end of the frame 32 and arranged in the circumferential direction, and engage with the housing 13 of the fan device 1.

[0074] In FIG. 1, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is attached to the fan device 1 by snap-fitting. Each of the attachment portions 39 has an extension 391 and a claw 392. The extension 391 has flexibility and extends in the one axial direction Da from the radially outer end of the frame 32. The claw 392 is disposed at one axial end of the extension 391 and protrudes radially inward from the radially inner surface of the extension 391. The claw 392 is hooked on a hooked portion 133 disposed on the radially outer surface of the housing 13. Note that the hooked portion 133 may be, for example, a recess recessed radially inward as illustrated in FIG. 1 or a protrusion protruding radially outward. In FIGS. 3 to 4B, the attachment portion 39 and the hooked portion 133 are not illustrated.

[0075] However, the example of FIG. 1 does not exclude the configuration in which the fan device 1 includes the attachment portion 39. For example, the extension 391 of the attachment portion 39 may extend from the radially outer end of the housing 13 in the other axial direction Db. The claw 392 may be hooked on the hooked portion 133 disposed on the radially outer surface of the frame 32.

[0076] That is, preferably, one of the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 has the attachment portion 39 for attaching the one to the other. Accordingly, the other of the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be easily attached to one of the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. Therefore, the fluid delivery device 100 can be easily assembled.

[0077] However, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which one of the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is attached to the other by means other than the attachment portion 39. For example, the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 may be connected by bolt fastening or the like, or may be connected by welding / deposition, brazing, bonding, or the like.MODIFICATION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0078] Next, a modification of the example embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6. FIG. 5A is an external view illustrating a state in which the outlet 22 is closed in a modification of the fluid delivery device 100. FIG. 5B is an external view illustrating a state in which the outlet 22 is opened in the modification of the fluid delivery device 100. FIG. 5C is an exploded perspective view of the fluid delivery device 100 according to the modification. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the stator vane Sv in the fluid delivery device 100 according to the modification as viewed from the radial direction. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of the stator vane Sv taken along alternate long and short dash line VI in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 6, Dr indicates a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the above-described example embodiments in the modification will be described. Components similar to those in the example embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and may not be described.

[0079] In the modification, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed at one axial end (on the outlet 132 side) of the fan device 1. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed at the other axial end (the inlet 131 side) of the fan device 1.

[0080] The shielding assembly 31 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 includes a base 314, a rib 315, and a shielding blade 316.

[0081] The base 314 is disposed at the center of the opening 321 as viewed in the axial direction. In the present example embodiment, the base 314 protrudes in the one axial direction Da from the one axial end face of the frame 32. Specifically, the one axial end surface of the base 314 is located on the one axial direction Da side with respect to the one axial end surface of the frame 32. The one axial end surface of the base 314 is at the same axial position as the other axial end surface of the frame 32. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which (the one axial end surface of) the base 314 does not protrude in the one axial direction Da from the one axial end surface of the frame 32, and does not exclude a configuration in which the one axial end surface of the base 314 is not at the same axial position as the other axial end surface of the frame 32. For example, the base 314 may protrude in the other axial direction Db from the other axial end face of the frame 32.

[0082] When viewed from the axial direction, the outer shape of the base 314 (particularly, the other axial end thereof) is the same as the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end thereof). For example, both have the same circular shape as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Note that the shielding driving unit 33 may be located inside the base 314. Alternatively, the shielding driving unit 33 may be arranged at the other axial end of the base 314.

[0083] Preferably, the outer shape of the base 314 (in particular, the other axial end thereof) is located at the same position as the outer shape of the motor 12 (in particular, the one axial end thereof) when viewed from the axial direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the outer shape of the base 314 (particularly, the other axial end thereof) may be inside the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end thereof) when viewed from the axial direction. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the outer shape of the base 314 (particularly, the other axial end thereof) is outside the outer shape of the motor 12 (particularly, one axial end thereof) when viewed from the axial direction.

