Blowing device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a blowing device capable of sufficiently exhibiting hair entanglement suppression performance while minimizing a reduction in an airflow rate. A blowing device (1) according to the present disclosure comprises a housing (3) which has a suction inlet port and a discharge port, a suction flow passage (25) which is provided inside the housing (3) and through which air sucked from the suction inlet port flows, a fan (5) which is provided inside the housing (3), sucks air from the suction inlet port, and discharges the air from the discharge port, a filter disposed in the suction inlet port, and a separating wall member (9) which is provided inside the suction flow passage (25) and which is disposed between the filter and the fan (5), wherein the separating wall member (9) has a separating wall portion (43) which makes the opening ratio of the separating wall member (9) 40% to 80% with respect to the opening area of the suction flow passage 25.

Description

air blower

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blower device.

[0002] The conventional blower disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing having an intake port and an outlet port, an intake passage provided inside the housing through which air drawn in through the intake port flows, a fan provided inside the housing for drawing in air through the intake port and discharging it through the outlet port, and a filter disposed at the intake port. Furthermore, the blower includes a second filter disposed inside the intake passage between the filter and the fan as a partition member.

[0003] In a blower device, hair may enter the device through the filter due to the intake of air. The hair that enters the device may hit the rotating fan and become tangled in a complicated manner, making it impossible to pull it out of the filter. In the blower device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a second filter is disposed between the filter and the fan, thereby shortening the distance between the second filter and the fan. This reduces the space in which hair that enters the device through the filter can become tangled, preventing hair tangles and allowing the hair to be pulled out of the filter.

[0004] JP 2013-123525 A

[0005] In the air blower disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second filter serving as a partition wall member includes a filter frame and a mesh filter, which are integrated together. The filter frame includes an annular outer wall and five pierced walls extending radially from the center of the outer wall, and only the five pierced walls create flow resistance for the air flowing through the intake flow path. The mesh filter has an aperture ratio of approximately 90%, reducing air flow resistance. However, in the second filter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the aperture ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake flow path is high in order to minimize a decrease in airflow due to increased flow resistance, which may result in insufficient hair entanglement prevention performance.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air blower that can sufficiently suppress hair tangles while minimizing the reduction in airflow.

[0007] An air blower according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port, an intake flow path provided inside the housing through which air drawn in from the intake port flows, a fan provided inside the housing for drawing in air through the intake port and exhausting the air from the exhaust port, a filter disposed at the intake port, and a partition member provided inside the intake flow path between the filter and the fan, wherein the partition member has a partition portion with an opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake flow path of 40% to 80%.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air blower that can sufficiently exhibit hair tangle prevention performance while minimizing reduction in air volume.

[0009] 12 is a side view of a blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view of a blower device according to the first embodiment when a partition member is removed. FIG. 15 is a front view of a blower device according to the first embodiment when a filter is removed. FIG. 16 is a front view of a partition member of a blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a graph showing changes in the rate of reduction in air volume versus the opening ratio of an intake flow path of a blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a graph showing changes in the rate of hair twisting versus the opening ratio of an intake flow path of a blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view of a blower device according to the second embodiment when the filter is removed. FIG. 19 is a front view of a partition member of a blower device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view of a blower device according to the third embodiment when the filter is removed. FIG. 20 is a front view of a partition member of a blower device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a front view of a blower device according to the fourth embodiment when the filter is removed. FIG. 22 is a front view of a partition member of a blower device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a blower device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a front view of a blower device according to the sixth embodiment when the filter is removed. FIG. 25 is a front view of a partition member of a blower device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0011] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a side view of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment when the partition member 9 is removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment when the filter 7 is removed. Figure 5 is a front view of the partition member 9 of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in the rate of decrease in air volume versus the opening ratio of the intake flow path 25 of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a graph showing the change in the rate of hair twisting versus the opening ratio of the intake flow path 25 of the air blower 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] 1 to 5, a blower 1 according to this embodiment is applied to, for example, a hair dryer. The blower 1 includes a housing 3, a fan 5, a filter 7, and a partition member 9.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 3 includes a grip housing 11, a main body housing 13, and a flow path housing 15.

[0015] The grip housing 11 is cylindrical, and the user grips the outer surface of the housing 11 with their hand when using the blower 1. The grip housing 11 is provided with a switch 17 for turning the power on and off to the blower 1. The switch 17 is electrically connected to the electrical components arranged inside the housing 11 and to a power cord (not shown) extending from the end of the grip housing 11 to the outside. The switch 17 has a sliding button arranged on the outer surface of the grip housing 11, and operating the button turns on and off the power supply to the electrical components. Note that the switch 17 may also be configured to switch the airflow volume, for example, by operating the button. The grip housing 11 is rotatably connected to the main housing 13 via a connecting portion 19. For example, when using the blower 1, the grip housing 11 is rotated relative to the main housing 13 so that the blower 1 has a T-shaped appearance. For example, when storing the blower device 1, the grip housing 11 is rotated relative to the main body housing 13 so as to be folded adjacent to the main body housing 13.

