Blower and moving body

Abstract

This blower comprises a fan case, a motor, and a centrifugal fan. The fan case has a first case and a second case that are coupled to each other. A circulation passage and an exhaust passage are formed by the first case and the second case. The motor is housed in the fan case, and has a rotary shaft that has a shaft center as the center of rotation and extends in an axial direction in which the shaft center extends. The centrifugal fan is housed in the fan case. The centrifugal fan is attached to the rotary shaft. The first case and the second case have a circulation passage side wall, a first exhaust passage side wall, and a second exhaust passage side wall. The circulation passage side wall constitutes the circulation passage. The first exhaust passage side wall constitutes the exhaust passage continuously in a gas flow direction from the circulation passage side wall. The second exhaust passage side wall is provided facing the first exhaust passage side wall, and constitutes the exhaust passage. In the second exhaust passage side wall, the first case 5 has a first planar fitting part, and the second case has a second planar fitting part that is fitted with the first planar fitting part.

Description

Fans and moving objects

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a blower unit (air blower) having a blower case (fan case) and a motor and centrifugal fan housed in the blower case. The blower unit generates airflow in the centrifugal fan by the rotation of the motor, and directs the airflow through ventilation paths (circular passages and linear exhaust passages) in the blower case and finally discharges the air from an exhaust port.

[0003] The blower unit described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the vehicle body via a separate fixing member, which is fixed to the blower case by welding.

[0004] In such a structure, the blower case of the blower may deform during welding. This may result in deformation of the blower case after the bracket is fixed. Specifically, when the fixing member is welded to the blower case, the welding surface of the fixing member is pressed against the welding protrusion on the blower case. Because the welding protrusion is pressed against the fixing member, the blower case may bend and deform, mainly around the mating surfaces of the upper and lower cases of the blower case.

[0005] In this case, the following two situations can occur. First, if the fixing member is fixed while the blower case is bent, the blower case, particularly the ventilation passage, will remain deformed even after welding is completed and the pressure from the fixing member to the blower case is removed. As a result, the blower case will not achieve the desired ventilation performance.

[0006] Second, when pressure from the fixing member to the blower case is removed, the blower case may return from its deflected state to its desired initial state due to spring back or the like. In this case, the fixing member attached to the blower case so as to be mountable in the desired fixing position while the blower case is deflected may end up being mounted in a state that includes deviation from the desired fixing position due to spring back or the like.

[0007] In particular, in a fan case, the strength of the straight exhaust passage is lower than that of the circular passage, which increases the amount of deflection around the welded protrusion in the exhaust passage.

[0008] International Publication No. 2020 / 121700

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a blower and a moving body in which deformation of the fan case after a fixing member is fixed is suppressed.

[0010] A blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fan case, a motor, and a centrifugal fan. The fan case has a first case and a second case coupled to each other. The first case and the second case form a circulation passage and an exhaust passage. The motor is housed within the fan case and has a rotation shaft that rotates around an axis center and extends in an axial direction along which the axis center extends. The centrifugal fan is housed within the fan case. The centrifugal fan is attached to the rotation shaft. The first case and the second case have a circulation passage sidewall, a first exhaust passage sidewall, and a second exhaust passage sidewall. The circulation passage sidewall forms the circulation passage. The first exhaust passage sidewall forms the exhaust passage, continuing from the circulation passage sidewall in the gas flow direction. The second exhaust passage sidewall is provided opposite the first exhaust passage sidewall and forms the exhaust passage. In the second exhaust passage side wall, the first case has a first planar fitting portion, and the second case has a second planar fitting portion that fits into the first planar fitting portion.

[0011] A moving body according to one 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.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a blower and a moving body can be obtained in which deformation of the fan case after the fixing member is fixed is suppressed.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blower as viewed from another direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blower with a bracket attached. FIG. 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blower as viewed from the same direction. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of area IVB surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first case, centrifugal fan, and motor of the blower as viewed from above with the second case removed. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion VI in FIG. 1, showing a perspective view of a first planar fitting structure between the first and second cases of the blower. FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of portion VII in FIG. 2, showing a perspective view of a second planar fitting structure between the first and second cases. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first exhaust passage side wall and the second exhaust passage side wall of the blower. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the first planar fitting structure. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of the second planar fitting structure of the same. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first planar fitting structure of the blower according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second planar fitting structure of the blower according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first exhaust passage side wall and the second exhaust passage side wall according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first exhaust passage side wall and the second exhaust passage side wall according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to the fifth embodiment.

[0014] Hereinafter, a blower and a vehicle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes or thicknesses of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples 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.

[0015] First Embodiment (1) Basic Configuration and Operation of the Fan The basic configuration and operation of the fan 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fan 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fan 1 from another direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fan 1 with a bracket 31 attached. FIG. 4A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fan 1. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of an area IVB enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first case 5, centrifugal fan 4, and motor 3 of the fan 1, viewed from above, with the second case 6 of the fan 1 removed. The fan 1 is, for example, a fan for cooling a battery in a vehicle. Specifically, the fan 1 is a centrifugal fan blower.

[0016] The 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 63 for drawing in outside air, an exhaust port 64 for discharging air toward the outside space, and a circular passage 61 and an exhaust passage 62 ( FIG. 5 ) that connect the intake port 63 and the exhaust port 64. The intake port 63 is circular. The exhaust port 64 is rectangular. Air is drawn into the fan case 2 through the intake port 63, flows through the circular passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62 in that order, and is discharged from the exhaust port 64.

[0017] The motor 3 is, for example, an inner rotor type brushless motor. The motor 3 is not limited to a brushless motor. The motor 3 may be another type of DC motor or AC motor. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the direction in which the axis X1 ( FIG. 5 ) of the rotating shaft 44 of the motor 3 extends is defined as the axial direction A1 (axial direction). In a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A1, the direction perpendicular to the axis X1 is defined as the radial direction, and the direction going around the axis X1 is defined as the circumferential direction.