[0084] The plurality of ribs 315 extend at least in the radial direction, support the base 314 with respect to the frame 32, and are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J. As described above, the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 includes the rib 315. The rib 315 is an example of a “second rib” of the present disclosure, and extends radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 321 of) the frame 32. Specifically, the radially outer end of the rib 315 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 321 of) the frame 32, and the radially inner end of the rib 315 is connected to the radially outer surface of the base 314.

[0085] The shielding blade 316 is an example of an “opening and closing part” of the present disclosure, and can shield and open at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path 2. As described above, the shielding assembly 31 includes the plurality of shielding blades 316. Each shielding blade 316 is arranged along the base 314 when viewed from the axial direction. One end of the shielding blade 316 is turnably connected to the base 314. By the shielding driving unit 33, the other end of the shielding blade 316 is turnable in the radial direction via the circumferential direction, and in other words, is rotatable about an axis extending in the axial direction through (the connection portion between the base 314 and) the radially inner end of the shielding blade 316.

[0086] A space Sb surrounded by the outer edge of the opening 321, the base 314, and the rib 315 is connected to the flow path 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the space Sb is shielded by the other end of the shielding blade 316 turning radially outward. The shielding blade 316 is arranged in the other axial direction Db with respect to the rib 315, and can cover the other axial end of the space Sb. That is, the shielding blade 316 can shield the flow surface of the flow path 2. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the above-described space Sb is opened by the other end of the shielding blade 316 turning radially inward and connected to the outside of the fluid delivery device 100. That is, the flow surface of the flow path 2 is opened. At this time, the shielding blade 316 may be arranged inside the base 314 via a groove (not illustrated) or the like arranged on the radially outer surface of the base 314 and extending in the circumferential direction, or may be arranged on the other axial direction Db side of the base 314.

[0087] Preferably, the base 314 has a frustum shape extending in the axial direction, and is disposed radially inward of the inner peripheral surface of the flow path 2 when viewed from the axial direction. As described above, the shielding assembly 31 includes the base 314. The outer diameter of the base 314 viewed from the axial direction decreases from the inflow side toward the outflow side of the fluid F in the axial direction, and for example, decreases toward the one axial direction Da in FIGS. 5A to 5C. When the shielding blade 316 is opened, the fluid F flows out from at least a portion of the flow path 2. The three-dimensional shape of the base 314 as described above can reduce the flow resistance of the fluid F in the vicinity of the radially outer surface of the base 314. Therefore, the fluid F can flow smoothly. However, this example does not exclude the configuration in which the base 314 does not have the frustum shape as described above. For example, the base 314 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction.

[0088] The shielding assembly 31 (in particular, the rib 315 and the shielding blade 316) may be made of resin or metal. When the shielding assembly 31 is made of resin, the weight of the shielding assembly can be reduced. In addition, since the manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced, the productivity of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be improved. In addition, when the shielding assembly is made of metal, the rib 315, the shielding blade 316, and the like can be thinned in the axial direction while suppressing or preventing a decrease in strength. In addition, even when electromagnetic waves are emitted from the motor 12 that drives the impeller 11, electronic components mounted on the substrate 15, and the like, the electromagnetic waves can be shielded.

[0089] Next, in the modification illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the fluid delivery device 100 further includes a holding plate 4. The holding plate 4 is disposed to be sandwiched between the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 in the axial direction, and suppresses the movement of the shielding blade 316 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 in the other axial direction Db. When the holding plate 4 is disposed, the shielding blade 316 easily turns in parallel with the plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the other axial end of the space Sb surrounded by the base 314, the rib 315, and the opening 321 can be more effectively covered.

[0090] The holding plate 4 (particularly, a frame 41 to be described later) is fastened to one axial end of the fan device 1 together with the frame 32 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 by screwing a bolt or a screw. However, the connection means of the holding plate 4 with respect to the fan device 1 and the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, snap-fit similarly to the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 in FIG. 1, or may be welding, brazing using silver wax or the like, adhesion using an adhesive, or the like.