[0016] The main housing 13 is cylindrically shaped to have an air flow path through which air flows inside. An opening on one longitudinal side of the main housing 13 serves as an intake port 21 for drawing air into the interior. An opening on the other longitudinal side of the main housing 13 serves as an outlet port 23 for discharging the air from the interior to the exterior. Therefore, air flows inside the main housing 13 with the intake port 21 positioned upstream and the outlet port 23 positioned downstream. Although not shown, the main housing 13 is provided with, for example, a switch unit with a push button for switching the air temperature, a display unit for displaying the air temperature, and an indicator lamp for displaying the operation of the blower 1. The switch unit, display unit, and the like are electrically connected to a control board provided in the main housing 13.

[0017] The flow path housing 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to have an air flow path through which air flows inside. The side of the flow path housing 15 facing the suction port 21 forms an intake flow path 25 through which air drawn in from the suction port 21 flows. The opening 27 of the intake flow path 25 has an opening area set smaller than the opening area of ​​the suction port 21, and is positioned eccentrically with respect to the center of the suction port 21 so that its center is located above the center of the suction port 21. The end of the opening 27 of the intake flow path 25 is formed in a tapered shape that widens radially outward. By forming the end of the opening 27 in a tapered shape, the air drawn in from the suction port 21 can be introduced into the intake flow path 25 without reducing the flow rate.

[0018] The side of the flow path housing 15 facing the discharge port 23 forms a discharge flow path that guides the air that has flowed through the intake flow path 25 to the discharge port 23. The opening of the discharge flow path has an opening area set to be equal to the opening area of ​​the discharge port 23, and its center is located at the same position as the center of the discharge port 23. A heater 29 that heats the flowing air is provided in the discharge flow path. The heater 29 is electrically connected to a power source and an air temperature switching switch, and its operation is turned on and off by operating the button on the air temperature switching switch. A fan 5 is located inside the flow path housing 15.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the fan 5 has a head 31 and a plurality of blades 33 formed integrally with the head 31 on its outer periphery. The head 31 and blades 33 are rotated by a motor 35 electrically connected to a power source. The head 31 and blades 33 of the fan 5 are disposed inside the intake passage 25 of the flow path housing 15, and the motor 35 is disposed inside the discharge passage of the flow path housing 15. The fan 5 rotates in a rotation direction A (i.e., the direction of the arrow) in FIG. 4 to draw air through the intake port 21 and discharge the air from the discharge port 23 via the air flow path of the flow path housing 15. The motor 35 is electrically connected to the switch unit 17, and its rotation is controlled by operating the button of the switch unit 17. Air is discharged from the discharge port 23 at a volume corresponding to the controlled rotation. A filter 7 is provided at the intake port 21, through which air is drawn by the rotation of the fan 5.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the filter 7 includes a frame 37 and a mesh 39. The frame 37 has an annular outer shape similar to the opening of the intake port 21, and is mesh-shaped to subdivide the opening area of ​​the intake port 21. The mesh shape of the frame 37 is preferably honeycomb-shaped to maintain strength and increase the opening area of ​​the intake port 21 to increase the air flow rate. The mesh size of the frame 37 is set based on a size that does not allow the insertion of a test finger (φ25 mm) as defined by the Electrical Appliance and Material Control Act. This prevents a user's finger from passing through the frame 37 and entering the housing 3 when using the blower 1. The frame 37 is fixed to the housing 3 by threading a screw 41 through two of the mesh holes, and is positioned at the intake port 21. The screw holes are located outside the opening 27 of the intake flow path 25 on the frame 37, preventing a decrease in the air flow rate through the intake flow path 25. In addition, the generation of abnormal noise due to interference between the large flow rate of air and the screws 41 can be suppressed.

[0021] The mesh 39 is formed in a mesh pattern from, for example, metal or a flame-retardant resin such as polyester. The opening ratio of the mesh 39 is set to approximately 55% to 90%. The mesh 39 is insert-molded into the frame 37 so as to be positioned inside the frame 37. The mesh 39 prevents fine dust, hair, and the like from entering the interior of the housing 3. By insert-molding the mesh 39 into the frame 37, damage to the mesh 39 due to friction with the opening edge of the intake port 21 can be prevented. The mesh 39 is positioned inside the frame 37, closer to the exterior of the housing 3. By positioning the mesh 39 closer to the exterior of the housing 3, dust and the like adhering to the mesh 39 can be easily removed from the exterior of the housing 3. Note that if the mesh 39 is positioned closer to the exterior of the housing 3, the pattern of the mesh 39 may be noticeable, so it is preferable to provide fine irregularities or the like on the outer surface of the frame 37.

[0022] Here, if the distance between the filter 7 and the fan 5 is long, hair that has passed through the filter 7 may become trapped between the filter 7 and the fan 5. Hair trapped between the filter 7 and the fan 5 may come into contact with the fan 5 and be converged radially inward or repelled radially outward. When multiple hairs converge radially inward, they become entangled on the central axis side of the fan 5 while twisting due to the rotation of the fan 5. When multiple hairs are repelled radially outward, they become entangled on the outer diameter side of the fan 5 while twisting due to the repelling of the fan 5. Even if an attempt is made to pull out the entangled hair from outside the housing 3, it becomes caught on the filter 7 and cannot be pulled out. Therefore, to prevent hair entanglement, a partition member 9 is provided between the filter 7 and the fan 5.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, partition member 9 is disposed inside intake passage 25 between filter 7 and fan 5. Partition member 9 has an annular outer shape similar to that of opening 27 of intake passage 25, and includes partitions 43 that subdivide the opening area of ​​opening 27 of intake passage 25. Partition 43 is formed in a lattice pattern by combining a plurality of vertical walls extending in the vertical direction with a plurality of horizontal walls extending in the horizontal direction, where the vertical walls are integrated at their intersections. The radially outer ends of partitions 43 are integrally joined to the inner walls of intake passage 25 by bonding, welding, or other joining means, thereby fixing partition member 9 to housing 3.

