Blower

The blower device addresses the challenge of fan positioning by using regulating portions on the base to facilitate easy and precise alignment of fans, enhancing assembly efficiency and performance.

WO2025243828A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2025/016613
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-20
Filing Date
2025-05-02
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing blower devices face challenges in easily positioning fans relative to the base during assembly, leading to difficulties in installation and potential misalignment.

Method used

The blower device incorporates a base with regulating portions, such as horizontal and vertical protrusions, to precisely position multiple fans relative to the housing, ensuring easy assembly and alignment.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enhances workability by allowing straightforward positioning of fans, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity and performance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure JP2025016613_27112025_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

[Problem] To provide a blower that is capable of easily positioning a fan with respect to a base when fixing the fan to the base and that is excellent in workability. [Solution] This blower comprises: a base 160; first and second fans 240, 260 provided to the base 160; and a housing 100 having a ventilation passage for passing air blown out from blowout ports of the first and second fans. The base 160 has lateral projections 161 and a vertical projection 162 for regulating the positions of the first and second fans with respect to the housing 100.
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Description

air blower

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower device such as a hot air fan or a blower fan.

[0002] A known example of a hot air fan is that described in Patent Document 1. This technology applies a hot air fan to a cup holder, and includes a cup-shaped container storage section 14 for storing a beverage container, an insulator 16 that is a heat insulating material for storing the container storage section 14, a Peltier element 18 that abuts against the bottom surface of the container storage section 14 and heats or cools the container storage section 14, a heat sink 20 that is disposed on the bottom side of the Peltier element 18, and a fan 22 that promotes heat exchange in the heat sink 20.

[0003] JP 2015-058837 A

[0004] Some hot air fans have multiple fans mounted on a base. Each fan has a casing, and the casing is attached to the base with bolts or other fasteners, securing the fans to the base. In this type of configuration, there has been a demand for a way to easily position the fans relative to the base.

[0005] In light of the above-mentioned background, an object of the present invention is to provide a blower device that allows easy positioning of the fan relative to the base when fixing the fan to the base, and that is easy to work with.

[0006] The present invention is a blower device comprising a base, a plurality of fans provided on the base, and a housing having an air passage for passing air blown out from the outlets of the plurality of fans, wherein the base has a regulating portion for regulating the position of the plurality of fans relative to the housing.

[0007] According to the present invention, the fan can be positioned relative to the housing by the restricting portion, which provides excellent workability.

[0008] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a warm air fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment as viewed from an oblique front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment as viewed from an oblique rear. (A) is a plan view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment, (B) is a cross-sectional view of line A-A in (A), and (C) is a cross-sectional view of line B-B in (A). FIG. 3 is a side view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment as viewed from an oblique front. (B) is a cross-sectional view of line B-B in (A). FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the warm air fan according to an embodiment as viewed from an oblique rear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector according to an embodiment as viewed from the rear side.

[0009] 1. Overall Configuration of the Warm Air Fan The overall configuration of a warm air fan (air blower) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the warm air fan 1 according to the embodiment, and Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the warm air fan 1 shown in Figure 1 when assembled. In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the up-down direction in Figure 1. Furthermore, the terms "front, rear" and "left, right" refer to directions relative to the front direction in Figure 1, and the term "width direction" refers to the left-right direction.

[0010] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a housing. A hot air generating unit 200 including a heater (electronic component) 220, a first fan 240, and a second fan 260 is attached to the housing 100, and a control board 350 is attached to the hot air generating unit 200 via a board base (plate) 300. The board base 300 is fixed to the housing 100, and a cover 400 is fixed to the housing 100. By fixing the cover 400 to the housing 100, the housing 100 is covered by the cover 400, and a structure is obtained in which the board base (plate) 300, the control board 350, and the heater 220 are accommodated inside the space defined by the cover 400 and the housing 100. In addition, a connector 500 is detachably attached to the cover 400.

[0011] In the warm air fan 1 configured as described above, the first and second fans 240, 260 are centrifugal fans that draw air through intake ports 241, 261 of the first and second fans 240, 260 and blow it out through outlet ports 242, 262 (see FIG. 3) toward the heater 220, and blow air heated by the heater 220 out in front of the heater 220. Each part will be described in detail below.