[0091] The holding plate 4 includes the frame 41, a base 42, and a rib 43.

[0092] The frame 41 is a housing that supports the base 42, and is attached to one axial end of the fan device 1. The frame 32 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 is attached to one axial end of the frame 41. An opening 411 is provided at the center of the frame 41 as viewed in the axial direction. The opening 411 penetrates the frame 41 in the axial direction. The opening 411 is connected to one axial end of the flow path 2 and the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. In this modification, the flow path 2 includes the internal space of the housing 13, the opening 411 of the holding plate 4, and the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3.

[0093] Preferably, when viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening 411 is the same as the inner diameter of the one axial end of the flow path 2 and the inner diameter of the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3, and the outer edge of the opening 321 coincides, for example, with the outer edge of the one axial end of the flow path 2 and the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. Alternatively, when viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening 321 may be larger than the inner diameter of one axial end of the flow path 2, and the outer edge of the opening 321 may surround the outer edge of one axial end of the flow path 2. In other words, when viewed from the axial direction, the opening 321 may overlap and correspond to (for example, coincide with) one axial end of the flow path 2, or may overlap so as to include the entire one axial end of the flow path 2. In the latter case, the outer edge of the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 may overlap (for example, coincide with) the outer edge of the opening 411 of the holding plate 4, or may include the outer edge of the opening 411. Thus, the fluid resistance in the opening 411 of the holding plate 4 can be reduced, and the fluid F can flow smoothly. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the inner diameter of the opening 411 is smaller than the inner diameter of the one axial end of the flow path 2 and a configuration in which the outer edge of the one axial end of the flow path 2 surrounds the outer edge of the opening 411.

[0094] A plate-shaped base 42 extending perpendicularly to the axial direction is disposed in a central portion of the opening 411 when viewed from the axial direction. The base 42 axially faces one axial end of the motor 12 of the fan device 1, and axially faces the base 314 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. Preferably, when viewed from the axial direction, the outer diameter of the base 42 is the same as the outer diameter of the one axial end of the motor 12 of the fan device 1 and the outer diameter of the base 314 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3, and the outer edge of the base 42 corresponds to and, for example, coincides with the outer edge of the one axial end of the motor 12 and the outer edge of the base 314 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. Thus, the fluid resistance in the vicinity of the radially outer surface of the base 42 of the holding plate 4 can be reduced, and the fluid F can flow smoothly. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the outer edge of the base 42 does not coincide with at least one of the outer edge of the one axial end of the motor 12 and the outer edge of the base 314 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3.

[0095] The plurality of ribs 43 extend at least in the radial direction, support the base 42 with respect to the frame 41, and are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J. The rib 43 extends radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 411 of) the frame 41. Specifically, the radially outer end of the rib 43 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of (the opening 411 of) the frame 41, and the radially inner end of the rib 43 is connected to the radially outer surface of the base 42.

[0096] Preferably, at least a portion of the other axial end of the rib 43 overlaps one axial end of the rib 14 of the fan device 1 and the other axial end of the rib 315 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 when viewed from the axial direction. More preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when viewed from the axial direction, the other axial end of the rib 43 overlaps (for example, coincides with) one axial end of the rib 14 and the other axial end portion of the rib 315.

[0097] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a circumferential width W4a of one axial end of the rib 43 is equal to a circumferential width W3 of the other axial end of the rib 315 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. A circumferential width W4b of the other axial end of the rib 43 is equal to a circumferential width W1 of the one axial end of the rib 14 of the fan device 1.

[0098] Further, the outer shape of one axial end of the rib 43 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the other axial end of the rib 315 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. The outer shape of the other axial end of the rib 43 is, for example, the same as the outer shape of the one axial end of the rib 14 of the fan device 1.