[0024] The partition member 9 is disposed between the filter 7 and the fan 5, thereby reducing the space where hair can become entangled between the filter 7 and the fan 5. Even if multiple hairs that pass through the partition member 9 come into contact with the fan 5, there is no space where twisting that would cause multiple hairs to become entangled, and hair entanglement can be suppressed. Therefore, when hair is pulled out from outside the housing 3, the hair does not get caught on the filter 7, and the hair can be easily pulled out.

[0025] Here, if the partition portions 43 of the partition member 9 are opened so as to reduce the opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the suction flow path 25, even if hair comes into contact with the fan 5, twisting due to hair movement is suppressed, and hair entanglement can be suppressed. The opening ratio indicates the proportion of the surface of the suction flow path 25 that is open perpendicular to the airflow direction. Therefore, the opening ratio can be calculated by dividing the opening area of ​​the perpendicular surface of the suction flow path 25 from the opening area of ​​the perpendicular surface when the partition portions 43 of the partition member 9 are positioned in the suction flow path 25. On the other hand, if the partition portions 43 of the partition member 9 are opened so as to increase the opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the suction flow path 25, a decrease in the flow rate of air flowing through the suction flow path 25 can be suppressed. Therefore, the openings of the partition portions 43 of the partition member 9 are set so that the opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the suction flow path 25 can fully exhibit hair entanglement suppression performance while minimizing the decrease in airflow rate.

[0026] The range of the aperture ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the suction flow path 25 can be derived from the relationship between the aperture ratio of the suction flow path 25 and the rate of decrease in airflow volume, and the relationship between the aperture ratio of the suction flow path 25 and the rate of hair twisting. It is generally known that the rate of decrease in airflow volume increases quadratically as the aperture ratio decreases relative to the opening area of ​​the suction port 21, as occurs when a flow path resistor such as a filter 7 is provided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , an approximation curve for the relationship between the aperture ratio of the opening 27 of the suction flow path 25 and the rate of decrease in airflow volume indicates that when the upper limit of the rate of decrease in airflow volume is set to 10%, the lower limit of the aperture ratio of the opening 27 of the suction flow path 25 is approximately 40%. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7 , the relationship between the aperture ratio of the opening 27 of the suction flow path 25 and the rate of hair twisting indicates that the rate of hair twisting increases once the aperture ratio of the opening 27 of the suction flow path 25 is 80%. Therefore, the upper limit is 80%, which is the aperture ratio of the opening 27 of the suction flow path 25 when the rate of hair twisting is 0%.

[0027] For the above reasons, the openings of the partition portion 43 of the partition member 9 are set so that the opening ratio with respect to the opening area of ​​the intake flow path 25 is 40% to 80%. This reduces flow path resistance caused by the partition member 9, suppresses a decrease in the flow rate of air flowing through the intake flow path 25, and minimizes a decrease in air volume. In addition, the partition member 9 prevents hair from twisting even when it comes into contact with the fan 5, and can fully demonstrate hair entanglement prevention performance. By suppressing hair entanglement, the user does not need to cut hair that has become tangled in the filter 7, reducing the risk to the user.

[0028] Such air blower 1 includes a housing 3 having an inlet 21 and an outlet 23, and an intake flow path 25 provided inside the housing 3 and through which air drawn in from the inlet 21 flows. The air blower also includes a fan 5 provided inside the housing 3 and drawing air in from the inlet 21 and discharging it from the outlet 23, and a filter 7 disposed at the inlet 21. The air blower further includes a partition member 9 provided inside the intake flow path 25 and disposed between the filter 7 and the fan 5. The partition member 9 has a partition portion 43 that sets the opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake flow path 25 to 40% to 80%.

[0029] This reduces the flow resistance caused by the partition member 9, suppresses a decrease in the flow rate of air flowing through the intake flow path 25, and minimizes a decrease in air volume. In addition, the partition member 9 prevents hair from twisting even when it comes into contact with the fan 5, and thus the hair entanglement prevention performance can be fully demonstrated.

[0030] Therefore, with this type of air blower 1, the reduction in air volume can be minimized while still fully demonstrating the hair entanglement prevention performance.

[0031] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a front view of a blower device 101 according to the second embodiment with the filter removed. Figure 9 is a front view of a partition member 9 of the blower device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0032] The blower device 101 of this embodiment has an annular wall 103 formed in a ring shape with one or more partition sections 43 arranged radially between the central axis of the fan 5 and the inner wall of the intake flow path 25, and a connecting wall 105 connecting the annular wall 103 and the inner wall of the intake flow path 25.

[0033] Note that the same symbols are used for configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, and explanations of the configurations and functions will be omitted and refer to the first embodiment, but since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the effects obtained are the same.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the partition wall portion 43 of the partition wall member 9 includes an annular wall 103 and a connecting wall 105 .

[0035] The annular wall 103 is formed in a circular ring shape so that its center is located at the same position as the central axis of the fan 5. A plurality of annular walls 103 are provided so that one or more are located radially between the central axis of the fan 5 and the inner wall of the intake passage 25, with the diameter increasing radially outward from the central axis of the fan 5. Here, three annular walls 103 are provided. When hair that has passed through the partition member 9 comes into contact with the fan 5, the annular walls 103 restrict the radial movement of the hair in the intake passage 25 and prevent tangling due to twisting of multiple hairs.