[0018] The centrifugal fan 4 is a component consisting of two opposing annular members with multiple blade members connected at a predetermined interval between them. The centrifugal fan 4 is connected to the rotating shaft 44 of the motor 3 so as to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 44. The blade members can be made 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 air intake 63 and compressing it.

[0019] (2) Fan Case The fan case 2 is a hollow member formed by molding resin. The fan case 2 has an air intake port 63 on the top surface. The fan case 2 is substantially cylindrical and houses the motor 3 and centrifugal fan 4.

[0020] Specifically, the fan case 2 has an upper wall, side walls, and lower walls for the circulating passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62. The fan case 2 is configured to cover the centrifugal fan 4. As a result of this configuration, the circulating passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62 are formed inside the fan case 2, following the outer periphery of the centrifugal fan 4, as shown in FIG. 5 . In a plan view, the circulating passage 61 extends in a circular shape to surround the outer periphery of the centrifugal fan 4. The exhaust passage 62 extends linearly in the exhaust direction B1. The circulating passage 61 is an internal space that guides air drawn in through the intake port 63 to the exhaust passage 62 when the centrifugal fan 4 rotates due to the rotation transmitted from the motor 3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the circulating passage 61, including the axis X1, gradually increases toward the exhaust passage 62.

[0021] The air intake 63 is, for example, an intake port for air into the vehicle cabin. The air intake 63 is formed on the axial end face (the upper end face in FIG. 4A ) of the substantially cylindrical fan case 2 that faces the vehicle cabin. The air intake 63 is an opening with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than that of the centrifugal fan 4. The air intake 63 communicates with the vehicle cabin via a duct (not shown).

[0022] The exhaust port 64 opens in a direction that is twisted relative to the axial direction A1. 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.

[0023] The fan case 2 is made of resin, such as polypropylene. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the fan case 2 is divided into a lower first case 5 and an upper second case 6. A plurality of protrusions 21 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer side of the first case 5. A plurality of hooks 22 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the side of the second case 6. The plurality of hooks 22 are engaged with the plurality of protrusions 21, respectively. This connects the first case 5 and the second case 6.

[0024] The intake port 63 is formed by the second case 6. The exhaust port 64 is formed by fitting the second case 6 and the first case 5 together.

[0025] The centrifugal fan 4 is fixed to the motor 3. The motor 3 is fixed to the first case 5.

[0026] The fan case 2 has a seal sponge 8 for an exhaust port 64 for exhaust. More specifically, the first case 5 has the seal sponge 8. The exhaust port 64 has an opening surface whose normal is perpendicular to the axial direction A1. The fan case 2 has a flange 7 to which the seal sponge 8 is attached. The flange 7 and the seal sponge 8 are portions into which, for example, a duct (not shown) is fitted.

[0027] (3) First Case As shown in FIG. 4A , the first case 5 is a member that constitutes the lower portion of the circulation passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62. The first case 5 is cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first case 5 has an annular flat portion 71 and a side surface portion 72. The side surface portion 72 is a generally cylindrical portion that extends in the axial direction A1 from the outer periphery of the annular flat portion 71. As shown in FIG. 4B , the side surface portion 72 has an upper end surface 721 that serves as a mating surface. A groove 722 is formed in the upper end surface 721. The groove 722 is formed throughout the entire upper end surface 721.

[0028] 2, a plurality of weld protrusions 25A, 25B are provided on the outer peripheral surface 723 of the side surface portion 72 corresponding to the exhaust passage 62 of the first case 5. As shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of weld protrusions 25A, 25B include a pair of weld protrusions 25A aligned vertically near the exhaust port 64, and a pair of weld protrusions 25B aligned vertically near an inflection point Y1 (described below). A bracket 31 is fixed to the weld protrusions 25A, 25B by welding (see Fig. 3).

[0029] (4) Second Case As shown in FIG. 4A , the second case 6 is a member that constitutes the upper portion of the circulation passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second case 6 mainly has an annular flat portion 73 and a side surface portion 74. The annular flat portion 73 is a generally flat annular portion that constitutes the intake port 63. The side surface portion 74 is a generally cylindrical portion that extends in the axial direction A1 from the outer circumferential edge of the annular flat portion 73. The side surface portion 74 is shorter in the axial direction A1 than the side surface portion 72 of the first case 5. In other words, the first case 5 is longer in the axial direction A1 than the second case 6.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4B, the side surface portion 74 has a lower end surface 741 serving as a mating surface. A protrusion 742 is provided on the lower end surface 741. The protrusion 742 extends from the lower end surface 741 along the axial direction A1 toward the first case 5. When the second case 6 is joined to the first case 5, the protrusion 742 of the second case 6 is inserted into the groove 722 of the first case 5. This creates a labyrinth structure at the mating surface between the first case 5 and the second case 6 to prevent wind leakage.

[0031] (5) Brackets Figure 3 shows the state in which brackets 31 and 32 (fixing members) are attached to the blower 1. The brackets 31 and 32 are fixing members for fixing the blower 1 to the frame of the vehicle. The brackets 31 and 32 are made of resin. The brackets 31 and 32 are made of, for example, polypropylene.

[0032] The following describes a method for fixing bracket 31 to blower 1. The method for fixing bracket 32 ​​is the same as that for bracket 31, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0033] First, the bracket 31 is attached to the attachment jig, and then the fan case 2 is set in a predetermined position in accordance with the position of the attachment jig.

[0034] The mounting jig is moved toward the fan case 2, and the bracket is brought into contact with the weld projections 25A, 25B. At this time, the mounting jig and the bracket 31 held by it are pressed against the fan case 2 with a predetermined pressure. With the weld projections 25A, 25B and the bracket 31 in contact, laser light of a predetermined wavelength is irradiated from the bracket 31 side toward the contact points. The wavelength of this laser light is set so that it is absorbed by the fan case 2, which contains a component that absorbs laser light, but is also transmitted through the bracket 31.