[0099] Thus, it is possible to reduce the deviation between the above-described end portion of the rib 14 and the above-described end portion of the rib 315 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, the flow resistance of the fluid F flowing from the fan device 1 into the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be reduced. In addition, the delivery amount of the fluid F from the fluid delivery device 100 can be increased, and the static pressure characteristic on the outlet 22 side of the fluid delivery device 100 can be improved.

[0100] More preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the rib 43 constitutes a single stator vane Sv together with the ribs 14 and 315 facing each other in the axial direction. Thus, the single stator vane Sv of the fluid delivery device 100 can be made longer in the direction in which the single stator vane Sv extends (at least the axial direction). Therefore, the rectifying effect of the fluid F by the single stator vane Sv can be improved, and the flow resistance of the fluid F flowing from the fan device 1 into the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be further reduced. In addition, the amount of the fluid F delivered from the fluid delivery device 100 can be further increased, and the static pressure characteristic on the outlet 22 side of the fluid delivery device 100 can be further improved.

[0101] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above example, and the holding plate 4 may be omitted. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the frame 32 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 may be directly connected to one axial end of the fan device 1. Note that the connection means may be, for example, snap-fit similarly to the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 in FIG. 1, or fastening by screwing a bolt or a screw, welding, brazing using silver wax or the like, adhesion using an adhesive, or the like.

[0102] FIG. 7 is an external view illustrating another configuration example of the fluid delivery device 100 according to the modification. In FIG. 7, the fluid delivery device 100 according to the modification is in a state where the outlet 22 is opened. In addition, in FIG. 7, the flow path 2 includes an internal space of the housing 13 and the opening 321 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3.

[0103] When the holding plate 4 is omitted, preferably, at least a portion of an end portion of the rib 315 on the fan device 1 side in the axial direction (that is, the other axial end) overlaps an end portion of the rib 14 on the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 side in the axial direction (that is, one axial end) when viewed from the axial direction. More preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the other axial end of the rib 315 overlaps (for example, coincides with) one axial end of the rib 14 when viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the stator vane Sv in the fluid delivery device 100 according to the modification as viewed from the radial direction. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of stator vane Sv taken along alternate long and short dash line VIII in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, a reference sign Dr indicates a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis J.

[0104] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the circumferential width W3 of one axial end of the rib 315 corresponds to and, for example, is the same as the circumferential width W3 of the other axial end of the rib 315 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3. Further, the outer shape of one axial end of the rib 315 correspond to and, for example, is the same as the outer diameter of the other axial end of the rib 315 of the flow path adjustment mechanism 3.

[0105] Thus, it is possible to reduce the deviation between the above-described end portion of the rib 14 and the above-described end portion of the rib 315 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, the flow resistance of the fluid F flowing from the fan device 1 into the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be reduced. In addition, the delivery amount of the fluid F from the fluid delivery device 100 can be increased, and the static pressure characteristic on the outlet 22 side of the fluid delivery device 100 can be improved.

[0106] More preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the rib 315 constitutes a single stator vane Sv together with the rib 14 facing in the axial direction. Thus, the single stator vane Sv of the fluid delivery device 100 can be made longer in the direction in which the single stator vane Sv extends (at least the axial direction). Therefore, the rectifying effect of the fluid F by the single stator vane Sv can be improved, and the flow resistance of the fluid F flowing from the fan device 1 into the flow path adjustment mechanism 3 can be further reduced. In addition, the amount of the fluid F delivered from the fluid delivery device 100 can be further increased, and the static pressure characteristic on the outlet 22 side of the fluid delivery device 100 can be further improved.

[0107] The example embodiments and modifications thereof of the present disclosure has been described above. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example embodiments. The present disclosure is implemented by adding various modifications to the above-described example embodiments within a range not departing from the spirit of the disclosure. In addition, the matters described in the above-described example embodiments are arbitrarily combined together as appropriate within a range where no inconsistency occurs.