[0036] The connecting walls 105 are formed integrally with the annular wall 103 and are joined to the inner wall of the intake passage 25 by a joining means such as adhesive or welding, connecting the annular wall 103 and the inner wall of the intake passage 25. A plurality of connecting walls 105 are provided in the circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage 25. In this example, four connecting walls 105 are provided between the radially innermost adjacent annular walls 103. Eight connecting walls 105 are provided between the four connecting walls 105 and the radially adjacent annular walls 103. Eight connecting walls 105 are provided between the radially outermost adjacent annular walls 103 and the inner wall of the intake passage 25. The connecting walls 105 have first connecting points 107 connecting to the radially outer inner wall of the intake passage 25 or the annular wall 103 and second connecting points 109 connecting to the radially inner annular wall 103. The multiple connecting walls 105 extend radially outward from the central axis of the fan 5 so that the first connecting point 107 and the second connecting point 109 are each located on a straight line passing through the central axis of the fan 5. When a hair passes through the partition member 9 and comes into contact with the fan 5, the connecting walls 105 restrict the circumferential movement of the hair in the intake flow path 25, and prevent the multiple hairs from twisting and becoming tangled.

[0037] In such a blower device 101, the partition portion 43 has one or more annular walls 103 arranged radially between the central axis of the fan 5 and the inner wall of the intake flow path 25 and formed in a ring shape, and a connecting wall 105 connecting the annular walls 103 and the inner wall of the intake flow path 25.

[0038] When a hair that has passed through the partition member 9 comes into contact with the fan 5, the annular wall 103 restricts the radial movement of the hair in the suction flow path 25, thereby preventing tangling of multiple hair strands due to twisting. When a hair that has passed through the partition member 9 comes into contact with the fan 5, the connecting wall 105 restricts the circumferential movement of the hair in the suction flow path 25, thereby preventing tangling of multiple hair strands due to twisting. Therefore, the partition portion 43 having the annular wall 103 and the connecting wall 105 can more effectively prevent tangling of hair.

[0039] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a front view of a blower device 201 according to the third embodiment with the filter removed. Fig. 11 is a front view of a partition member 9 of the blower device 201 according to the third embodiment.

[0040] In the blower device 201 according to this embodiment, the partition wall 43 increases the opening ratio of the intake passage 25 to the opening area from the central axis of the fan 5 outward in the radial direction.

[0041] A plurality of connecting walls 105 are provided in the circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage 25. The connecting walls 105 located on the radially outer side of the plurality of connecting walls 105 are set to have a wider circumferential spacing than the connecting walls 105 located on the radially inner side.

[0042] In addition, the radial spacing between the annular wall 103 and a radially adjacent member including the central axis of the fan 5 is set wider on the radially outer side of the annular wall 103 than on the radially inner side of the annular wall 103.

[0043] Note that configurations similar to those in other embodiments are marked with the same symbols, and explanations of the configuration and functions will be omitted and refer to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as the other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

[0044] Generally, hair is more easily sucked into the intake port 21 on the central axis side of the fan 5 than on the outer diameter side of the fan 5. Meanwhile, in the vicinity of the fan 5, the flow rate of air flowing on the outer diameter side of the fan 5 is greater than that on the central axis side of the fan 5.

[0045] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the partition portions 43 of the partition member 9 are configured so that the opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake passage 25 increases radially outward from the central axis of the fan 5. Here, eight connecting walls 105 are provided between radially adjacent annular walls 103, 103, and between the annular walls 103 and the inner wall of the intake passage 25. The connecting walls 105 located on the radially outer side are spaced apart more circumferentially than the connecting walls 105 located on the radially inner side. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the intake passage 25 is larger on the radially outer side than on the radially inner side. Because the opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is narrower on the radially inner side of the intake passage 25, hair is less likely to be sucked in by the partition member 9, thereby preventing hair entanglement. Because the opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is wider on the radially inner side of the intake passage 25, the flow resistance of the partition member 9 is reduced, thereby preventing a reduction in airflow caused by the partition member 9. In addition, by adjusting the circumferential spacing of the connecting walls 105, the opening ratio of the intake passage 25 can be easily adjusted.

[0046] A plurality of annular walls 103 of the partition wall portion 43 are provided radially between the central axis of the fan 5 and the inner wall of the intake passage 25, with the diameter increasing radially outward from the central axis of the fan 5. Here, three annular walls 103 are provided. Note that the annular wall 103 located radially innermost (closer to the central axis of the fan 5) is formed in a disk shape and has no openings. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the annular wall 103 located radially innermost will be referred to as a first member, and the annular wall 103 located radially outward from the first member will be referred to as a second member. Furthermore, the annular wall 103 located radially outward from the second member will be referred to as a third member, and the inner wall of the intake passage located radially outward from the third member will be referred to as a fourth member.

