Fan and outdoor unit

Abstract

A fan comprising a boss, a blade, and a casing, wherein: the casing has an upstream end portion, a downstream end portion, and a small diameter portion located on the downstream side relative to the upstream end portion and on the upstream side relative to the downstream end portion in the flow of air; the inner diameter of the casing in the small diameter portion is smaller than both the inner diameter of the casing in the upstream end portion and the inner diameter of the casing in the downstream end portion; the diameter of the boss increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the flow of air; the blade has a front edge portion, a back edge portion, and a facing portion that faces the small diameter portion; one part of the blade on the front edge portion-side protrudes toward the upstream side relative to the upstream end portion of the casing; and the outer diameter of the blade in the facing portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade in the back edge portion.

Description

Blower and outdoor unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blower and an outdoor unit equipped with the same.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that uses a propeller fan. This outdoor unit includes a casing, a propeller fan disposed within the casing, a bell mouth disposed on the outer periphery and outlet side of the propeller fan, and a fan guard disposed on the outlet side of the propeller fan.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-105865

[0004] In the outdoor unit described above, the inner diameter of the bell mouth located on the outer periphery of the propeller fan is generally constant in the direction of airflow. When a propeller fan is installed in an outdoor unit, the airflow suctioned by the propeller fan tends to become uneven. This causes the airflow to be unevenly distributed toward the outer periphery of the blades, making it difficult to efficiently increase dynamic pressure.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a blower and an outdoor unit that can efficiently increase dynamic pressure.

[0006] A blower according to the present disclosure includes a boss provided on a rotary shaft, blades provided on the outer periphery of the boss, and a casing surrounding the blades from the outer periphery, the casing being formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotary shaft, the casing having an upstream end which is an end on the upstream side of the casing in the air flow, a downstream end which is an end on the downstream side of the casing in the air flow, and a small diameter portion located downstream of the upstream end and upstream of the downstream end in the air flow, and the inner diameter of the casing at the small diameter portion is equal to the inner diameter of the casing at the upstream end and the small diameter portion at the downstream end. The small diameter portion overlaps with the boss and the blade when viewed radially, the diameter of the boss increasing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow, the blade has a leading edge portion which is the upstream edge of the blade in the air flow, a trailing edge portion which is the downstream edge of the blade in the air flow, and an opposing portion which faces the small diameter portion, a part of the blade on the leading edge side protruding upstream of the upstream end of the casing in the air flow, and the outer diameter of the blade at the opposing portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade at the trailing edge portion.

[0007] The outdoor unit of the present disclosure comprises a housing having an air outlet formed on its upper surface, a blower provided on the upper surface of the housing, and heat exchangers provided on multiple side surfaces of the housing, wherein the blower is a semi-open axial flow blower having a casing and blades, and a portion of the leading edge side of the blades protrudes downward from the casing and extends into the space surrounded by the heat exchanger.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the dynamic pressure of the blower can be increased efficiently.

[0009] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 1 as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 1 as seen from the downstream side in the air flow. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the meridian plane shape of blades in a blower according to embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic top view showing the internal structure of an outdoor unit according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 4. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 5. FIG. 12 is a rear view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 6 as seen from the downstream side in the air flow. FIG. 13 is a front view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 7 as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 7. FIG. 15 is a front view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 8 as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to embodiment 8. FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an outdoor unit according to embodiment 9. 13 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 10. FIG. 14 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an outdoor unit according to a modified example of Embodiment 10. FIG.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments. In particular, the combinations of components are not limited to the combinations in each embodiment, and components described in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. In the following description, directional terms (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding, but these are for explanatory purposes and do not limit the present disclosure. In each drawing, components designated with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and this applies throughout the entire specification. Note that the relative dimensional relationships or shapes of each component in each drawing may differ from those in reality.

[0011] Embodiment 1. A blower and an outdoor unit according to embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a blower according to this embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. Fig. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of a blower according to this embodiment as seen from the downstream side in the air flow. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blower according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a blower according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a blower according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the blower cut in a plane including the rotation axis, i.e., a meridian plane. In each of Figs. 3 to 5, the upper side represents the upstream side in the air flow.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the blower 100 has a boss 10, a plurality of blades 20, a casing 30, a motor 40, a cup portion 50, and a plurality of straightening ribs 60. The blower 100 is a semi-open axial flow blower. In the following description, the direction along the rotating shaft 11 may be referred to as the "axial direction of the blower" or simply as the "axial direction." The direction along the circumference of a circle centered on the rotating shaft 11 in a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft 11 may be referred to as the "circumferential direction of the blower" or simply as the "circumferential direction." The direction along the radius of the circumference in the above plane may be referred to as the "radial direction of the blower" or simply as the "radial direction."

[0013] The boss 10 is provided on the rotating shaft 11. The boss 10 has a tip surface 12 and an outer peripheral surface 13. The outer peripheral surface 13 is located downstream of the tip surface 12 in the air flow. The tip surface 12 protrudes from the casing 30 when viewed in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface 13 overlaps with the casing 30 when viewed in the radial direction. The diameter of the boss 10 at least at the outer peripheral surface 13 monotonically increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow. The diameter at the downstream end of the boss 10 is the maximum diameter of the boss 10.