[0012] 2. Housing Figure 10 shows the housing 100. The housing 100 is injection molded from resin and has a bottom wall 110, which is made up of a front bottom wall 111 and a rear bottom wall 112. The front bottom wall 111 is generally rectangular in plan view. The rear bottom wall 112 is generally trapezoidal in plan view, and has a bottom surface that is one step higher than the front bottom wall 111 via a step 112a.

[0013] Side walls 120 extend upward from both sides of the bottom wall 110. A portion 120a (hereinafter referred to as the "land portion") is formed in the center of the side wall 120 in the front-to-rear direction, with the thickness increased to the right or left. A flange 121 protruding to the right or left is formed at the lower end of the land portion 120a, and a through-hole 121a is formed in the flange 121. A bolt is inserted into the through-hole 121a and threaded into a female thread formed in a mount of a device to which the hot air fan 1 is attached, thereby attaching the hot air fan 1 to the device. Furthermore, claws 122 are formed at the front and rear ends of the upper end of the side wall 120, with their horizontal surfaces facing downward.

[0014] Rear walls 130, which are continuous with the side walls 120, extend upward from both sides of the rear end of the bottom wall 110. Sloped walls 140 extend forward from the left and right edges of the rear wall 130 so as to diverge from each other, and the front edges of the sloped walls 140 are connected to the side walls 120. Pillars 150 extend upward from both sides of the front end of the bottom wall 110. The pillars 150 have a generally L-shaped cross section, and rectangular cross-sectional notches 151 are formed at the corners.

[0015] 9, the air outlets 242, 262 of the first and second fans 240, 260 are arranged side by side in the rear end opening between the rear walls 130. The air blown out from the air outlets 242, 262 is spread laterally by the inclined wall 140 and flows into the heater 220. The inclined wall 140, the rear bottom wall 112, and the aforementioned base plate 300 form an air passage 201 (see FIG. 4C).

[0016] A base 160 is connected to the rear bottom wall 112. The base 160 is generally pentagonal in plan view, with a width approximately equal to the width between the flanges 121. A pair of horizontal protrusions 161, a vertical protrusion 162, and a second horizontal protrusion 163 are formed on the rear bottom wall 112 side of the base 160. The horizontal protrusion 161 is generally U-shaped and extends in the left-right direction. The vertical protrusion 162 is generally I-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction. The second horizontal protrusion 163 is rectangular and extends leftward or rightward from the lower edge of the rear wall 130.

[0017] A pair of hooks 164 are formed at the tip of the pentagonal shape of the base 160. The hooks 164 are hook-shaped and include arms 164a extending toward the center in the width direction. A claw 164b extending forward is formed at the tip of the arms 164a. The claw 164b is pointed forward, and a gap is provided between the claw 164b and the front portion. A pair of through holes 165 are formed in front of the hooks 164. In addition, through holes 165 are formed at both ends of the base 160 on the rear bottom wall 112 side.

[0018] 3. Heater As shown in Fig. 1, the heater 220 is configured by disposing a partition plate 222 that separates the interior of a casing 221 that is open at the front and rear, and disposing a heating wire 223 in the space above and below the partition plate 222. Plate-shaped terminals 224 that extend upward are attached to both side surfaces of the casing 221. The terminals 224 are connected to the heating wire 223 of the heater 220. The heating wire 223 can be any of a variety of products that generate heat when an electric current is passed through it. The heating wire 223 may also be plate-shaped.

[0019] The heater 220 is placed on the front bottom wall 111 of the housing 100. At this time, both side edges of the front end of the casing 221 abut against the notches 151 of the pillars 150, and the lower edge of the rear end of the casing 221 abuts against the step 112a of the rear bottom wall 112, thereby positioning the heater 220.