[0108] Hereinafter, the example embodiments described above will be described comprehensively below.

[0109] For example, the flow path adjustment mechanism disclosed in the present specification is a flow path adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a flow area of a fluid flowing by driving of a driver, the flow path adjustment mechanism being configured to include a shielding assembly capable of adjusting shielding and opening of at least a portion of a flow surface of the flow path as viewed from a flowing direction of the fluid, based on a detection result of at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path through which the fluid flows (first configuration).

[0110] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the first configuration may be configured such that when the driving of the driver is started, the shielding assembly shields the flow surface entirely (second configuration).

[0111] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the first or second configuration may be configured to further include an adjustment switch partially operable by a mechanical operation, and may be configured such that the shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface by the shielding assembly are continuously adjusted in a plurality of stages or in a stepless manner according to an operation of the adjustment switch (third configuration).

[0112] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the third configuration may be configured to further include a transmission that converts torque of a shaft extending along a predetermined axis and rotating around the axis into a first driving force and transmits the first driving force to the adjustment switch (fourth configuration).

[0113] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the fourth configuration may be configured such that the transmission includes a magnetic portion, and performs at least one of conversion into the first driving force and transmission of the first driving force to the adjustment switch with use of a magnetic force of the magnetic portion (fifth configuration).

[0114] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the fourth or fifth configuration may be configured to further include a biasing structure that applies a second driving force to shield at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path to the adjustment switch, and may be configured such that the transmission transmits the first driving force to open at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path to the adjustment switch (sixth configuration).

[0115] The flow path adjustment mechanism having the sixth configuration may be configured such that when the second driving force is larger than the first driving force, the flow surface is entirely shielded by the shielding assembly, and that when the second driving force is smaller than the first driving force, the flow surface is entirely opened by the shielding assembly (seventh configuration).

[0116] The flow path adjustment mechanism having any one of the fourth to seventh configurations may be configured to further include a switching assembly that switches whether or not to transmit the first driving force to the adjustment switch (eighth configuration).

[0117] The flow path adjustment mechanism having any one of the first to eighth configurations may be configured to further include a state maintaining portion to maintain a state in which the flow surface is entirely shielded by the shielding assembly (ninth configuration).

[0118] The flow path adjustment mechanism having any one of the first to ninth configurations may be configured such that the shielding assembly may be made of resin (tenth configuration).

[0119] The flow path adjustment mechanism having any one of the first to ninth configurations may be configured such that the shielding assembly may be made of metal (eleventh configuration).

[0120] The fluid delivery device having any one of the first to eleventh configurations may be configured such that the shielding assembly includes: a base having a frustum shape extending in the axial direction and located radially inward of an inner peripheral surface of the flow path when viewed from the axial direction; and a plurality of opening and closing portions capable of shielding and opening at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path, the plurality of opening and closing portions are arranged along an outer edge portion of the base when viewed from the axial direction, and an outer diameter of the base as viewed from the axial direction decreases from an inflow side toward an outflow side of the fluid in the axial direction (twelfth configuration).

[0121] The fluid delivery device disclosed in the present specification is configured to include: the flow path adjustment mechanism having any one of the first to twelfth configurations; and a flow device that causes the fluid to flow by the driving of the driver (thirteenth configuration).

[0122] The fluid delivery device having the thirteenth configuration may be configured such that the flow path adjustment mechanism includes an opening communicating with an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path, and when viewed from the axial direction, an inner diameter of the opening is same as an inner diameter of the end on the side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path, and an outer edge of the opening corresponds to an outer edge of the end of the flow path, or when viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening is larger than the inner diameter of the end on the side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path, and the outer edge of the opening surrounds the outer edge of the end of the flow path (fourteenth configuration).

[0123] The fluid delivery device having the thirteenth or fourteenth configurations may be configured such that the flow path located inside the flow device has a cylindrical shape extending from an inlet side to an outlet side of the fluid in the axial direction (fifteenth configuration).