[0014] The blades 20 are provided on the outer periphery of the boss 10. The blades 20 rotate together with the boss 10 around the rotation shaft 11 by the driving force of the motor 40. Each blade 20 has a leading edge 21, a trailing edge 22, an outer peripheral edge 23, and an inner peripheral edge 24. The leading edge 21 is an edge located forward in the direction of rotation of the blade 20. The leading edge 21 is the upstream edge of the blade 20 in the air flow. A portion of the blade 20 on the leading edge 21 side protrudes upstream in the air flow beyond the upstream end 31 of the casing 30, which will be described later. The trailing edge 22 is an edge located rearward in the direction of rotation of the blade 20. The trailing edge 22 is the downstream edge of the blade 20 in the air flow.

[0015] The outer peripheral edge 23 is an edge located on the outer peripheral side of the blade 20. The outer peripheral edge 23 is provided between the outer peripheral end of the leading edge 21 and the outer peripheral end of the trailing edge 22. The inner peripheral edge 24 is an edge located on the inner peripheral side of the blade 20. The inner peripheral edge 24 is provided between the inner peripheral end of the leading edge 21 and the inner peripheral end of the trailing edge 22. The inner peripheral edge 24 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 13 of the boss 10.

[0016] The blade 20 further has a facing portion 25. The facing portion 25 is a part of the outer peripheral edge portion 23. The facing portion 25 faces a small diameter portion 33 of the casing 30 (described later) across a gap. When viewed in the radial direction, the facing portion 25 overlaps with the small diameter portion 33 of the casing 30.

[0017] The casing 30 surrounds the plurality of blades 20 from the outer periphery. The casing 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotary shaft 11. The casing 30 has an upstream end 31, a downstream end 32, and a small diameter portion 33. The upstream end 31 is the upstream end of the casing 30 in the air flow. An intake side opening of the casing 30 is formed at the upstream end 31. The casing 30 has a shape that is warped toward the outer periphery on the upstream end 31 side. As a result, the upstream end 31 faces the outer periphery. In this embodiment, the upstream end 31 has a flared shape. The upstream end 31 may have an arc-shaped or multi-arc cross-sectional shape.

[0018] The downstream end 32 is the end of the casing 30 on the downstream side in the air flow. A blow-out side opening of the casing 30 is formed at the downstream end 32. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the upstream end 31 is the same as the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the downstream end 32.

[0019] The small diameter portion 33 is located downstream of the upstream end 31 and upstream of the downstream end 32 in the air flow. The inner diameter of the casing 30 at the small diameter portion 33 is smaller than both the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the upstream end 31 and the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the downstream end 32. The small diameter portion 33 overlaps with the boss 10 and the blades 20 when viewed in the radial direction.

[0020] The inner diameter of the casing 30 changes from the upstream end 31 toward the downstream end 32 as follows: In the section from the upstream end 31 to the small diameter section 33, the inner diameter of the casing 30 monotonically decreases toward the downstream side. The inner diameter of the casing 30 is smallest at the small diameter section 33. In the section from the small diameter section 33 to the downstream end 32, the inner diameter of the casing 30 gradually increases from the small diameter section 33 toward the downstream side and becomes constant near the downstream end 32. The inner diameter of the casing 30 is constant at least from the portion where the flow straightening rib 60 is connected to the downstream end 32.

[0021] The air flow path within the casing 30 is defined on the upstream side by the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the boss 10, and on the downstream side by the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the cup portion 50. In this specification, the flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 is defined as the value obtained by subtracting the cross-sectional area of ​​the boss 10 or the cross-sectional area of ​​the cup portion 50 from the cross-sectional area of ​​the space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30 in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis 11.

[0022] In this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area at the downstream end 32 of the casing 30 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area at the upstream end 31 of the casing 30. For example, the flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 changes from the upstream end 31 to the downstream end 32 as follows: In the section from the upstream end 31 to the small diameter section 33, the flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 monotonically decreases downstream. In the section from the small diameter section 33 to the downstream end 32, the flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 increases downstream or remains constant. The flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 may decrease downstream throughout the entire section from the upstream end 31 to the downstream end 32.

[0023] The motor 40 is disposed on the rotating shaft 11. The motor 40 is disposed inside the casing 30. The motor 40 is disposed downstream of the boss 10 and the blades 20 in the airflow. The diameter of the motor 40 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the boss 10. The output shaft of the motor 40 is connected to the boss 10.

[0024] The cup portion 50 is disposed on the rotary shaft 11. The cup portion 50 has a cylindrical shape centered on the rotary shaft 11. The diameter of the cup portion 50 is larger than the diameter of the motor 40. The diameter of the cup portion 50 is approximately the same as the maximum diameter of the boss 10. The cup portion 50 supports the motor 40 from the downstream side in the air flow. The cup portion 50 is supported by the casing 30 via a plurality of straightening ribs 60.

[0025] The multiple rectifying ribs 60 are arranged downstream of the blades 20 in the air flow. Each of the rectifying ribs 60 is arranged radially around the rotation shaft 11. Each of the rectifying ribs 60 has an inner circumferential end and an outer circumferential end. The inner circumferential end of the rectifying rib 60 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the cup portion 50. The outer circumferential end of the rectifying rib 60 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30. The rectifying ribs 60 function as stator blades that rectify the airflow generated by the blades 20. The dynamic pressure increased by the blades 20 is converted into static pressure by the rectifying ribs 60.