[0020] 4. Fans The first fan 240 includes a casing 250. The second fan 260 also includes a casing 270 that is equivalent to the casing 250. Therefore, in the following description, for components of the second fan 260 that are equivalent to components of the first fan 240, the reference numerals will be written in parentheses after the newly written reference numerals of the first fan 240. These reference numerals have the tens digit changed from 5 to 7. Note that reference numerals that have already been written are also written as reference numerals for the first fan 240 (reference numerals for the second fan 260).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 4(C), the casing 250 (270) is composed of a bottom wall 251 (271), a side wall 252 (272), and a top wall 253 (273). Note that FIG. 8 omits the illustration of the portion above the top plate 410 of the cover 400. A downwardly protruding flange 251a (271a) is formed on the edge of the bottom wall 251 (271) along the air outlet 242 (262). The flange 251a (271a) abuts against the horizontal protrusion 161 and the second horizontal protrusion 163 of the base 160. The side wall 252 (272) abuts against the vertical protrusion 162 of the base 160. This positions the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 relative to the housing 100.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the casing 250 (270) accommodates an impeller 254 (274). The impeller 254 (274) has a plurality of blades 255 (275) arranged in an annular portion around the inner space on the axial center side, and by rotating, exhausts air from the inner space in a centrifugal direction through the plurality of blades 255 (275).

[0023] As shown in Figure 9, a spiral flow path 250a (270a) is formed inside the casing 250 (270). The flow path 250a (270a) has a structure in which the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the start point where the gap between the impeller 254 (274) and the casing 250 (270) is smallest, proceeding in the clockwise or counterclockwise circumferential direction in Figure 9. A rectangular outlet 242 (262) is formed at the end of the flow path 250a (270a).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4A , a motor 256 (276) is disposed in the casing 250 (270), and an impeller 254 (274) is fixed to a shaft 256 a (276 a) of the motor 256 (276). When the motor 256 (276) rotates, the impeller 254 (274) rotates. When the impeller 254 (274) rotates, air is sucked in through the suction port 241 (261) and guided inside the impeller 254 (274). This air is blown out in a centrifugal direction from the inside of the impeller 254 (274) by the action of the blades 255 (275). The air blown out from the impeller 254 (274) flows through a spiral flow path toward the outlet 242 (262), is blown out from the outlet 242 (262), and is sent to the heater 220.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the side wall 252 (272) of the casing 250 (270) is formed with protrusions 257 (277) that protrude outward and extend in the vertical direction at positions that are approximately symmetrical with respect to the axis. The protrusions 257 (277) are parts that secure the first and second fans 240, 260 to the base 160, and are provided with through-holes 257a (277a) that penetrate in the vertical direction. A pin (engagement member) 258 (278) is inserted into the through-hole 257a (277a). The pin 258 (278) comprises a shaft 258a (278a), a head 258b (278b) formed at the upper end of the shaft 258a (278a) and having a larger diameter than the shaft 258a (278a), a small diameter portion 258c (278c) formed at the lower end of the shaft 258a (278a) and having a smaller diameter than the shaft 258a (278a), and a tapered portion 258d (278d) formed at the lower end of the small diameter portion 258c (278c) and having a diameter that decreases downward from the portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion 258c (278c).

[0026] When the small diameter portion 258c (278c) of the pin 258 (278) is protruded from the through hole 257a and the tapered portion 258d (278d) is protruded from the through hole 165 of the base 160, the tapered portion 258d (278d) engages with the back surface of the base 160, and the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 are fixed to the base 160.

[0027] 5. Board Base and Control Board As shown in FIG. 1 , the board base 300 is a rectangular plate in plan view and is in contact with the top surface 221a of the heater 220. The board base 300, the front bottom wall 111 of the housing 100, and the pillars 150 form an air outlet for the heater 220. Bosses 310 protruding upward are formed near the four corners of the board base 300. Seats 311 with a larger diameter than the bosses 310 are formed at the base of the bosses 310. Arms 320 protruding downward are formed at the four corners of the board base 300, and claws 321 protruding forward or backward are formed at the lower ends of the arms 320 with their horizontal surfaces facing upward. Meanwhile, recesses (not shown) into which the claws 321 engage are formed on the rear surfaces of the pillars 150 of the housing 100. A recess (not shown) into which the claws 321 engage is also formed on the front surface of the rear wall 130 of the housing 100. The claws 321 are caught and engaged in the recesses (not shown), thereby fixing the board base 300 to the housing 100 .