[0035] The laser light passes through bracket 31 and is absorbed by protrusions 25A and 25B. Protrusions 25A and 25B, which directly absorb the laser light, generate heat and begin to melt. Bracket 31, which is in contact with protrusions 25A and 25B, also generates heat through thermal conduction, causing portions of bracket 31 to soften or melt. When bracket 31 is pressed against fan case 2 in this state, the melted portions of protrusions 25A and 25B mix with the portions of bracket 31 that have softened or melted due to heat.

[0036] After the laser light irradiation is completed, the bracket 31 is kept pressed against the fan case 2 for a predetermined time. During this time, the weld projections 25A, 25B and the bracket 31 are naturally cooled, and the softened and melted portions of the weld projections 25A, 25B and the bracket 31 are solidified. After the predetermined time has passed, the weld projections 25A, 25B and the bracket 31 are welded and connected to each other.

[0037] (6) Circulating Passage and Exhaust Passage In the circulating passage 61 , as shown in FIG. 5 , the side surface portion 72 of the first case 5 and the side surface portion 74 of the second case 6 form the circulating passage side wall 11 .

[0038] In the exhaust passage 62, as shown in Fig. 5 , a side surface portion 72 of the first case 5 and a side surface portion 74 of the second case 6 form a first exhaust passage side wall 12 that continues from the circular passage side wall 11 in the gas flow direction. When viewed in the axial direction A1, the circular passage side wall 11 has a curved shape that combines curves of multiple different curvatures, and the first exhaust passage side wall 12 has a generally straight shape. An inflection point Y1 shown in Fig. 5 indicates the boundary between the circular passage side wall 11 and the first exhaust passage side wall 12. A straight line Z1 that extends from the inflection point Y1 shown in Fig. 5 and crosses the passage indicates the boundary between the circular passage 61 and the exhaust passage 62.

[0039] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first exhaust passage side wall 12 and the second exhaust passage side wall 13 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment. In the exhaust passage 62, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the first case 5 and the second case 6 have the second exhaust passage side wall 13. The second exhaust passage side wall 13 is disposed opposite the first exhaust passage side wall 12 in an opposing direction B2 perpendicular to the exhaust direction B1, and constitutes the exhaust passage 62. Specifically, the second exhaust passage side wall 13 extends in the exhaust direction B1 from near the start of the circulation passage side wall 11. The second exhaust passage side wall 13 is shorter than the first exhaust passage side wall 12 in the exhaust direction B1.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, in the first case 5, the side wall portion 15 that constitutes the second exhaust passage side wall 13 has an upper end portion 151. The upper end portion 151 has an upper end surface 152. In the second case 6, the side wall portion 16 that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 has a lower end portion 161. The lower end portion 161 has a lower end surface 162 that contacts the upper end surface 152. The upper end surface 152 and the lower end surface 162 may be provided with a labyrinth structure made up of grooves and protrusions.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the side wall portion 17 (the portion of the side surface portion 72 adjacent to the exhaust port 64) that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 in the first case 5 has an upper end portion 171. The upper end portion 171 has an upper end surface 172. The side wall portion 18 (the portion of the side surface portion 74 adjacent to the exhaust port 64) that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 in the second case 6 has a lower end portion 181. The lower end portion 181 has a lower end surface 182 that contacts the upper end surface 172. The upper end surface 172 and the lower end surface 182 may be provided with a labyrinth structure consisting of grooves and protrusions.

[0042] (7) Planar Fitting Portion FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion VI in FIG. 1 and is a perspective view of a first planar fitting structure between the first case 5 and the second case 6 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6 , in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13, the first case 5 has a first planar fitting portion 81. The second case 6 has a second planar fitting portion 82 that fits into the first planar fitting portion 81. The first planar fitting portion 81 and the second planar fitting portion 82 form a first planar fitting structure 80. The first planar fitting structure 80 is located at an intermediate position of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13 in the exhaust direction B1. "Planar fitting" refers to a structure in which two planar (plate-like) members are fitted together in a planar manner, and refers to a connection in which there are no protrusions or the like from one surface after fitting.

[0043] More specifically, the side wall portion 15 that constitutes the second exhaust passage side wall 13 in the first case 5 has a first planar fitting portion 81 on an upper end surface 152. The first planar fitting portion 81 is a recess that extends downward from the upper end surface 152 in a side view. The side wall portion 16 that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 in the second case 6 has a second planar fitting portion 82 on a lower end surface 162. The second planar fitting portion 82 is a protrusion that extends downward from the lower end surface 162 in a side view.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the first planar mating structure 80 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , the first planar mating portion 81 and the second planar mating portion 82 have a snap-fit ​​structure. A "snap-fit ​​structure" is a type of mechanical joining method used to join metals, plastics, and other materials, in which the materials are fastened by fitting together using their elasticity. Specifically, the first planar mating portion 81 has a first recess 811 extending from the upper end surface 152 and a second recess 812 located below it. The width of the first recess 811 (the length in the exhaust direction B1) is constant in the axial direction A1. In a side view, the second recess 812 has a shape in which both end surfaces in the exhaust direction B1 are smoothly curved, and has a width wider than the width of the first recess 811. The second planar fitting portion 82 has a first protrusion 821 extending from the lower end surface 162 and a second protrusion 822 located below the first protrusion 821. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first protrusion 821 is constant in the axial direction A1. In side view, the second protrusion 822 has a convex shape with smoothly curved end faces in the exhaust direction B1, and has a width wider than that of the first protrusion 821. The first protrusion 821 of the second planar fitting portion 82 is fitted into the first recess 811 of the first planar fitting portion 81. The second protrusion 822 of the second planar fitting portion 82 is fitted into the second recess 812 of the first planar fitting portion 81.