[0026] When viewed in the radial direction, the flow straightening rib 60 is curved. An upstream end 61 of the flow straightening rib 60 is inclined with respect to the rotation shaft 11 in accordance with the direction of the swirling flow generated by the blades 20. On the other hand, a downstream end 62 of the flow straightening rib 60 is formed parallel to the rotation shaft 11.

[0027] In FIG. 4 , the distance between the upstream end 61 of one of the flow straightening ribs 60-1 and the flow straightening rib 60-2 adjacent to the flow straightening rib 60-1 is defined as L1. The distance L1 is measured perpendicular to the extension direction of the flow straightening rib 60-1 at the upstream end 61 and along the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30. The distance between the downstream end 62 of the flow straightening rib 60-1 and the flow straightening rib 60-2 is defined as L2. The distance L2 is measured perpendicular to the extension direction of the flow straightening rib 60-1 at the downstream end 62 and along the inner circumferential surface of the casing 30. In this case, the distance L1 is shorter than the distance L2 (L1<L2). That is, the distance between two adjacent flow straightening ribs 60 in the circumferential direction gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow.

[0028] 6 is a diagram showing the meridian plane shape of the blades of the blower according to this embodiment. The meridian plane shape of the blades 20 refers to the shape obtained when the blades 20 are rotated and projected onto one meridian plane around the rotation axis 11. The meridian plane refers to a plane that includes the rotation axis 11 and is parallel to the rotation axis 11.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the blade 20 on the trailing edge 22 side is located downstream of the downstream end 14 of the boss 10 and upstream of the upstream end 51 of the cup portion 50. The outer diameter D1 of the blade 20 at the trailing edge 22 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the blade 20 at the leading edge 21 (D1 > D2). The outer diameter of the blade 20 monotonically increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow. The outer diameter D1 of the blade 20 at the trailing edge 22 is at least larger than the outer diameter D3 of the blade 20 at the opposing portion 25 (D1 > D3).

[0030] In this embodiment, the outer diameter D1 of the blade 20 at the trailing edge portion 22 is larger than the inner diameter D4 of the casing 30 at the small diameter portion 33 (D1>D4). As a result, when viewed in the axial direction, a part of the outer peripheral edge portion 23 of the blade 20 on the trailing edge portion 22 side overlaps with the small diameter portion 33 of the casing 30.

[0031] However, the outer diameter D1 of the blade 20 at the trailing edge portion 22 may be smaller than the inner diameter D4 of the casing 30 at the small diameter portion 33. In this case, the blade 20 can be easily inserted into the casing 30, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the blower 100.

[0032] In the meridian shape of the blade 20 shown in Figure 6, the portion above the two-dot chain line is the portion that protrudes upstream from the upstream end 31 of the casing 30. In the meridian shape of the blade 20, the portion below the two-dot chain line is the portion that is located inside the casing 30. In the meridian shape of the blade 20, the area of ​​the portion that protrudes upstream from the upstream end 31 of the casing 30 is smaller than the area of ​​the portion that is located inside the casing 30.

[0033] The distance between the outer peripheral edge 23 of the blade 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 30 is maintained constant in the portion from the trailing edge 22 to the opposing portion 25. Hereinafter, the portion from the trailing edge 22 to the opposing portion 25 may be referred to as the first portion. In the portion from the opposing portion 25 to the leading edge 21, the distance between the outer peripheral edge 23 of the blade 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 30 increases as the distance approaches the leading edge 21. Hereinafter, the portion from the opposing portion 25 to the leading edge 21 may be referred to as the second portion.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the chord length of the first portion is LA, and the chord length of the second portion is LB, where the relationship LA x 2 < LB is satisfied.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view showing the internal structure of the outdoor unit according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit according to this embodiment is used as an outdoor unit for a refrigeration cycle device. The thick arrows in FIG. 7 indicate examples of air flow directions. As shown in FIG. 7, the outdoor unit 310 is a side-flow type outdoor unit with an air outlet formed on the side. The outdoor unit 310 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 314. The interior of the housing 314 is partitioned into a machine chamber 311 and a blower chamber 312. The machine chamber 311 houses a compressor, refrigerant piping, and the like (not shown).

[0036] The blower chamber 312 accommodates the blower 100 and the heat exchanger 303. Outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 303 by the blower 100. The heat exchanger 303 is disposed upstream of the blower 100 in the air flow. The heat exchanger 303 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above. The heat exchangers 303 are disposed on two side surfaces of the housing 314. The heat exchanger 303 functions as a heat source-side heat exchanger in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0037] An air outlet 315 is formed on a side surface of the housing 314. The blower 100 is provided on the side surface of the housing 314 where the air outlet 315 is formed. When the blower 100 is driven, air is sucked into the inside of the housing 314 through the heat exchanger 303, and the air is blown out of the housing 314 from the air outlet 315.

[0038] The housing 314 has a front panel 313 on its side. The air outlet 315 is formed in the front panel 313. The blower 100 is attached to the front panel 313. The rotation axis of the blower 100 is perpendicular to the surface of the front panel 313. The casing 30 of the blower 100 is fixed to the front panel 313. The motor 40 of the blower 100 is fixed to the front panel 313 via a motor fixing portion (not shown). In other words, both the casing 30 and the motor 40 are fixed to the front panel 313.