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6 , slits 300a are formed near the front of both left and right ends of the base plate 300, through which the terminals 224 of the heater 220 pass. An upwardly protruding arm 330 is formed behind the slit 300a, and a claw 331 is formed at the upper end of the arm 330, protruding left or right with its horizontal surface facing downward. The arm 330 and the claw 331 at its tip form an engagement portion that engages with the control board 350. An inclined plate (inclined portion) 390 is formed at the rear end of the base plate 300, with an upward slope toward the rear. The rear edge of the inclined plate 390 faces the upper edges (upper edges) of the air outlets 242 and 262 of the first and second fans 240 and 260. The right front edge of the side wall 252 of the air outlet 242 and the front edge of the side wall 272 of the air outlet 262 face the rear wall 130 of the housing 100 (see FIG. 9 ). In this way, the edges of the air outlets 242, 262 face (contact) the inclined plate 390 and the rear wall 130, thereby suppressing air leakage and backflow and improving the PQ characteristics of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7(B), a sensor support portion (flange) 340 is formed in the center of the front end surface of the substrate base 300. The sensor support portion 340 consists of a pair of arms 341 protruding forward from the front end surface of the substrate base 300 and a support portion 342 protruding upward from the upper surfaces of the arms 341. The support portion 342 consists of a rectangular plate base 342a protruding upward from the front end of the upper surface of the substrate base 300 and an inclined portion 342b extending between the upper end of the base 342a and the front end of the arms 341. The inclined portion 342b is inclined downward toward the front. A groove 342c is formed in the center of the inclined portion 342b.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7A , a control board (board) 350 is attached to the board base 300. The control board 350 is made of a resin plate that is rectangular in plan view. Through holes 351 are formed in the four corners of the control board 350, and bosses 310 of the board base 300 pass through the through holes 351 to position the control board 350, and the control board 350 is placed on a pedestal 311. Slits 350a are formed in the left and right ends of the control board 350 near the front, and terminals 224 of the heater 220 pass through the slits 350a. The terminals 224 are connected to an electronic circuit formed on the control board 350. Behind the slits 350a, a rectangular through hole (engaged portion) 350b is formed. An arm 330 of the board base 300 passes through the through hole 350b, and a claw 331 engages with the edge of the through hole 350b.

[0031] Wiring 361, which connects the temperature sensor 360 to an end thereof, is drawn out from the top surface of the control board 350, and extends along the groove 342c of the sensor support part 340, causing the temperature sensor 360 to hang down in the gap between the arms 341. In other words, the temperature sensor 360 and the heater 220 face each other in the direction in which the air blows out. The temperature sensor 360 measures the temperature of the air blown out from the heater 220.

[0032] A plurality of wires 370 (six in this example) that supply drive current to the first and second fans 240 and 260 extend from the control board 350. As shown in FIG. 3 , the protrusions 257 and 277 on one side of the casings 250 and 270 are close to each other, forming a gap 371 between them. The gap 371 is set slightly wider than the diameter of the wires 370. In other words, the width of the gap 371 is the same as or slightly larger than the width of each wire 370. The wires 370 are aligned vertically and passed through the gap 371, with the upper three and lower three divided into left and right sections adjacent to the gap 371. Three wires 370 are then hooked onto the left and right hooks 164 and routed to the first and second fans 240 and 260, where they are connected to terminals 280 and 290 provided on the first and second fans 240 and 260. In other words, three wires 370 are hooked on each of the left and right hooks 164, and are fixed so as to be able to move slightly relative to the hooks 164. The multiple wires 370 do not have to supply drive current to the first and second fans 240, 260. For example, wires for other devices may be passed between the first and second fans 240, 260.

[0033] 1, the cover 400 is generally composed of a top plate 410, a front plate 420 and a rear plate 430 (see FIG. 3) extending downward from the front and rear edges of the top plate 410, and a right plate 440 and a left plate 450 extending downward from the left and right edges of the top plate 410. The front plate 420 and the rear plate 430 are in contact with the front and rear end surfaces of the base 300, respectively. This positions the cover 400 relative to the housing 100 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0034] A generally U-shaped notch 421 that opens downward is formed in the center of the front side plate 420, and a sensor cover 422 is formed around the opening of the notch 421. The notch 421 avoids the wiring 361 of the temperature sensor 360, and the sensor cover 422 covers the sensor support part 340 of the substrate base 300 and the temperature sensor 360 from above, preventing damage to the temperature sensor 360 due to external forces.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 11 , the rear side plate 430 has a pair of rectangular openings 430a, and an intermediate plate 431 extending downward between the openings 430a. A rib (wall) 432 protruding rearward is formed in the center of the intermediate plate 431. The rib 432 is inserted into the gap between the first and second fans 240, 260 between the multiple wirings 370, and its lower end abuts the base 160. The intermediate plate 431 and the rib 432 prevent the air blown by the first and second fans 240, 260 from flowing backward, i.e., toward the first and second fans 240, 260. This structure improves the performance of the warm air fan (blower) 1. Instead of the rib 432, a wall inserted into the gap between the first and second fans 240, 260 may be formed on the base 160. Alternatively, the gap between the first and second fans 240 and 260 may be filled with resin.