[0124] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth configurations may be configured such that at least one of the flow path adjusting mechanism and the flow device includes an attachment portion to attach the one of the flow path adjustment mechanism and the flow device to another (sixteenth configuration).

[0125] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth configurations may be configured such that the flow device includes a drive assembly that drives the driver, and the shielding assembly of the flow path adjustment mechanism is driven by a component different from the drive assembly (seventeenth configuration).

[0126] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth configurations may be configured such that the flow path adjustment mechanism may be located on an inlet side of the flow path (eighteenth configuration).

[0127] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth configurations may be configured such that the flow path adjustment mechanism may be located on an outlet side of the flow path (nineteenth configuration).

[0128] The fluid delivery device having the nineteenth configuration may be configured such that the flow device includes: a drive assembly that drives the driver; and a first rib that extends at least radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the flow path, supports the drive assembly, and extends at least in the axial direction, the flow path adjustment mechanism includes: an opening communicating with an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path; and a second rib extending radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the opening, and at least a portion of an end on a side of the flow device in the axial direction of the second rib overlaps an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the first rib, when viewed from the axial direction (twentieth configuration).

[0129] The fluid delivery device having the twentieth configuration may be configured such that the second rib defines a single stator vane together with the first rib facing the axial direction (twenty-first configuration).

[0130] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth configurations may be configured such that a plurality of the flow devices are connected in series in the axial direction, and the flow path adjustment mechanism is located between an outlet of the flow device in a preceding stage and an inlet of the flow device in a subsequent stage (twenty-second configuration).

[0131] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to twenty-second configurations may be configured to further include a flow controller to control the flow device, and may be configured such that driving of the shielding assembly of the flow path adjustment mechanism is controlled by the flow controller (twenty-third configuration).

[0132] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to twenty-third configurations may be configured such that the flow device further includes a detector to detect at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path, and shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface are adjusted based on a detection result by the detector (twenty-fourth configuration).

[0133] The fluid delivery device having the twenty-fourth configuration may be configured such that the detector includes: a first detector to detect a state of the fluid on an inlet side with respect to the driver; and a second detector to detect a state of the fluid on an outlet side with respect to the driver, and the shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface are adjusted by the shielding assembly based on a first detection result by the first detector and a second detection result by the second detector (twenty-fifth configuration).

[0134] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to twenty-fifth configurations may be configured such that an instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface is transmitted by wired communication (twenty-sixth configuration).

[0135] The fluid delivery device having any one of the thirteenth to twenty-fifth configurations may be configured such that an instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface is transmitted by wireless communication (twenty-seventh configuration).

[0136] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are useful for axially delivering a fluid.

[0137] While example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1-27. (canceled)28. A flow path adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a flow area of a fluid flowing by driving of a driver, the flow path adjustment mechanism comprising:a shielding assembly to adjust shielding and opening of at least a portion of a flow surface of a flow path as viewed from a flowing direction of the fluid, based on a detection result of at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path through which the fluid flows.

29. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, wherein when the driving of the driver is started, the shielding assembly shields the flow surface entirely.

30. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, further comprising:an adjustment switch partially operable by a mechanical operation; whereinthe shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface by the shielding assembly are continuously adjusted in a plurality of stages or in a stepless manner according to an operation of the adjustment switch.

31. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 30, further comprising a transmission to convert torque of a shaft extending along a predetermined axis and rotatable around the axis into a first driving force and transmit the first driving force to the adjustment switch.

32. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 31, wherein the transmission includes a magnetic portion to perform at least one of conversion into the first driving force and transmission of the first driving force to the adjustment switch with use of a magnetic force of the magnetic portion.

33. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 31, further comprising:a biasing structure to apply a second driving force to shield at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path to the adjustment switch; whereinthe transmission is configured to transmit the first driving force to open at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path to the adjustment switch.

34. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 33, whereinwhen the second driving force is larger than the first driving force, the flow surface is entirely shielded by the shielding assembly; andwhen the second driving force is smaller than the first driving force, the flow surface is entirely opened by the shielding assembly.

35. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 31, further comprising a switching assembly to switch whether or not to transmit the first driving force to the adjustment switch.

36. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, further comprising a state maintaining mechanism to maintain a state in which the flow surface is entirely shielded by the shielding assembly.

37. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the shielding assembly is made of resin.

38. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the shielding assembly is made of metal.

39. The flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, whereinthe shielding assembly includes:a base having a frustum shape extending in the axial direction and located radially inward of an inner peripheral surface of the flow path when viewed from the axial direction; anda plurality of opening and closing portions capable of shielding and opening at least a portion of the flow surface of the flow path;the plurality of opening and closing portions are arranged along an outer edge portion of the base when viewed from the axial direction; andan outer diameter of the base as viewed from the axial direction decreases from an inflow side toward an outflow side of the fluid in the axial direction.

40. A fluid delivery device comprising:the flow path adjustment mechanism according to claim 28; anda flow device to cause the fluid to flow by the driving of the driver.

41. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, whereinthe flow path adjustment mechanism includes an opening communicating with an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path; andwhen viewed from the axial direction, an inner diameter of the opening is same as an inner diameter of the end on the side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path, and an outer edge of the opening corresponds to an outer edge of the end of the flow path; orwhen viewed from the axial direction, the inner diameter of the opening is larger than the inner diameter of the end on the side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path, and the outer edge of the opening surrounds the outer edge of the end of the flow path.

42. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein the flow path located inside the flow device has a cylindrical shape extending from an inlet side to an outlet side of the fluid in the axial direction.

43. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein at least one of the flow path adjusting mechanism and the flow device includes an attachment portion to attach the one of the flow path adjusting mechanism and the flow device to another.

44. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, whereinthe flow device includes a drive assembly that drives the driver; andthe shielding assembly of the flow path adjustment mechanism is driven by a component different from the drive assembly.

45. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein the flow path adjustment mechanism is located on an inlet side of the flow path.

46. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein the flow path adjustment mechanism is located on an outlet side of the flow path.

47. The fluid delivery device according to claim 46, whereinthe flow device includes:a drive assembly to drive the driver; anda first rib that extends at least radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the flow path, supports the drive assembly, and extends at least in the axial direction;the flow path adjustment mechanism includes:an opening communicating with an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the flow path; anda second rib extending radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the opening; andat least a portion of an end on a side of the flow device in the axial direction of the second rib overlaps an end on a side of the flow path adjustment mechanism in the axial direction of the first rib, when viewed from the axial direction.

48. The fluid delivery device according to claim 47, wherein the second rib defines a single stator vane together with the first rib extending in the axial direction.

49. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, whereina plurality of the flow devices are connected in series in the axial direction; andthe flow path adjustment mechanism is located between an outlet of the flow device in a preceding stage and an inlet of the flow device in a subsequent stage.

50. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, further comprising:a flow controller to control the flow device; whereindriving of the shielding assembly of the flow path adjustment mechanism is controlled by the flow controller.

51. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, whereinthe flow device further includes a detector to detect at least one of a driving state of the driver and a state of the fluid in the flow path; andshielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface are adjusted based on a detection result by the detector.

52. The fluid delivery device according to claim 51, whereinthe detector includes:a first detector to detect a state of the fluid on an inlet side with respect to the driver; anda second detector to detect a state of the fluid on an outlet side with respect to the driver; andthe shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface are adjusted by the shielding assembly based on a first detection result by the first detector and a second detection result by the second detector.

53. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein an instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface is transmitted by wired communication.

54. The fluid delivery device according to claim 40, wherein an instruction signal to instruct shielding and opening of at least a portion of the flow surface is transmitted by wireless communication.

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