[0047] The radial spacing between the first and second members is set narrower than the radial spacing between the second and third members. The radial spacing between the second and third members is set narrower than the radial spacing between the third and fourth members. By setting the radial spacing in this manner, the opening area of ​​the suction flow path 25 is wider on the radially outer side than on the radially inner side. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is narrower on the radially inner side of the suction flow path 25, making it difficult for hair to be sucked in by the partition member 9 and reducing hair entanglement. The opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is wider on the radially outer side of the suction flow path 25, reducing flow resistance caused by the partition member 9 and reducing a reduction in air volume caused by the partition member 9. In addition, the opening ratio of the suction flow path 25 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the radial spacing of the annular wall 103. In addition, when the innermost annular wall 103 is open (formed in an annular shape), the radial distance between the annular wall 103 and the central axis of the fan 5 can be set to the narrowest.

[0048] In the blower device 201 , the partition wall 43 increases the opening ratio of the intake passage 25 to the opening area from the central axis of the fan 5 outward in the radial direction.

[0049] Therefore, the opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is narrower at the radially inner side of the suction flow path 25, making it difficult for hair to be sucked in by the partition member 9 and preventing hair entanglement. At the radially outer side of the suction flow path 25, the opening area of ​​the partition member 9 is wider, reducing flow path resistance caused by the partition member 9 and preventing a decrease in air volume caused by the partition member 9.

[0050] A plurality of connecting walls 105 are provided in the circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage 25. The connecting walls 105 located on the radially outer side of the plurality of connecting walls 105 are set to have a wider circumferential spacing than the connecting walls 105 located on the radially inner side.

[0051] Therefore, by adjusting the circumferential spacing of the connecting walls 105, the opening ratio of the intake passage 25 can be easily adjusted.

[0052] In addition, the radial spacing between the annular wall 103 and a radially adjacent member including the central axis of the fan 5 is set wider on the radially outer side of the annular wall 103 than on the radially inner side of the annular wall 103.

[0053] Therefore, by adjusting the radial spacing of the annular walls 103, the opening ratio of the intake passage 25 can be easily adjusted.

[0054] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described using Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a front view of a blower device 301 according to the fourth embodiment with the filter removed. Figure 13 is a front view of a partition member 9 of the blower device 301 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a main part of Figure 12.

[0055] In the blower device 301 according to this embodiment, the connecting wall 105 has a first connecting point 107 that connects to the inner wall or annular wall 103 of the intake passage 25 located on the radially outer side, and a second connecting point 109 that connects to the annular wall 103 located on the radially inner side. The first connecting point 107 is located on the opposite side of the line L that passes through the central axis of the fan 5 and the second connecting point 109 in the rotation direction A of the fan 5.

[0056] Note that configurations similar to those in other embodiments are marked with the same symbols, and explanations of the configuration and functions will be omitted and refer to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as the other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

[0057] Here, hair that has entered the suction flow path 25 may go beyond the blades 33 of the fan 5 and enter the inner part of the suction flow path 25. If the hair that has gone beyond the blades 33 of the fan 5 is left as it is, it may become tangled in the blades 33 of the fan 5 and become difficult to pull out. Therefore, the hair that has gone beyond the blades 33 of the fan 5 needs to be cut by the blades 33 as the fan 5 rotates.

[0058] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, in the partition member 9, the connecting wall 105 facing the blades 33 of the fan 5 in the airflow direction has a first connecting point 107 located on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the fan 5 with respect to a line L passing through the central axis of the fan 5 and a second connecting point 109. By locating the first connecting point 107 on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the fan 5, the radially outer side of the connecting wall 105 is inclined so as to face the rotation direction A of the fan 5. Hair that abuts against the inclined connecting wall 105 is converged to the second connecting point 109 along the inclination of the connecting wall 105 as the fan 5 rotates. Here, hair is more easily cut by the blades 33 of the fan 5 because rotational force is transmitted more to the inner diameter side of the blades 33 than to the outer diameter side of the blades 33. Therefore, hair that has converged at the second connecting point 109 can be easily cut by the blades 33 as the fan 5 rotates. The shape of the connecting wall 105 is set so that it has a curvature in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the fan 5. The shape of the connecting wall 105 is formed to have a curvature that is symmetrical to the shape of the side surface of the blade portion 33 in the rotation direction. By making the connecting wall 105 symmetrical to the side surface of the blade portion 33 in the rotation direction, it becomes easier for the blade portion 33 to cut hair.

[0059] In the blower device 301, the connecting wall 105 has a first connecting point 107 that connects to the inner wall or annular wall 103 of the intake passage 25 located on the radially outer side, and a second connecting point 109 that connects to the annular wall 103 located on the radially inner side. The first connecting point 107 is located on the opposite side of the line L that passes through the central axis of the fan 5 and the second connecting point 109 in the rotation direction A of the fan 5.

[0060] By arranging the first connecting point 107 on the opposite side of the rotation direction A of the fan 5, the radially outer side of the connecting wall 105 is inclined so as to face the rotation direction A of the fan 5. Hair that passes over the fan 5 and enters the inner part of the intake passage 25 is converged by the rotation of the fan 5 along the inclination of the connecting wall 105 to the radially inner second connecting point 109, where the rotational force of the fan 5 is greater. Therefore, the hair converged at the second connecting point 109 can be easily cut by the rotation of the fan 5.

[0061] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a blower device 401 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0062] In the blower device 401 according to this embodiment, the partition member 9 is provided with an extension 403 that extends from the vicinity of the second connection point 109 toward the fan 5 .