[0036] Rectangular frame-shaped locking portions 451 extending downward are formed at the front and rear ends of the left side plate 450. The locking portions 451 have openings 451a, and the claws 122 of the housing 100 engage with the openings 451a to secure the cover 400 to the housing 100. When the cover 400 is attached to the housing 100, the housing 100 is covered by the cover 400. The right side plate 440 also has the same locking portions 441 and openings 441a (see FIG. 11). A rectangular notch 452 that opens downward is formed in the center of the left side plate 450. The wiring 380 that is drawn from the control board 350 and connected to the connector 500 is inserted through the notch 452 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] As shown in Figure 13, the lower end surface of the left side plate 450 abuts against the upper end surface of the land portion 120a of the side wall 120 of the housing 100. The inward-facing surface of the left side plate 450 abuts against the side wall 120. In this manner, in this embodiment, the left side plate 450 extends downward below the upper end surface of the side wall 120. This configuration is also applied to the right side plate 440. This allows the cover 400 to be positioned in the left-right direction relative to the housing 100.

[0038] As shown in Figure 14, a connector mounting portion 460 is formed integrally with the top plate 410 of the cover 400. The connector mounting portion 460 has a pair of legs 461 connected to the top plate 410. A rib 461a is provided between the legs 461. Flanges 462 that protrude in the front-rear direction are formed on the upper sides of the legs 461, and connecting portions 462a are provided between the flanges 462. A recess 463 is also formed between the flanges 462.

[0039] 15 shows the connector 500. The connector 500 has a plug connection portion 510 and a cover attachment portion 520. A plug connected to an external power supply is inserted into the plug connection portion 510 and connected to an internal plug contact, and wiring 380 is connected to a portion of the cover attachment portion 520 that is electrically connected to the plug contact. The cover attachment portion 520 has a configuration for attaching the connector 500 to the connector attachment portion 460.

[0040] A groove 521 that opens to the end face of the cover mounting portion 520 is formed in the center of the back surface of the cover mounting portion 520, and a tongue (support member) 522 is formed on the wall surface at the end of the groove 521 so as to protrude into the groove 521. The surface of the tongue 522 facing the groove 521 is formed as an inclined surface 522a. This allows the tongue 522 to elastically deform so as to rotate toward the groove 521. In addition, a claw 523 is formed on the surface of the tongue 522 opposite the groove 521, with the vertical plane facing rightward (leftward in FIG. 15 ).

[0041] Walls 524 are formed on both sides of groove 521 in the front-to-rear direction (vertical direction in FIG. 15 ), extending downward. A pair of flanges (first flanges) 525 protruding toward each other are formed on the edges of wall 524. These flanges 525, wall 524, and the back surface of cover mounting portion 520 form an engaging portion 525a having a U-shaped cross section. When flange 462 of connector mounting portion 460 is inserted into engaging portion 525a and connector 500 is slid relative to connector mounting portion 460, claw 523 is pressed by connecting portion 462a, causing tongue 522 to elastically deform toward groove 521. When claw 523 passes connecting portion 462a, tongue 522 elastically returns to its original position, and claw 523 engages with the edge of connecting portion 462a. This secures connector 500 to connector mounting portion 460.

[0042] In the hot air fan 1 configured as described above, the horizontal protrusions 161 and vertical protrusions 162 are formed on the base 160, the flanges 251a and 271a of the first and second fans 240 and 260 abut against the horizontal protrusions 161, and the side walls 252 and 272 abut against the vertical protrusions 162, so that the first and second fans 240 and 260 are positioned relative to the housing 100. This makes assembly of the hot air fan 1 easy.