[0039] As described above, the blower 100 according to this embodiment includes the boss 10, the blades 20, and the cylindrical casing 30. The boss 10 is provided on the rotating shaft 11. The blades 20 are provided on the outer periphery of the boss 10. The casing 30 surrounds the blades 20 from the outer periphery. The casing 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotating shaft 11. The casing 30 has an upstream end 31, a downstream end 32, and a small diameter portion 33. The upstream end 31 is the upstream end of the casing 30 in terms of the air flow. The downstream end 32 is the downstream end of the casing 30 in terms of the air flow. The small diameter portion 33 is located downstream of the upstream end 31 and upstream of the downstream end 32 in terms of the air flow.

[0040] The inner diameter of the casing 30 at the small diameter portion 33 is smaller than both the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the upstream end 31 and the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the downstream end 32. When viewed in the radial direction, the small diameter portion 33 overlaps with the boss 10 and the blades 20. The diameter of the boss 10 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow.

[0041] The blade 20 has a leading edge 21, a trailing edge 22, and a facing portion 25. The leading edge 21 is the edge of the blade 20 on the upstream side in the air flow. The trailing edge 22 is the edge of the blade 20 on the downstream side in the air flow. The facing portion 25 faces the small diameter portion 33. A part of the blade 20 on the leading edge 21 side protrudes upstream of the upstream end 31 of the casing 30 in the air flow. The outer diameter of the blade 20 at the facing portion 25 is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the trailing edge 22.

[0042] With this configuration, the air flow path formed between the boss 10 and the casing 30 gradually narrows from the upstream end 31 of the casing 30 toward the small diameter portion 33 of the casing 30. This allows the flow of air that has flowed into the casing 30 to be contracted, rectifying the airflow and increasing the wind speed, thereby making the wind speed uniform on the inner and outer circumferential sides of the blades 20. Therefore, with the above configuration, dynamic pressure can be increased efficiently.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the facing portion 25 that overlaps with the small diameter portion 33 when viewed in the radial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the trailing edge portion 22. Therefore, even if the casing 30 has the small diameter portion 33, an appropriate gap between the blade 20 and the casing 30 can be ensured.

[0044] Blower 100 according to the present embodiment further includes rectifying ribs 60. The rectifying ribs 60 are arranged downstream of blades 20 in the air flow. The rectifying ribs 60 are provided radially around rotation shaft 11.

[0045] According to this configuration, airflow with a uniform wind speed can be introduced into the rectifying rib 60, thereby reducing pressure loss at the rectifying rib 60 and efficiently converting dynamic pressure into static pressure. As a result, the input power and noise of the blower 100 can be reduced.

[0046] In blower 100 according to this embodiment, the outer peripheral ends of each of a plurality of flow straightening ribs 60 are connected to casing 30. The inner diameter of casing 30 is constant from the part where the outer peripheral ends of flow straightening ribs 60 are connected to downstream end 32.

[0047] According to this configuration, the straightness of the airflow blown out from the downstream end portion 32 can be improved, and therefore dynamic pressure can be converted into static pressure more efficiently.

[0048] In the blower 100 according to the present embodiment, the distance between two adjacent flow straightening ribs 60 in the circumferential direction among the plurality of flow straightening ribs 60 increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the air flow.

[0049] According to this configuration, the flow path between two adjacent flow straightening ribs 60 widens toward the downstream side, so that the pressure can be increased further.

[0050] The blower 100 according to this embodiment further includes a motor 40 that rotates the boss 10 and the blades 20. The motor 40 is disposed downstream of the blades 20 in the air flow.

[0051] With this configuration, the motor 40 and the motor fixing portion for fixing the motor 40 can be disposed downstream of the blades 20. This reduces the loss when drawing in air, thereby enabling the blower 100 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0052] Blower 100 according to this embodiment further includes a cup portion 50. Cup portion 50 supports motor 40 from the downstream side in the airflow. A portion of trailing edge portion 22 of blade 20 is located downstream of downstream end 14 of boss 10 and upstream of upstream end 51 of cup portion 50 in the airflow.

[0053] This configuration reduces air leakage between the boss 10 and the cup portion 50 and increases the air volume, thereby enabling the blower 100 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0054] In blower 100 according to this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction, blades 20 partially overlap casing 30 .

[0055] According to this configuration, air leakage at the outer periphery of the blades 20 can be reduced and the air volume can be increased, so that the input power and noise of the blower 100 can be reduced.

[0056] In blower 100 according to this embodiment, blade 20 has a first portion where the distance between outer peripheral edge 23 of blade 20 and casing 30 is constant, and a second portion where the distance between outer peripheral edge 23 and casing 30 increases toward leading edge 21. When the chord length of the first portion is LA and the chord length of the second portion is LB, the relationship LA × 2 < LB is satisfied.

[0057] According to this configuration, air leakage at the outer periphery of the blades 20 can be reduced and the air volume can be increased, so that the input power and noise of the blower 100 can be reduced.

[0058] In blower 100 according to this embodiment, upstream end 31 of casing 30 faces the outer periphery. Upstream end 31 may have a flared shape. Upstream end 31 may have an arc-shaped or multiple arc-shaped cross section.