[0063] Note that configurations similar to those in other embodiments are marked with the same symbols, and explanations of the configuration and functions will be omitted and refer to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as the other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

[0064] As shown in Figure 15, the partition member 9 has an extension portion 403 that extends toward the fan 5 from the surface facing the fan 5, which is located near the second connection point 109 (see Figure 15). A plurality of extension portions 403 are provided corresponding to the plurality of second connection points 109. The extension portion 403 is positioned so that the hair converged at the second connection point 109 is sandwiched between the extension portion 403 and the side surface of the blade portion 33 of the fan 5 in the rotation direction. The extension portion 403 serves as a fulcrum for holding the hair when cutting the hair with the blade portion 33 of the fan 5. Therefore, by providing the extension portion 403, the fulcrum when cutting the hair is closer to the fan 5, and the hair can be cut more easily by the rotation of the fan 5.

[0065] In such a blower device 401 , the partition member 9 is provided with an extension 403 that extends from the vicinity of the second connection point 109 toward the fan 5 .

[0066] Therefore, the extension 403 brings the fulcrum when cutting hair closer to the fan 5, and the rotation of the fan 5 makes it easier to cut hair.

[0067] Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Fig. 16 is a front view of a blower device 501 according to the sixth embodiment with the filter removed. Fig. 17 is a front view of a partition member 9 of the blower device 501 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0068] In the blower device 501 according to this embodiment, a plurality of connecting walls 105 are provided in the circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage 25. Each connecting wall 105 has a first connecting point 107 that connects to the inner wall of the intake passage 25 or the annular wall 103 located on the radially outer side, and a second connecting point 109 that connects to the annular wall 103 located on the radially inner side. The first connecting point 107 and the second connecting point 109 are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall 103.

[0069] Note that configurations similar to those in other embodiments are marked with the same symbols, and explanations of the configuration and functions will be omitted and refer to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as the other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

[0070] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the first connection point 107 and the second connection point 109 of the connecting wall 105 are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall 103. The circumferential position of the first connection point 107 on the annular wall 103 is located approximately midway between the circumferentially adjacent second connection points 109, 109. Similarly, the circumferential position of the second connection point 109 on the annular wall 103 is located approximately midway between the circumferentially adjacent first connection points 107, 107. By locating the first connection point 107 and the second connection point 109 at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall 103, adjacent connecting walls 105, 105 are not radially continuous. Therefore, when an external impact is applied, for example, when the blower device 501 is dropped, the impact is dispersed by the annular wall 103, improving impact resistance. In addition, by positioning the first connection point 107 and the second connection point 109 at approximately the midpoint between the circumferentially adjacent second connection points 109, 109 and the first connection points 107, 107, the dispersion points for impact can be set evenly on the annular wall 103.

[0071] In the blower device 501, a plurality of connecting walls 105 are provided in the circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage 25. Each connecting wall 105 has a first connecting point 107 that connects to the inner wall of the intake passage 25 or the annular wall 103 located on the radially outer side, and a second connecting point 109 that connects to the annular wall 103 located on the radially inner side. The first connecting point 107 and the second connecting point 109 are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall 103.

[0072] By arranging the first connecting point 107 and the second connecting point 109 at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall 103, the connecting walls 105, 105 that are adjacent in the radial direction are not continuous in the radial direction. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the blower device 501, the impact is dispersed by the annular wall 103, thereby improving the impact resistance.

[0073] (Other embodiments) The fan-side end faces of the partition member located near the first and second connection points may be raised toward the fan more than the other fan-side end faces of the partition member. The raised end faces toward the fan serve as a fulcrum for holding hair when cutting hair with the fan. Therefore, by raising the end faces located near the first and second connection points toward the fan, the fulcrum for cutting hair becomes closer to the fan, making it easier to cut hair by rotating the fan.

[0074] The connecting wall may be capable of cutting hair gathered along the connecting wall. The side of the connecting wall facing the rotation direction of the fan may be formed sharply, for example, so that hair gathered along the connecting wall can be cut by the rotation of the fan. This makes it easier to cut hair.

[0075] The annular wall may be arranged so that the radial distance between the annular wall including the central axis of the fan and a radially adjacent member can be varied. The annular wall and the connecting wall may be made of, for example, a stretchable elastic material. When the annular wall is arranged radially outward, it expands to a larger diameter and a narrower width, thereby widening the distance between the radially adjacent members. At this time, the connecting wall expands to a narrower width, thereby widening the distance between the circumferentially adjacent connecting walls. Therefore, when the annular wall is arranged radially outward, the opening area of ​​the intake flow path is increased. On the other hand, when the annular wall is arranged radially inward, it contracts to a smaller diameter and a wider width, thereby narrowing the distance between the radially adjacent members. At this time, the connecting wall contracts to a wider width, thereby narrowing the distance between the circumferentially adjacent connecting walls. Therefore, when the annular wall is arranged radially inward, the opening area of ​​the intake flow path is reduced. The blower device may include a variation control unit that controls the radial distance between the annular wall and a radially adjacent member. In this way, the opening area of ​​the intake passage can be varied by varying the radial distance between the annular wall and the radially adjacent member using the variation control section.

[0076] The blower may include a hair quality detector that detects the quality of the hair sucked into the suction passage.

[0077] The hair type detection unit may be electrically connected to the movement control unit. The movement control unit determines whether hair is likely to tangle in the suction passage based on hair type data detected by the hair type detection unit and controls the radial distance between the annular wall and the radially adjacent member. In this way, the movement control unit can change the opening area of ​​the suction passage based on the hair type.