[0043] In particular, in the above embodiment, the horizontal protrusion 161 and the vertical protrusion 162 face the bottom walls 251 and 271 of the first and second fans 240 and 260, so the first and second fans 240 and 260 can be easily positioned by simply placing them on the base 160 and moving them slightly back and forth and left and right.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the substrate stand 300 is positioned between the heater 220 and the control board 350, thereby preventing damage to the control board 350 or the electronic components mounted on the control board 350 due to heat generated by the heater 220 as an electronic component.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminals 224 of the heater 220 are passed through the slits 350a of the control board 350 and connected to the electronic circuit formed on the control board 350, thereby preventing poor bonding with the control board 350 due to misalignment of the terminals 224.

[0046] In addition, in the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 360 is supported by the sensor support portion 340 and hangs down in front of the heater 220, so that the temperature sensor 360 is prevented from shifting position and the temperature of the air being blown out can be accurately detected.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the arm 320 formed on the base 300 is inserted into the through hole 350b formed in the control board 350, and the claw 321 is engaged with the edge of the through hole 350b, so that the control board 350 can be attached to the base 300 with a single touch, improving workability.

[0048] In the warm air fan 1 configured as described above, the movement of the multiple wires 370 is restricted by being sandwiched in the gaps 371 between the casings 250, 270 of the first and second fans 240, 260. Therefore, even if the warm air fan 1 is mounted on a vehicle or the like and is subjected to shaking or vibration, the wires 370 will not move around, suppressing the generation of abnormal noise. In addition, the wires 370 are prevented from becoming disorganized or misaligned.

[0049] In particular, in the above embodiment, the wiring 370 is hung on the hook 164 at a location adjacent to the gap 371, so that the movement of the wiring 370 is further restricted, and the generation of abnormal noise can be effectively suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wiring 370 is configured to be aligned vertically in the gap 371 between the casings 250 and 270, so it is possible to restrict not only the movement of the wiring 370 in the gap 371 but also the movement of the wiring 370 from the control board 350 to the gap 371. Additionally, since the wiring can be arranged in a narrow space, it is possible to contribute to the miniaturization of the entire device.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the gap 371 is formed by utilizing the protrusions 257, 277 for fixing the first and second fans 240, 260 to the base 160, so no special parts or components are required, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0052] Generally, in a blower, the fan and the control circuit are connected by wiring. When the blower is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, the shaking and vibration of the vehicle may be transmitted to the blower, causing the wiring to become unbalanced and generating abnormal noise. According to the above embodiment, the generation of abnormal noise can be prevented by fixing the wiring.

[0053] 7. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible as follows: (a) The restricting members are not limited to protrusions such as the horizontal protrusions 161 and the vertical protrusions 162. Instead, recesses may be formed in the base 160, and protrusions that abut against the recesses may be formed on the bottom walls 251, 271 of the casings 250, 270.

[0054] (b) The present invention can be configured as a blower fan without heater 220. Alternatively, an air purifier, sound generator, noise canceling device, light generator, vibration generator, etc. may be provided. These may be mounted together with heater 220. (c) Three or more fans may be provided. (d) Wiring 370 may be housed and fixed in grooves or recesses provided in base 160, first fan 240, or second fan 260.

[0055] 8. Disclosure in the Specification The warm air fan 1 includes a base 160, a first fan 240 and a second fan 260 that are multiple fans provided on the base 160, and a housing 100 that is a housing having an air passage 201 that allows air blown out from air outlets 242, 262 of the multiple fans to pass through. The base 160 has horizontal protrusions 161 and vertical protrusions 162 that serve as restricting portions that restrict the positions of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 relative to the housing 100. The horizontal protrusions 161 and vertical protrusions 162 are positioned opposite bottom walls 251, 271 of the first and second fans 240, 260. The first fan 240, the second fan 260, the horizontal protrusions 161, and the vertical protrusions 162 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air outlets 242, 262 open.

[0056] The casings 250, 270 of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 have portions that are fixed to the base 160. A cover 400 that covers the housing 100, which is the enclosure, is provided, and the cover 400 is provided with a rib 432 that serves as a wall that separates the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. Instead of the rib 432, a structure in which a wall that separates the first and second fans 240, 260 is formed on the base 160 is also possible.