[0059] According to this configuration, the amount of air drawn in can be increased, and therefore the input power and noise level of the blower 100 can be reduced.

[0060] In blower 100 according to this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area at downstream end 32 of casing 30 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area at upstream end 31 of casing 30 .

[0061] With this configuration, the discharge area of ​​the casing 30 can be made smaller than the suction area of ​​the casing 30, and the air sucked into the casing 30 can be efficiently pressurized, thereby achieving low input and low noise levels for the blower 100.

[0062] In the blower 100 according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the meridian shape of the blade 20 that protrudes upstream from the upstream end 31 of the casing 30 is smaller than the area of ​​the portion located inside the casing 30.

[0063] According to this configuration, the pressure-boosting effect of the casing 30 can be improved, and therefore the input power and noise of the blower 100 can be reduced.

[0064] The outdoor unit 310 according to this embodiment includes a blower 100, a heat exchanger 303, and a housing 314. Air is supplied to the heat exchanger 303 by the blower 100. The housing 314 accommodates the blower 100 and the heat exchanger 303. The heat exchanger 303 is disposed upstream of the blower 100 in the air flow. An air outlet 315 is formed on a side surface of the housing 314, through which air is blown out of the housing 314. The blower 100 is provided on this side surface.

[0065] With this configuration, even if the air flowing into the blower 100 through the heat exchanger 303 is uneven, the dynamic pressure can be increased efficiently, thereby reducing the input and noise of the outdoor unit 310.

[0066] In the outdoor unit 310 according to this embodiment, the housing 314 has a front panel 313 in which an air outlet 315 is formed. The casing 30 and the motor 40 that rotates the boss 10 and the blades 20 are all fixed to the front panel 313.

[0067] With this configuration, the casing 30 and the motor 40 can be mounted using the same front panel 313 as a reference, thereby reducing deterioration in characteristics due to the accumulation of assembly tolerances and enabling the outdoor unit 310 to have lower input and noise levels.

[0068] Embodiment 2. A blower according to embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the diameter of the downstream end 52 of the cup portion 50 is larger than the diameter of the upstream end 51 of the cup portion 50. That is, the diameter of the cup portion 50 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow. Meanwhile, the inner diameter of the casing 30 is constant at least in the portion overlapping with the cup portion 50 when viewed in the radial direction. As a result, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path on the outer periphery side of the cup portion 50 decreases toward the downstream side. The flow path cross-sectional area within the casing 30 may decrease toward the downstream side in the entire section from the upstream end 31 to the downstream end 32. The other configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0069] As described above, in the blower 100 according to this embodiment, the diameter of the cup portion 50 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow. With this configuration, the air flow path is narrowed toward the downstream side, thereby reducing the vortex region. In particular, with this configuration, the air flow path is narrowed on the inner circumferential side where separation is likely to occur, thereby effectively reducing the vortex region.

[0070] Third Embodiment A blower according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the meridian shape of the blade 20. As shown in Fig. 9, the outer diameter of the blade 20 is constant from the leading edge portion 21 to the opposing portion 25. As a result, the outer diameter of the blade 20 is constant from the leading edge portion 21 to the opposing portion 25, and increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow from the opposing portion 25 to the trailing edge portion 22. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] In the configuration of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the leading edge portion 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the opposing portion 25. In contrast, in the configuration of the present embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the leading edge portion 21 is ensured to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the blade 20 at the opposing portion 25.

[0072] As described above, in blower 100 according to this embodiment, the outer diameter of blade 20 is constant from leading edge 21 to opposing portion 25. This configuration allows the outer diameter of blade 20 at leading edge 21 to be increased. This increases the air volume, thereby enabling blower 100 to achieve lower input power and noise levels.

[0073] Fourth Embodiment A blower according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the meridian shape of the blade 20. As shown in Fig. 10, the outer diameter D2 of the blade 20 at the leading edge portion 21 is larger than the outer diameter D3 of the blade 20 at the opposing portion 25 (D2 > D3). As a result, the outer diameter of the blade 20 decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow between the leading edge portion 21 and the opposing portion 25, and increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow between the opposing portion 25 and the trailing edge portion 22. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0074] As described above, in blower 100 according to the present embodiment, the outer diameter of blade 20 at leading edge 21 is larger than the outer diameter of blade 20 at opposing portion 25. This configuration reduces airflow leakage at the outer periphery of blade 20, thereby enabling blower 100 to achieve lower input power and noise levels.

[0075] Fifth Embodiment A blower according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the outer peripheral end of the flow straightening rib 60 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the casing 30. The inner diameter of the casing 30 increases from the part where the flow straightening rib 60 is connected toward the downstream end 32. The inner diameter of the casing 30 at the downstream end 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the upstream end 31. The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0076] As described above, in blower 100 according to the present embodiment, the outer peripheral ends of each of the plurality of flow straightening ribs 60 are connected to casing 30. The inner diameter of casing 30 increases from the portion where the outer peripheral ends are connected toward downstream end 32.

[0077] This configuration can reduce airflow leakage at the outer periphery of blades 20, thereby reducing the input power and noise of blower 100. Furthermore, this configuration can further improve the static pressure efficiency of blower 100 because pressure is restored by the expansion of the flow path in addition to the action of flow straightening ribs 60.