[0078] The movement control unit may have a learning function. The movement control unit has a memory unit that records, for example, the hair type, number of hairs, fan rotation speed, etc. when hair becomes tangled and compares them with past data. Therefore, the movement control unit can predict conditions that make hair more likely to become tangled, and further reduce hair tangles.

[0079] The variable control unit may be capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside, so that data from the air blower can be reflected in other devices by transmitting data to the outside, and new data can be reflected in the air blower by receiving data from the outside.

[0080] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0081] (Technology 1) A blower comprising: a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; an intake flow path provided inside the housing and through which air drawn in from the intake port flows; a fan provided inside the housing and drawing air in from the intake port and exhausting air from the exhaust port; a filter disposed at the intake port; and a partition member provided inside the intake flow path and positioned between the filter and the fan, wherein the partition member has a partition portion with an opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake flow path of 40% to 80%.

[0082] This configuration reduces the flow resistance caused by the partition member, suppresses a decrease in the flow rate of air flowing through the intake flow path, and minimizes a decrease in air volume. In addition, the partition member prevents hair from twisting even when it comes into contact with the fan, allowing for sufficient hair entanglement prevention performance. Therefore, this type of air blower can fully demonstrate its hair entanglement prevention performance while minimizing a decrease in air volume.

[0083] (Technology 2) The blower device according to Technology 1, wherein the partition wall portion increases an opening ratio with respect to an opening area of ​​the intake passage from a central axis of the fan toward an outer side in a radial direction.

[0084] With this configuration, the opening area of ​​the partition member is narrower at the radially inner side of the suction flow path, making it harder for hair to be sucked in by the partition member and preventing hair entanglement.The opening area of ​​the partition member is wider at the radially outer side of the suction flow path, reducing flow path resistance caused by the partition member and preventing a reduction in air volume caused by the partition member.

[0085] (Technology 3) A blower device as described in Technology 1 or 2, wherein the partition wall portion has one or more annular walls arranged radially between the central axis of the fan and the inner wall of the intake flow path and formed in a ring shape, and a connecting wall connecting the annular walls and the inner wall of the intake flow path.

[0086] With this configuration, when a hair passes through the partition member and comes into contact with the fan, the annular wall restricts the radial movement of the hair in the intake passage, preventing tangling due to twisting of multiple hairs. The connecting wall restricts the circumferential movement of the hair in the intake passage, preventing tangling due to twisting of multiple hairs, preventing tangling due to twisting of multiple hairs. Therefore, the partition member having the annular wall and the connecting wall can more effectively prevent tangling of hairs.

[0087] (Technology 4) A blower device as described in Technology 3, in which the connecting walls are provided in multiple circumferential and radial directions of the intake flow path, and the connecting walls located radially outward among the multiple connecting walls have a wider circumferential spacing than the connecting walls located radially inward.

[0088] With this configuration, the opening ratio of the intake passage can be easily adjusted by adjusting the circumferential spacing of the connecting walls.

[0089] (Technology 5) A blower device described in Technology 3 or 4, in which the radial spacing between the annular wall and a member radially adjacent to the annular wall, including the central axis of the fan, is set wider on the radial outer side of the annular wall than on the radial inner side of the annular wall.

[0090] With this configuration, the opening ratio of the intake passage can be easily adjusted by adjusting the radial spacing of the annular walls.

[0091] (Technology 6) A blower device described in any one of Technologies 3 to 5, wherein the connecting wall has a first connection point that connects to the inner wall of the intake passage or the annular wall located radially outward, and a second connection point that connects to the annular wall located radially inward, and the first connection point is located on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the fan with respect to a line passing through the central axis of the fan and the second connection point.

[0092] With this configuration, by locating the first connecting point on the opposite side of the fan rotation direction, the radially outer side of the connecting wall is inclined so as to face the direction of rotation of the fan. Hair that passes over the fan and enters the inner part of the intake passage is converged along the inclination of the connecting wall to the radially inner second connecting point, where the rotational force of the fan is greater, by the rotation of the fan. Therefore, hair converged at the second connecting point can be easily cut by the rotation of the fan.

[0093] (Technology 7) The blower device according to Technology 6, wherein the partition member is provided with an extension portion that extends from the vicinity of the second connection point toward the fan.

[0094] With this configuration, the extension brings the fulcrum when cutting hair closer to the fan, and the rotation of the fan makes it easier to cut hair.

[0095] (Technology 8) A blower device described in any one of technologies 3 to 7, in which the connecting walls are provided in multiple circumferential and radial directions of the intake flow path, and have a first connecting point that connects to the inner wall of the intake flow path or the annular wall located radially outward, and a second connecting point that connects to the annular wall located radially inward, and the first connecting point and the second connecting point are located at different positions circumferentially of the annular wall.

[0096] With this configuration, the first and second connecting points are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall, so that adjacent connecting walls are not contiguous in the radial direction. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the blower device, the impact is dispersed by the annular wall, improving impact resistance.

[0097] (Technology 9) The blower device according to Technology 6, wherein the connecting wall has a curvature in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fan.

[0098] This configuration makes it easier to cut hair with the fan.

[0099] (Technology 10) A blower device described in any one of technologies 3 to 9, wherein the connecting wall has a first connection point that connects to the inner wall of the intake passage or the annular wall located radially outward, and a second connection point that connects to the annular wall located radially inward, and the fan-side end face of the partition member located near the first connection point and the second connection point is raised toward the fan side more than the other fan-side end face of the partition member.