[0045] In this embodiment, by bringing the first case 5 and the second case 6 closer to each other in the axial direction A1, the first planar fitting portion 81 and the second planar fitting portion 82 are both elastically deformed and finally fitted together. This causes the first case 5 and the second case 6 to be firmly joined in the axial direction A1 at the second exhaust passage sidewall 13. In other words, the first case 5 and the second case 6 are less likely to separate in the axial direction A1 at the second exhaust passage sidewall 13.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first planar mating portion 81 of the first case 5 and the second planar mating portion 82 of the second case 6 are mated together in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13. This increases the bond strength of the mating surfaces between the first case 5 and the second case 6 in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13. This reduces the deformation of the mating surfaces between the first case 5 and the second case 6 in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13. As a result, the fan case 2 is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance is achieved. Generally, when an external force acts on the first exhaust passage sidewall 12, for example, due to welding of the bracket 31, the mating surfaces may bend toward the first exhaust passage sidewall 12 and deform away from each other. Therefore, the above-described configuration is highly effective in suppressing deformation of the first exhaust passage sidewall 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first case 5 and the second case 6 are joined together at the second exhaust passage side wall 13 by the first planar fitting structure 80. This eliminates the need for protrusions or other special structures. This saves space and simplifies the structure. Furthermore, interference with other components is unlikely to occur.

[0048] 10 is a schematic side view of the second planar fitting structure 90 of the blower 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the first exhaust passage side wall 12, the first case 5 has a third planar fitting portion 92. The second case 6 has a fourth planar fitting portion 91 that fits into the third planar fitting portion 92. The third planar fitting portion 92 and the fourth planar fitting portion 91 form the second planar fitting structure 90. The second planar fitting structure 90 is provided at a position facing the first planar fitting structure 80 in the facing direction B2.

[0049] More specifically, in the first case 5, the side wall portion 17 that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 has a third planar fitting portion 92 on an upper end surface 172. The third planar fitting portion 92 is a convex portion that extends upward from the upper end surface 172 in a side view. In the second case 6, the side wall portion 18 that constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12 has a fourth planar fitting portion 91 on a lower end surface 182. The fourth planar fitting portion 91 is a concave portion that extends upward from the lower end surface 182 in a side view.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the third planar fitting portion 92 and the fourth planar fitting portion 91 have a snap-fit ​​structure. The third planar fitting portion 92 has a first protrusion 921 extending from the upper end surface 172 and a second protrusion 922 above the first protrusion 921. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first protrusion 921 is constant in the axial direction A1. The second protrusion 922 has a shape in which both ends are smoothly curved in side view and is wider than the width of the first protrusion 921. The fourth planar fitting portion 91 has a first recess 911 extending from the lower end surface 182 and a second recess 912 above the first recess 911. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first recess 911 is constant in the axial direction A1. The second recess 912 has a shape in which both ends are smoothly curved in side view and is wider than the width of the first recess 911. The first convex portion 921 of the third planar fitting portion 92 is fitted into the first concave portion 911 of the fourth planar fitting portion 91. The second convex portion 922 of the third planar fitting portion 92 is fitted into the second concave portion 912 of the fourth planar fitting portion 91.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first case 5 and the second case 6 are brought closer to each other in the axial direction A1, causing both the third planar fitting portion 92 and the fourth planar fitting portion 91 to elastically deform, and are then finally fitted together. As a result, the first case 5 and the second case 6 are firmly joined in the axial direction A1 at the first exhaust passage side wall 12.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the third planar mating portion 92 of the first case 5 and the fourth planar mating portion 91 of the second case 6 are mated together in the first exhaust passage side wall 12. This increases the bonding strength of the mating surfaces between the first case 5 and the second case 6 in the first exhaust passage side wall 12. This also reduces the deformation of the mating surfaces between the first case 5 and the second case 6 in the second exhaust passage side wall 13. As a result, the fan case 2 is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance can be achieved.

[0053] In particular, the first exhaust passage side wall 12 and the second exhaust passage side wall 13 are linear and have lower rigidity than the curved surrounding passage side wall 11. Therefore, the above-described configuration is highly effective.

[0054] Other effects of the first exhaust passage side wall 12 and the second exhaust passage side wall 13 being less likely to bend and deform include, first, no spring back occurs after the pressure applied during welding is removed, stabilizing the position (dimension) of the bracket 31. Furthermore, the welding penetration is stabilized, stabilizing the welding strength.

[0055] In addition to the above, by reducing the deflection of the case due to vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to reduce the misalignment between the first case 5 and the second case 6. As a result, noise suppression and improved vibration resistance are achieved.

[0056] In the first planar fitting structure 80, a first planar fitting portion 81, which is a recess, is provided on the first case 5, and a second planar fitting portion 82, which is a protrusion, is provided on the second case 6. On the other hand, in the second planar fitting structure 90, a third planar fitting portion 92, which is a recess, is provided on the second case 6, and a fourth planar fitting portion 91, which is a protrusion, is provided on the second case 6. In this way, the positional relationship in the axial direction A1 between the recesses and protrusions of both structures is reversed. Therefore, simultaneous deflection and deformation of both the first exhaust passage side wall 12 and the second exhaust passage side wall 13 is suppressed.

[0057] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described using Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first planar fitting structure 80A of a fan according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second planar fitting structure 90A of a fan according to the second embodiment.

[0058] The basic configuration and basic operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0059] 11 , in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A, the first case 5A has a first planar fitting portion 81A. The second case 6A has a second planar fitting portion 82A that fits into the first planar fitting portion 81A. The first planar fitting portion 81A and the second planar fitting portion 82A form a first planar fitting structure 80A. The first planar fitting structure 80A is located on an edge 131A on the exhaust port side of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A in the exhaust direction B1.

[0060] More specifically, the side wall portion 15A constitutes the second exhaust passage side wall 13A in the first case 5A. The side wall portion 15A has a first planar fitting portion 81A on an upper end surface 152A. The first planar fitting portion 81A is a recess extending downward from the upper end surface 152A in a side view. The first planar fitting portion 81A opens toward the exhaust port at an exhaust port-side edge 131A of the second exhaust passage side wall 13A. The side wall portion 16A constitutes the first exhaust passage side wall 12A in the second case 6A. The side wall portion 16A has a second planar fitting portion 82A on a lower end surface 162A. The second planar fitting portion 82A is a protrusion extending downward from the lower end surface 162A in a side view.