[0078] Sixth Embodiment A blower according to a sixth embodiment will now be described. Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment as seen from the downstream side in the air flow. In Fig. 12, the rotation direction of the blades 20 is counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12, each of the flow straightening ribs 60 has an inner peripheral end and an outer peripheral end. The inner peripheral end of each flow straightening rib 60 is connected to the cup portion 50. The outer peripheral end of each flow straightening rib 60 is connected to the casing 30. The outer peripheral end of each flow straightening rib 60 is located rearward of the inner peripheral end of the corresponding flow straightening rib 60 in the rotation direction of the blade 20. When viewed in the axial direction of the blower 100, each flow straightening rib 60 is curved so that its forward side is convex in the rotation direction of the blade 20. The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] As described above, in blower 100 according to this embodiment, each of the plurality of flow straightening ribs 60 has an inner peripheral end and an outer peripheral end. The outer peripheral end of each flow straightening rib 60 is located rearward of the inner peripheral end of the corresponding flow straightening rib 60 in the rotation direction of blade 20.

[0081] This configuration makes it possible to rectify the airflow while reducing the flow resistance of each rectifying rib 60. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the input power and noise of the blower 100.

[0082] Seventh embodiment A blower according to a seventh embodiment will now be described. Fig. 13 is a front view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, a plurality of protruding ribs 63 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the casing 30 at the upstream end 31. The plurality of protruding ribs 63 are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction. The plurality of protruding ribs 63 are arranged at regular angular intervals around the rotating shaft 11. Each protruding rib 63 protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the casing 30. In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the rotating shaft 11, a diameter D5 of a circle inscribed in the plurality of protruding ribs 63 with the rotating shaft 11 at its center is the same as the inner diameter of the casing 30 at the small diameter portion 33. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0084] As described above, in the blower 100 according to this embodiment, the upstream end 31 of the casing 30 is formed with the protruding rib 63 that protrudes inward. With this configuration, the protruding rib 63 can straighten the uneven flow of air sucked into the casing 30, thereby reducing suction loss. This allows the blower 100 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0085] Eighth embodiment A blower according to an eighth embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a front view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the air flow. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the blower according to this embodiment. In Fig. 15, the rotation direction of the blades 20 is clockwise as shown by the arrow.

[0086] 15 and 16 , a plurality of swivel ribs 15 are formed on the tip surface 12 of the boss 10. When viewed in the axial direction of the blower 100, each swivel rib 15 extends in a curved line. Each swivel rib 15 has a first end 15a and a second end 15b located on the outer circumferential side of the first end 15a. The second end 15b of each swivel rib 15 is located rearward of the first end 15a of the corresponding swivel rib 15 in the rotational direction of the blade 20. When viewed in the axial direction of the blower 100, each swivel rib 15 is curved so that its forward side is convex in the rotational direction of the blade 20.

[0087] As described above, in the blower 100 according to this embodiment, a plurality of swivel ribs 15 are formed on the tip surface 12 of the boss 10. Each of the plurality of swivel ribs 15 has a first end 15a and a second end 15b located on the outer circumferential side of the first end 15a. The second end 15b is located rearward of the first end 15a in the rotation direction of the blades 20.

[0088] According to this configuration, the rotating rib 15 can also generate an airflow, increasing the air volume, thereby enabling the blower 100 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0089] Embodiment 9 An outdoor unit according to embodiment 9 will be described. The outdoor unit according to this embodiment is used as an outdoor unit for a refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 17 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the outdoor unit according to this embodiment. The up and down direction in Fig. 17 represents the vertical up and down direction. The left side of Fig. 17 represents the upstream side in terms of the air flow. As shown in Fig. 17, the outdoor unit 310 is a side flow type outdoor unit in which an air outlet is formed on the side surface. When viewed from above, the outdoor unit 310 has the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 7, for example.

[0090] The outdoor unit 310 has a first fan 100-1 and a second fan 100-2 as fans. The first fan 100-1 and the second fan 100-2 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. The rotation shaft 11 of the first fan 100-1 and the rotation shaft 11 of the second fan 100-2 are parallel to each other. Figure 17 shows the meridian shapes of the blades 20 of the first fan 100-1 and the second fan 100-2.

[0091] The distance between the leading edge 21 of the first fan 100-1 and the leading edge 21 of the second fan 100-2 is defined as L3. The distance between the trailing edge 22 of the first fan 100-1 and the trailing edge 22 of the second fan 100-2 is defined as L4. In this embodiment, the distance L3 is longer than the distance L4 (L3 > L4). In this embodiment, two fans are provided in parallel, but three or more fans may be provided in parallel.

[0092] As described above, the outdoor unit 310 according to this embodiment has a first fan 100-1 and a second fan 100-2 arranged in parallel to each other. The distance L3 between the leading edge 21 of the first fan 100-1 and the leading edge 21 of the second fan 100-2 is longer than the distance L4 between the trailing edge 22 of the first fan 100-1 and the trailing edge 22 of the second fan 100-2. With this configuration, each fan of the outdoor unit 310 is less susceptible to the influence of the blades 20 of the adjacent fan. This allows for lower input and noise levels of the outdoor unit 310.