[0100] With this configuration, the end face that is raised toward the fan serves as a fulcrum for holding the hair when cutting with the fan. Therefore, by raising the end faces located near the first and second connecting points toward the fan, the fulcrum for cutting the hair becomes closer to the fan, making it easier to cut the hair with the rotation of the fan.

[0101] (Technology 11) The air blower according to any one of Technologies 3 to 10, wherein the connecting wall is capable of cutting hair gathered along the connecting wall.

[0102] With this configuration, the hair can be cut by the connecting wall, making it easier to cut the hair.

[0103] (Technology 12) A blower device described in any one of technologies 3 to 11, wherein the annular wall is arranged so that the radial distance between the annular wall including the central axis of the fan and a radially adjacent member can be varied, and the fan is equipped with a variation control unit that controls the radial distance between the annular wall and a radially adjacent member.

[0104] With this configuration, the opening area of ​​the intake passage can be varied by varying the radial distance between the annular wall and a radially adjacent member using the variation control section.

[0105] (Technology 13) The air blower according to any one of technologies 1 to 12, further comprising a hair quality detection unit that detects the hair quality.

[0106] This configuration makes it possible to detect the type of hair that is sucked in.

[0107] (Technology 14) A blower device as described in Technology 12, which includes a hair quality detection unit that detects the hair quality of the hair, the hair quality detection unit being electrically connected to the movement control unit, and the movement control unit determining whether or not the hair is likely to become tangled in the intake flow path based on the hair quality data detected by the hair quality detection unit, and controlling the radial distance between the annular wall and a radially adjacent member.

[0108] With this configuration, the opening area of ​​the intake passage can be varied by the variation control section based on the hair type.

[0109] (Technology 15) The blower device according to Technology 12, wherein the variable control unit has a learning function.

[0110] With this configuration, the movement control unit can predict the conditions under which hair is likely to become tangled, and can further prevent hair from becoming tangled.

[0111] (Technology 16) The blower device according to Technology 12, wherein the variable control unit is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside.

[0112] With this configuration, by sending data to the outside, the data of the blower device can be reflected in other devices, and by receiving data from the outside, new data can be reflected in the blower device.

[0113] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0114] For example, the center of the annular wall is located at the same position as the central axis of the fan, but this is not limiting, and the center of the annular wall may be located at a position eccentric to the central axis of the fan.

[0115] Furthermore, the connecting wall inclined in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fan is inclined to have a curvature, but this is not limited to this, and the connecting wall may be inclined so as to connect the first connecting point and the second connecting point in a straight line.

[0116] Furthermore, although the connecting walls in which the first and second connecting points are positioned differently in the circumferential direction of the annular wall are inclined in the direction of rotation of the fan, this is not limitative. For example, even in the case of connecting walls that extend radially from the central axis of the fan, as in the connecting walls of the third and fourth embodiments, the first and second connecting points of radially adjacent connecting walls may be positioned differently in the circumferential direction of the annular wall.

[0117] The shape of the partition wall is not limited to the above, and may be any shape, such as a honeycomb shape.

[0118] The present disclosure is applicable to devices that suction air and thus pose a risk of hair getting caught in them, such as hair dryers, electric fans, and vacuum cleaners.

[0119] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Blower 3 Housing 5 Fan 7 Filter 9 Partition member 21 Intake port 23 Discharge port 25 Intake flow path 43 Partition portion 101 Blower 103 Annular wall 105 Connecting wall 107 First connecting point 109 Second connecting point 201 Blower 301 Blower 401 Blower 403 Extension portion 501 Blower A Rotation direction L Straight line

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; an intake passage provided inside the housing through which air drawn in from the intake port flows; a fan provided inside the housing for drawing in air from the intake port and exhausting the air from the exhaust port; a filter disposed at the intake port; and a partition member provided inside the intake passage between the filter and the fan, wherein the partition member has a partition portion which sets an opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake passage to 40% to 80%.

2. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein the partition portion has an opening ratio relative to the opening area of ​​the intake passage that increases radially outward from the central axis of the fan.

3. A blower device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition portion has one or more annular walls arranged radially between the central axis of the fan and the inner wall of the intake passage and formed in a ring shape, and a connecting wall connecting the annular wall and the inner wall of the intake passage.

4. The blower device of claim 3, wherein the connecting walls are provided in multiple circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage, and the multiple connecting walls located radially outward among the multiple connecting walls are spaced apart more widely in the circumferential direction than the multiple connecting walls located radially inward.

5. A blower device as described in claim 3, wherein the radial spacing between the annular wall and a member radially adjacent to the annular wall, including the central axis of the fan, is set wider on the radial outer side of the annular wall than on the radial inner side of the annular wall.

6. A blower device as described in claim 3, wherein the connecting wall has a first connection point that connects to the inner wall or the annular wall of the intake passage located on the radially outer side, and a second connection point that connects to the annular wall located on the radially inner side, the first connection point being located on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the fan with respect to a straight line passing through the central axis of the fan and the second connection point.

7. The blower device according to claim 6, wherein the partition member is provided with an extension portion extending from the vicinity of the second connecting point toward the fan.

8. The blower device described in claim 3, wherein the connecting walls are provided in multiple circumferential and radial directions of the intake passage, and have a first connection point that connects to the inner wall or the annular wall of the intake passage located on the radially outer side, and a second connection point that connects to the annular wall located on the radially inner side, and the first connection point and the second connection point are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the annular wall.

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