[0061] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the first planar fitting portion 81A and the second planar fitting portion 82A have a snap-fit ​​structure. The first planar fitting portion 81A has a first recess 811A extending from the upper end surface 152A and a second recess 812A located below the first recess 811A. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first recess 811A is constant in the axial direction A1. In side view, the second recess 812A has a smoothly curved end face opposite the exhaust port-side edge 131A of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A. The second recess 812A has a width wider than the width of the first recess 811A. The second planar fitting portion 82A has a first protrusion 821A extending from the lower end surface 162A and a second protrusion 822A located below the first protrusion 821A. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first protrusion 821A is constant in the axial direction A1. In side view, the second protrusion 822A has a smoothly curved end face opposite the exhaust port-side edge 131A of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A. The second protrusion 822A has a width wider than the width of the first protrusion 821A. The first protrusion 821A of the second planar fitting portion 82A fits into the first recess 811A of the first planar fitting portion 81A. The second protrusion 822A of the second planar fitting portion 82A fits into the second recess 812A of the first planar fitting portion 81A.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first case 5A and the second case 6A are brought closer to each other in the axial direction A1, causing the first and second planar fitting portions 81A and 82A to elastically deform, and are then finally fitted together. As a result, the first case 5A and the second case 6A are firmly joined in the axial direction A1 at the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first planar mating portion 81A of the first case 5A and the second planar mating portion 82A of the second case 6A are mated together in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A. This increases the bond strength of the mating surfaces between the first case 5A and the second case 6A in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A. This reduces deformation of the mating surfaces between the first case 5A and the second case 6A in the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, achieving desired ventilation performance. In particular, when an external force acts on the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A, such as due to bracket welding, the mating surfaces of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A may bend toward the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A and deform away from each other. Therefore, the effect of suppressing deformation achieved by the above configuration is highly valuable.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first case 5A and the second case 6A are joined together at the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A by the first planar fitting structure 80A. This eliminates the need for protrusions or other special structures. This saves space and simplifies the structure.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12 , in the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A, the first case 5A has a third planar fitting portion 92A. The second case 6A has a fourth planar fitting portion 91A that fits into the third planar fitting portion 92A. The third planar fitting portion 92A and the fourth planar fitting portion 91A form a second planar fitting structure 90A. The second planar fitting structure 90A is located opposite the first planar fitting structure 80A in the facing direction B2. In other words, the second planar fitting structure 90A is located on the exhaust port-side edge 132A of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13A in the exhaust direction B1.

[0066] More specifically, in the first case 5A, the side wall portion 17A constituting the first exhaust passage side wall 12A has a third planar fitting portion 92A on an upper end surface 172A. The third planar fitting portion 92A is a convex portion extending upward from the upper end surface 172A in a side view. In the second case 6A, the side wall portion 18A constituting the first exhaust passage side wall 12A has a fourth planar fitting portion 91A on a lower end surface 182A. The fourth planar fitting portion 91A is a concave portion extending upward from the lower end surface 182A in a side view.

[0067] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 , the third planar fitting portion 92A and the fourth planar fitting portion 91A have a snap-fit ​​structure. The third planar fitting portion 92A has a first protrusion 921A extending from the upper end surface 172A and a second protrusion 922A above it. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first protrusion 921A is constant in the axial direction A1. In side view, the second protrusion 922A has a smoothly curved end face opposite the exhaust port-side edge 132A of the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A. The second protrusion 922A has a width wider than the width of the first protrusion 921A. The fourth planar fitting portion 91A has a first recess 911A extending from the lower end surface 182A and a second recess 912A above it. The width (length in the exhaust direction B1) of the first recess 911A is constant in the axial direction A1. In side view, the second recess 912A has a smoothly curved end face opposite the exhaust port-side edge 132A of the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A. The second recess 912A has a width wider than the width of the first recess 911A. The first protrusion 921A of the third planar fitting portion 92A fits into the first recess 911A of the fourth planar fitting portion 91A. The second protrusion 922A of the third planar fitting portion 92A fits into the second recess 912A of the fourth planar fitting portion 91A.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first case 5A and the second case 6A are brought closer to each other in the axial direction A1, causing the fourth planar fitting portion 91A and the third planar fitting portion 92A to elastically deform, and then finally fitted together, thereby firmly joining the first case 5A and the second case 6A in the axial direction A1 at the first exhaust passage side wall 12A.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the third planar mating portion 92A of the first case 5A and the fourth planar mating portion 91A of the second case 6A are mated together in the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A. This increases the bonding strength of the mating surfaces between the first case 5A and the second case 6A in the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A. This makes the mating surfaces between the first case 5A and the second case 6A less likely to deform in the first exhaust passage sidewall 12A. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance can be achieved.

[0070] In particular, the first exhaust passage side wall 12A and the second exhaust passage side wall 13A are linear and have lower rigidity than the curved surrounding passage side wall 11. Therefore, the above-described configuration is highly effective.

[0071] Other effects of the first exhaust passage side wall 12A and the second exhaust passage side wall 13A being less likely to bend and deform include the elimination of springback after the pressure applied during welding is removed, stabilizing the position (dimension) of the bracket, and stabilizing the welding penetration and strength.

[0072] In addition to the above, by reducing the deflection of the case due to vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to reduce the misalignment between the first case 5A and the second case 6A, thereby realizing noise suppression and improved vibration resistance.

[0073] In the first planar fitting structure 80A, a first planar fitting portion 81A, which is a recess, is provided on the first case 5A, and a second planar fitting portion 82A, which is a protrusion, is provided on the second case 6A. In the second planar fitting structure 90A, a third planar fitting portion 92A, which is a recess, is provided on the second case 6A, and a fourth planar fitting portion 91A, which is a protrusion, is provided on the second case 6A. In this way, the positional relationship between the recess and protrusion in the axial direction A1 is reversed. Therefore, simultaneous deflection and deformation of both the first exhaust passage side wall 12A and the second exhaust passage side wall 13A is suppressed.