[0093] Embodiment 10 An outdoor unit according to embodiment 10 will be described. The outdoor unit according to this embodiment is used as an outdoor unit for a refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 18 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the outdoor unit according to this embodiment. The up and down directions in Fig. 18 represent the vertical up and down directions.

[0094] 18 , the outdoor unit 320 is a top-flow type outdoor unit with an air outlet formed on the top surface. The outdoor unit 320 has a blower 100, a heat exchanger 303, and a housing 314. The housing 314 houses the blower 100 and the heat exchanger 303. Air is supplied to the heat exchanger 303 by the blower 100. The heat exchanger 303 is provided upstream of the blower 100 in the air flow.

[0095] The heat exchangers 303 are provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the housing 314. For example, the heat exchangers 303 are provided on three side surfaces of the housing 314 so as to be arranged in a U-shape when viewed from above.

[0096] An air outlet 315 is formed on the top surface of the housing 314. The blower 100 is provided on the top surface of the housing 314. The blower 100 is positioned so that air flows from below to above. The rotation axis of the blower 100 is, for example, parallel to the vertical direction. When the blower 100 is driven, air is sucked into the housing 314 through the heat exchanger 303, and the air is blown out of the housing 314 from the air outlet 315.

[0097] A portion of the blade 20 of the blower 100 on the side of the leading edge 21 protrudes downward from the casing 30 and extends into the space surrounded by the heat exchanger 303 within the housing 314. The horizontal distance between the portion of the blade 20 and the heat exchanger 303 increases from top to bottom. That is, when the horizontal distance between the end of the outer peripheral edge 23 of the blade 20 on the side of the leading edge 21 and the heat exchanger 303 is defined as L5, and the horizontal distance between the portion of the outer peripheral edge 23 above the end on the side of the leading edge 21 and the heat exchanger 303 is defined as L6, the horizontal distance L5 is longer than the horizontal distance L6 (L5 > L6).

[0098] Fig. 19 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an outdoor unit according to a modification of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, heat exchangers 303 are provided on two side surfaces of a housing 314 so as to form a V-shape in side view. The other configuration is the same as the configuration shown in Fig. 18.

[0099] As described above, the outdoor unit 320 according to this embodiment includes the blower 100, the heat exchanger 303, and the housing 314. Air is supplied to the heat exchanger 303 by the blower 100. The housing 314 houses the blower 100 and the heat exchanger 303. The heat exchanger 303 is provided on multiple side surfaces of the housing 314. The heat exchanger 303 is arranged upstream of the blower 100 in the air flow. An air outlet 315 is formed on the top surface of the housing 314, through which air is blown out of the housing 314. The blower 100 is provided on this top surface.

[0100] According to this configuration, the amount of air drawn into the blower 100 can be increased, and therefore the input power and noise level of the outdoor unit 320 can be reduced.

[0101] In outdoor unit 320 according to this embodiment, a portion of leading edge 21 of blade 20 extends into the space surrounded by heat exchanger 303. With this configuration, blower 100 can draw in more air that has passed through heat exchanger 303, thereby enabling outdoor unit 320 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0102] In the outdoor unit 320 according to the present embodiment, the horizontal distance between a part of the leading edge 21 side of the blade 20 and the heat exchanger 303 increases from top to bottom. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce loss caused by the blade 20 and the heat exchanger 303 coming closer to each other.

[0103] Moreover, the outdoor unit 320 according to this embodiment includes a housing 314, a blower 100, and a heat exchanger 303. An air outlet 315 is formed on the top surface of the housing 314. The blower 100 is provided on the top surface of the housing 314. The heat exchangers 303 are provided on multiple side surfaces of the housing 314. The blower 100 is a semi-open axial flow blower having a casing 30 and blades 20. A portion of the blades 20 on the side of the leading edge 21 protrudes downward from the casing 30. A portion of the blades 20 on the side of the leading edge 21 extends into the space surrounded by the heat exchanger 303.

[0104] According to this configuration, the blower 100 can draw in a larger amount of air that has passed through the heat exchanger 303, thereby enabling the outdoor unit 320 to have lower input power and lower noise.

[0105] 10 boss, 11 rotating shaft, 12 tip surface, 13 outer peripheral surface, 14 downstream end, 15 swivel rib, 15a first end, 15b second end, 20 blade, 21 leading edge portion, 22 trailing edge portion, 23 outer peripheral edge portion, 24 inner peripheral edge portion, 25 opposing portion, 30 casing, 31 upstream end portion, 32 downstream end portion, 33 small diameter portion, 40 motor, 50 cup portion, 51 upstream end, 52 downstream end, 60, 60-1, 60-2 straightening rib, 61 upstream end, 62 downstream end, 63 protruding rib, 100 blower, 100-1 first blower, 100-2 second blower, 303 heat exchanger, 310 outdoor unit, 311 machine room, 312 blower room, 313 front panel, 314 Housing, 315 Air outlet, 320 Outdoor unit, D1 outer diameter, D2 outer diameter, D3 outer diameter, D4 inner diameter, L1, L2, L3, L4 distance, L5, L6 horizontal distance.