[0074] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first exhaust passage side wall 12B and a second exhaust passage side wall 13B according to the third embodiment.

[0075] The basic configuration and basic operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0076] The third and fourth embodiments described below may be appropriately combined with the first and second embodiments. That is, they may include limitations on the first and second planar fitting structures. The third and fourth embodiments do not have to be combined with the first and second embodiments. That is, they may not include limitations on the first and second planar fitting structures.

[0077] In the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B, an upper end surface 152B (first tip surface) of the sidewall portion 15B of the first case 5B and a lower end surface 162B (second tip surface) of the sidewall portion 16B of the second case 6B are in contact with each other. The upper end surface 152B and the lower end surface 162B are shaped so that an upper end portion 151B of the sidewall portion 15B, including the upper end surface 152B of the first case 5B, engages with the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B.

[0078] Specifically, the upper end surface 152B of the first case 5B is an inclined surface (first inclined surface) facing the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B. Specifically, the upper end surface 152B faces diagonally upward toward the exhaust passage 62B. The lower end surface 162B of the second case 6B is an inclined surface (second inclined surface) facing the opposite side from the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B. Specifically, the lower end surface 162B faces diagonally downward toward the opposite side from the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the lower end surface 162B of the second case 6B restricts the upper end 151B of the sidewall 15B, including the upper end surface 152B of the first case 5B, from moving toward the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B (i.e., collapsing into the exhaust passage 62B, arrow C1). Therefore, the mating surface between the first case 5B and the second case 6B at the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B is less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, achieving desired ventilation performance. When an external force acts on the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B, for example, due to bracket welding, the mating surface of the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B bends toward the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B and deforms away from each other. In particular, the sidewall 15B of the first case 5B has lower rigidity than the sidewall 16B of the second case 6B. For this reason, when an external force acts on the first exhaust passage side wall 12B, for example, due to welding of a bracket, the side wall portion 15B of the first case 5B has the tendency to deform and collapse into the exhaust passage 62B. Therefore, the above-mentioned configuration has a valuable effect of suppressing deformation of the mating surface of the second exhaust passage side wall 13B.

[0080] In the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B, an upper end surface 172B (third tip surface) of the sidewall portion 17B of the first case 5B and a lower end surface 182B (fourth tip surface) of the sidewall portion 18B of the second case 6B are in contact with each other. The upper end surface 172B and the lower end surface 182B have shapes that prevent the upper end portion 171B of the sidewall portion 17B, including the upper end surface 172B of the first case 5B, from moving toward the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B (arrow C2).

[0081] Specifically, the upper end surface 172B of the first case 5B is an inclined surface (third inclined surface) facing the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B. The upper end surface 172B faces diagonally upward toward the exhaust passage 62B. The lower end surface 182B of the second case 6B is an inclined surface (fourth inclined surface) facing the opposite side from the second exhaust passage sidewall 13B. Specifically, the lower end surface 182B faces diagonally downward, away from the first exhaust passage sidewall 12B.

[0082] With this configuration, the lower end surface 182B of the second case 6B restricts the upper end 171B of the side wall 17B, including the upper end surface 172B of the first case 5B, from moving toward the second exhaust passage side wall 13B (arrow C2). Therefore, the mating surfaces of the first case 5B and the second case 6B in the first exhaust passage side wall 12B are less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, achieving the desired ventilation performance.

[0083] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first exhaust passage side wall 12C and a second exhaust passage side wall 13C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0084] The basic configuration and basic operation of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0085] In the second exhaust passage sidewall 13C, an upper end surface 152C (first tip surface) of the sidewall portion 15C of the first case 5C and a lower end surface 162C (second tip surface) of the sidewall portion 16C of the second case 6C are in contact with each other. The upper end surface 152C and the lower end surface 162C are shaped so that an upper end portion 151C of the sidewall portion 15C, including the upper end surface 152C of the first case 5C, engages with the first exhaust passage sidewall 12C.

[0086] Specifically, in a cross section taken along the facing direction B2, the upper end surface 152C of the first case 5C has a concave curved shape that is higher at both ends and lower at the center in the facing direction B2. In a cross section taken along the facing direction B2, the lower end surface 162C of the second case 6 has a convex curved shape that is higher at both ends and lower at the center in the facing direction B2.

[0087] With the above configuration, the lower end surface 162C of the second case 6C restricts the upper end 151C of the side wall 15C, including the upper end surface 152C of the first case 5C, from moving toward the first exhaust passage side wall 12C (arrow D1). Therefore, the mating surface between the first case 5C and the second case 6C at the second exhaust passage side wall 13C is less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, achieving the desired ventilation performance.

[0088] In the first exhaust passage sidewall 12C, an upper end surface 172C (third tip surface) of the first case 5C and a lower end surface 182C (fourth tip surface) of the sidewall portion 18C of the second case 6C are in contact with each other. The upper end surface 172C and the lower end surface 182C have shapes that prevent the upper end portion 171C of the sidewall portion 17C, including the upper end surface 172C of the first case 5C, from moving toward the second exhaust passage sidewall 13C (arrow D2).

[0089] Specifically, in a cross section taken along the facing direction B2, the upper end surface 172C of the first case 5C has a concave curved shape that is higher at both ends and lower at the center in the facing direction B2. In a cross section taken along the facing direction B2, the lower end surface 182C of the second case 6 has a convex curved shape that is higher at both ends and lower at the center in the facing direction B2.

[0090] With this configuration, the lower end surface 182C of the second case 6C restricts the upper end 171C of the side wall 17C, including the upper end surface 172C of the first case 5C, from moving toward the second exhaust passage side wall 13C (movement toward the exhaust passage 62C, arrow D2). Therefore, the mating surfaces of the first case 5C and the second case 6C at the first exhaust passage side wall 12C are less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, achieving the desired ventilation performance.

[0091] Fifth Embodiment A vehicle 51 (mobile object) equipped with the blower 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 51 according to a fifth embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, 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).

[0093] In the example of Fig. 15, the vehicle 51 is a four-wheeled hybrid vehicle in which an engine and a drive battery 52 are mounted on a vehicle body 55. The vehicle 51 is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, but may also be an electric vehicle. The vehicle 51 on which the blower 1 is mounted is not limited to a four-wheeled vehicle, but may also be a vehicle (automobile) such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle. The object to be cooled may be a part other than the battery 52.

[0094] The vehicle body 55 is provided with the blower 1, the battery 52, the control device 53, the cable 54, and the cable 56.

[0095] The battery 52 is configured by, for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 52 supplies power to a drive motor and the like for running the vehicle 51.

[0096] 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 another battery to the blower 1, the drive motor, etc.

[0097] 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 air is blown from the blower 1 toward the battery 52, the air is sent into the battery 52. ​​This air-cools the battery 52, suppressing a rise in temperature of the battery 52.

[0098] (Modifications) Modifications of the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments will be described below. Combinations of the embodiments, combinations of the embodiments and modifications, and combinations of modifications can be implemented as appropriate.

[0099] (1) Modification of the First or Second Embodiment The second planar fitting structure may be omitted.

[0100] The planar fitting structure does not have to be a snap-fit ​​structure. For example, the first planar fitting portion and the second planar fitting portion may be a recess and a protrusion, respectively, that extend linearly in the axial direction.

[0101] The vertical relationship between the recessed and protruding portions of the first and second planar fitting structures may be the same.

[0102] The shapes, positions, and numbers of the first planar fitting portion and the second planar fitting portion are not particularly limited.

[0103] (2) Modification of the third or fourth embodiment In the first exhaust passage side wall, the shape that restricts the movement of the upper end of the side wall portion of the first case 5B toward the second exhaust passage side wall may be omitted.

[0104] (Aspects) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0105] A blower (1) according to a first aspect includes a fan case (2), a motor (3), and a centrifugal fan (4). The fan case (2) has a first case (5, 5A) and a second case (6, 6A) that are coupled to each other. The first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) form a circulation passage (61) and an exhaust passage (62). The motor (3) is housed in the fan case (2) and has a rotating shaft (44) that has an axis (X1) as its center of rotation and extends in an axial direction (A1) along which the axis (X1) extends. The centrifugal fan (4) is housed in the fan case (2). The centrifugal fan (4) is attached to the rotating shaft (44). The first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) have a circular passage side wall (11), a first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A), and a second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). The circular passage side wall (11) forms a circular passage (61). The first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A) forms an exhaust passage (62) that continues from the circular passage side wall (11) in the gas flow direction. The second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A) is provided opposite the first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A) and forms the exhaust passage (62). In the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A), the first case (5, 5A) has a first planar mating portion (81, 81A), and the second case (6, 6A) has a second planar mating portion (82, 82A) that mates with the first planar mating portion (81, 81A).

[0106] According to this aspect, the first planar mating portion (81, 81A) of the first case (5, 5A) and the second planar mating portion (82, 82A) of the second case (6, 6A) are mated together in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). This increases the bonding strength of the mating surfaces of the first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). This reduces the deformation of the mating surfaces of the first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). As a result, the fan case (2) is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance is achieved. When an external force acts on the first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A) due to, for example, welding of the fixing member (31), the mating surface between the first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A) may bend toward the first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A) and deform away from each other. Therefore, the effect of suppressing deformation of the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A) by the above configuration is highly valuable.

[0107] In addition, in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A), the first planar mating portion (81, 81A) of the first case (5, 5A) and the second planar mating portion (82, 82A) of the second case (6, 6A) are mated together. Therefore, no protrusions or other special structures are required. In other words, the space is saved and the structure is simple. Also, interference with other components is unlikely to occur.

[0108] In the blower (1) according to the second aspect, the first planar mating portion (81, 81A) and the second planar mating portion (82, 82A) have a snap-fit ​​structure that secures them to each other by fitting them together using the elasticity of the material.

[0109] According to this aspect, the joining strength of the mating surfaces of the first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A) is increased.

[0110] In the blower (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, in the first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A), the first case (5, 5A) has a third planar fitting portion (92, 92A), and the second case (6, 6A) has a fourth planar fitting portion (91, 91A) that fits into the third planar fitting portion (92, 92A).

[0111] According to this aspect, the third planar mating portion (92, 92A) of the first case (5, 5A) and the fourth planar mating portion (91, 91A) of the second case (6, 6A) are mated together in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). This increases the bonding strength of the mating surfaces of the first case (5, 5A) and the second case (6, 6A) in the second exhaust passage side wall (13, 13A). As a result, the fan case (2) is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance is achieved.

[0112] In the blower (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the third planar mating portion (92, 92A) and the fourth planar mating portion (91, 91A) have a snap-fit ​​structure that fixes them to each other by fitting them together using the elasticity of the material.

[0113] According to this aspect, the joining strength of the mating surfaces of the first case (5) and the second case (6) in the first exhaust passage side wall (12, 12A) is increased.

[0114] In the blower (1) according to a fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the first case (5B, 5C) is longer in the axial direction (A1) than the second case (6B, 6C). In the second exhaust passage side wall (13B, 13C), the first tip surface (152B, 152C) of the first case (5B, 5C) and the second tip surface (162B, 162C) of the second case (6B, 6C) are in contact with each other, and the tip portion (151B, 151C) including the first tip surface (152B, 152C) of the first case (5B, 5C) has a shape that engages with the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C).