Claims

1. A rotor comprising: a boss provided on a rotating shaft; blades provided on the outer periphery of the boss; and a casing surrounding the blades from the outer periphery, wherein the casing is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotating shaft, and the casing has: an upstream end which is the end of the casing on the upstream side in the air flow; a downstream end which is the end of the casing on the downstream side in the air flow; and a small diameter portion located downstream of the upstream end and upstream of the downstream end in the air flow, wherein the inner diameter of the casing at the small diameter portion is smaller than both the inner diameter of the casing at the upstream end and the inner diameter of the casing at the downstream end, and when viewed in the radial direction, the small diameter portion overlaps with the boss and the blade, and the diameter of the boss increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow, and the blade has: a leading edge which is the edge of the blade on the upstream side in the air flow; a trailing edge which is the edge of the blade on the downstream side in the air flow; and an opposing portion opposing the small diameter portion. a portion of the blade on the leading edge side protrudes upstream of the upstream end of the casing in the air flow, and an outer diameter of the blade at the opposing portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the blade at the trailing edge portion.

2. A blower as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of straightening ribs arranged downstream of said blades in the air flow, said plurality of straightening ribs being arranged radially around said rotation shaft.

3. A blower as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral ends of each of the plurality of straightening ribs are connected to the casing, and the inner diameter of the casing is constant from the point where the outer peripheral ends are connected to the downstream end.

4. A blower as described in claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral ends of each of the plurality of straightening ribs are connected to the casing, and the inner diameter of the casing increases from the portion where the outer peripheral ends are connected toward the downstream end.

5. A blower according to claim 2, wherein the distance between two adjacent circumferential straightening ribs among said plurality of straightening ribs increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow.

6. A blower as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of flow straightening ribs has an inner peripheral end and an outer peripheral end, and said outer peripheral end is located rearward of said inner peripheral end in the rotation direction of said blade.

7. A blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a motor that rotates the boss and the blades, the motor being positioned downstream of the blades in the air flow.

8. The blower according to claim 7, further comprising a cup portion supporting said motor from a downstream side in the air flow, wherein a diameter of said cup portion increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air flow.

9. A blower as described in claim 7, further comprising a cup portion supporting the motor from the downstream side in the air flow, wherein a portion of the trailing edge side of the blade is located downstream of the downstream end of the boss and upstream of the upstream end of the cup portion in the air flow.

10. A blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer diameter of said blade is constant between said leading edge portion and said opposing portion.

11. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer diameter of the blade at the leading edge portion is larger than the outer diameter of the blade at the opposing portion.

12. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a portion of the blade overlaps with the casing when viewed in the axial direction.

13. A blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blade has a first portion in which the distance between an outer peripheral edge of the blade and the casing is constant, and a second portion in which the distance between the outer peripheral edge and the casing increases towards the leading edge, and wherein, when the chord length of the first portion is LA and the chord length of the second portion is LB, the relationship LA x 2 < LB is satisfied.

14. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upstream end of the casing faces the outer periphery.

15. The blower of claim 14, wherein the upstream end of the casing has a flared configuration.

16. The blower according to claim 14, wherein the upstream end of the casing has a cross-sectional shape that is arcuate or multiple arcuate.

17. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flow passage cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the casing is smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the casing.

18. A blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a protruding rib protruding inwardly is formed at the upstream end of the casing.

19. A blower as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a plurality of swivel ribs are formed on the tip surface of the boss, each of the plurality of swivel ribs has a first end and a second end located more radially outward than the first end, and the second end is located rearward of the first end in the direction of rotation of the blade.

20. A blower as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein in the meridian shape of the blade, the area of ​​the portion protruding upstream from the upstream end of the casing is smaller than the area of ​​the portion located inside the casing.

21. An outdoor unit comprising: a blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; a heat exchanger to which air is supplied by the blower; and a housing accommodating the blower and the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned upstream of the blower in the air flow, an outlet is formed on a side of the housing through which air is blown out of the housing, and the blower is provided on the side.

22. The outdoor unit according to claim 21, wherein the housing has a front panel in which the air outlet is formed, and the casing and a motor that rotates the boss and the blades are all fixed to the front panel.

23. An outdoor unit as described in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the blowers include a first blower and a second blower arranged in parallel with each other, and the distance between the leading edge of the first blower and the leading edge of the second blower is longer than the distance between the trailing edge of the first blower and the trailing edge of the second blower.

24. An outdoor unit comprising: a blower as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; a heat exchanger to which air is supplied by the blower; and a housing accommodating the blower and the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is provided on multiple side surfaces of the housing, the heat exchanger is positioned upstream of the blower in the air flow, an air outlet is formed on an upper surface of the housing through which air is blown out of the housing, and the blower is provided on the upper surface.

25. The outdoor unit according to claim 24, wherein a portion of the leading edge side of the blade extends into a space surrounded by the heat exchanger.

26. The outdoor unit according to claim 25, wherein the horizontal distance between said portion and said heat exchanger increases from top to bottom.

27. An outdoor unit comprising: a housing having an air outlet formed on its top surface; a blower provided on the top surface of the housing; and heat exchangers provided on multiple side surfaces of the housing, wherein the blower is a semi-open axial flow blower having a casing and blades, and a portion of the leading edge side of the blade protrudes downward from the casing and extends into the space surrounded by the heat exchanger.

28. The outdoor unit according to claim 27, wherein the horizontal distance between said portion and said heat exchanger increases from top to bottom.

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