[0115] According to this aspect, the second tip surface (162B, 162C) of the second case (6B, 6C) restricts the movement (C1, D1) of the tip portion (151B, 151C) including the first tip surface (152B, 152C) of the first case (5B, 5C) toward the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C). Therefore, the mating surfaces between the first case (5B, 5C) and the second case (6B, 6C) at the second exhaust passage side wall (13B, 13C) are less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance can be achieved. Generally, when an external force acts on the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C), for example, due to welding of the fixing member (31), the mating surfaces may bend toward the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C) and deform away from each other. Therefore, the effect of suppressing deformation achieved by the above configuration is highly valuable.

[0116] In the blower (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the first tip surface (152B) of the first case (5B) has a first inclined surface facing the first exhaust passage side wall (12B), and the second tip surface (162B) of the second case (6B) has a second inclined surface facing the side opposite to the first exhaust passage side wall (12B).

[0117] According to this aspect, the fan case is less likely to deform due to its simple structure.

[0118] In the blower (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, in the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C), the third tip surface (172B, 172C) of the first case (5B, 5C) and the fourth tip surface (182B, 182C) of the second case (6B, 6C) are in contact with each other, and the tip portion (171B, 171C) including the third tip surface (172B, 172C) of the first case (5B, 5C) has a shape that engages with the second exhaust passage side wall (13B, 13C).

[0119] According to this aspect, the fourth tip surface (182B, 182C) of the second case (6B, 6C) restricts the movement (C2, D2) of the tip portion (171B, 171C) including the third tip surface (172B, 172C) of the first case (5B, 5C) toward the second exhaust passage side wall (13B, 13C). Therefore, the mating surfaces of the first case (5B, 5C) and the second case (6B, 6C) at the first exhaust passage side wall (12B, 12C) are less likely to deform. As a result, the fan case is less likely to deform, and desired ventilation performance is achieved.

[0120] In the blower (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the third tip surface (172B) of the first case (5B) has a third inclined surface facing the second exhaust passage side wall (13B), and the fourth tip surface (182B) of the second case (6B) has a fourth inclined surface facing the side opposite to the second exhaust passage side wall (13B).

[0121] According to this aspect, the fan case is less likely to deform due to its simple structure.

[0122] A moving body (51) according to a ninth aspect includes the fan (1) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, an object to be cooled (52), and a moving body main body (55). The object to be cooled (52) is cooled by the fan (1). The moving body main body (55) mounts the fan (1) and the object to be cooled (52).

[0123] According to this embodiment, a moving body (51) that can suppress deformation of the fan case (2) can be obtained.

[0124] According to the present disclosure, a fan and a moving body can be obtained that suppresses deformation of the fan case after the fixing member is fixed. Therefore, the fan and the moving body of the present disclosure are useful for a variety of electrical products and moving bodies.

[0125] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Blower 2: Fan case 3: Motor 4: Centrifugal fan 5, 5A, 5B, 5C: First case 6, 6A, 6B, 6C: Second case 11: Circulation passage side wall 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: First exhaust passage side wall 13, 13A, 13B, 13C: Second exhaust passage side wall 25A, 25B: Welded protrusion 31, 32: Bracket 44: Rotating shaft 51: Vehicle (mobile body) 52: Battery (object to be cooled) 55: Vehicle body (mobile body main body) 61: Circulation passage 62, 62B, 62C: Exhaust passage 81, 81A: First planar fitting portion 82, 82A: Second planar fitting portion 91, 91A: Fourth planar fitting portion 92, 92A: Third planar fitting portion 151, 151B, 151C, 171, 171B, 171C: Upper end portion 152, 152A, 152B, 152C, 172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 721: Upper end surface 162, 162A, 162B, 162C, 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 741: Lower end surface A1: Axial direction B1: Exhaust direction B2: Opposing direction X1: Axial center Y1: Inflection point

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a fan case having a first case and a second case coupled to each other, said first case and said second case forming a circulation passage and an exhaust passage; a motor housed within said fan case and having a rotating shaft extending in the axial direction along which said shaft extends, said motor rotating about an axis; and a centrifugal fan housed within said fan case and attached to said rotating shaft, said first case and said second case having: a circulation passage sidewall that constitutes said circulation passage; a first exhaust passage sidewall that constitutes said exhaust passage and continues from said circulation passage sidewall in the gas flow direction; and a second exhaust passage sidewall that is provided opposite to the first exhaust passage sidewall and constitutes said exhaust passage, and in said second exhaust passage sidewall, said first case has a first planar fitting portion, and said second case has a second planar fitting portion that fits into said first planar fitting portion.

2. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the first and second planar mating portions have a snap-fit ​​structure in which they are fixed to each other by fitting together using the elasticity of the materials.

3. A blower as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the first exhaust passage side wall, the first case has a third planar fitting portion, and the second case has a fourth planar fitting portion that fits into the third planar fitting portion.

4. The blower according to claim 3, wherein the third and fourth planar mating portions have a snap-fit ​​structure in which they are fixed to each other by fitting together using the elasticity of the material.

5. A blower as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first case is longer in the axial direction than the second case, and at the second exhaust passage side wall, a first end face of the first case and a second end face of the second case are in contact with each other, and a tip portion including the first end face of the first case has a shape that engages with the first exhaust passage side wall.

6. A blower as described in claim 5, wherein the first end surface of the first case has a first inclined surface facing the first exhaust passage side wall, and the second end surface of the second case has a second inclined surface facing the side opposite the first exhaust passage side wall.

7. A blower as described in claim 5, wherein the third end face of the first case and the fourth end face of the second case are in contact with each other in the first exhaust passage side wall, and a tip portion including the third end face of the first case has a shape that engages with the second exhaust passage side wall.

8. A blower as described in claim 7, wherein the third end surface of the first case has a third inclined surface facing the second exhaust passage side wall, and the fourth end surface of the second case has a fourth inclined surface facing the side opposite the second exhaust passage side wall.

9. A moving body comprising: a blower according to claim 1 or 2; an object to be cooled by the blower; and a moving body on which the blower and the object to be cooled are mounted.

Images