[0057] A heater 220 is disposed in the air passage 201. A control board 350, which is a circuit board, is disposed in the housing 100, which is an enclosure, and a board base 300, which is a plate, is disposed between the heater 220 and the control board 350. The board base 300 is formed with an arm 330 that faces toward the control board 350. The arm 330 has a claw 331 at its tip, which constitutes an engaging portion that engages with the control board 350. The claw 331 engages with a through-hole 350b, which is an engaged portion of the control board 350. The heater 220 has a terminal 224 that faces toward the control board 350, and the terminal 224 passes through the board base 300, which is a plate, and is electrically connected to the control board 350.

[0058] The substrate base 300 has a sensor support part 340 formed by a flange protruding from the heater 220 in the direction in which the heater 220 blows out air, and a temperature sensor 360 is connected to the control board 350, and the temperature sensor 360 is hung in front of the heater 220 by having wiring 361 of the temperature sensor 360 run along the sensor support part 340.

[0059] The base plate 300 has an inclined plate (inclined portion) 390 that slopes upward toward the air outlets 242, 262, and the inclined plate 390 faces the upper edges of the air outlets 242, 262. The housing 100 has side walls 120, and a rear wall 130, which is the edge of the side wall 120 on the air outlet 242, 262 side, faces the right front edge of the side wall 252 of the air outlet 242 and the left front edge of the side wall 272 of the air outlet 262. The bottom walls 251, 271 of the casings 250, 270, which are continuous with the air outlets 242, 262, have flanges 251a, 271a that protrude toward the base 160, and the flanges 251a, 271a face the horizontal protrusions 161 and vertical protrusions 162, which serve as restricting members, in the direction in which the air outlets 242, 262 open. The restricting portion includes a vertical protrusion 162 extending in the direction in which the air outlets 242, 262 open, and a horizontal protrusion 161 extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air outlets 242, 262 open.

[0060] The air conditioner includes a plurality of wires 370 connecting the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 to the control board 350, and the plurality of wires 370 pass through a gap 371 between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. A heater 220, which is an electronic component, is electrically connected to the control board 350. The heater 220 is disposed facing the air outlets 242 and 262. A cover 400 covering the housing 100 is provided, and the cover 400 is provided with ribs 432, which are walls positioned between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 and between the plurality of wires 370. Similar walls may be provided on the base 160. The base 160 is provided with hooks 164, which are portions for fixing the plurality of wires. The air conditioner includes a housing 100 in which the heater 220 and the control board 350, which are electronic components, are provided, and the housing 100 is provided with air outlets through which hot air is ejected from the heater 220.

[0061] The plurality of wires 370 are hung on a portion of the base 160 after exiting between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260, and are routed to predetermined locations on the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. The plurality of wires 370 are hung from hooks 164 provided on a portion of the base 160. The first fan 240 and the second fan 260 include casings 250 and 270, which include protrusions 257 and 277 that protrude toward the adjacent fan, and the plurality of wires 370 are sandwiched between the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277. The gap between the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277 is wide enough to accommodate only one wire that makes up the plurality of wires 370, and the plurality of wires 370 are aligned vertically in the gap between the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277. The protrusions 257, 277 have through holes 257a, 277a that penetrate in the direction of the rotation axis of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260, and pins 258, 278, which are engaging members inserted into the through holes 257a, 277a, engage with the through holes 165 of the base 160, thereby fixing the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 to the base 160.

[0062] The present invention can be used in a blower fan, a warm air fan, or a blower device for an air conditioner.

[0063] 1...Hot air fan (blower device), 100...Housing (casing), 110...Bottom wall, 111...Front bottom wall, 112...Rear bottom wall, 112a...Step, 120...Side wall, 120a...Land portion, 121...Flange, 121a...Through hole, 122...Claw, 130...Rear wall, 140...Slanted wall, 150...Column, 151...Notch, 160...Base, 161...Horizontal protrusion (restriction member), 162...Vertical protrusion (restriction member), 163...Second horizontal protrusion, 164a...Arm, 164b...Claw, 164...Hook, 165...Through hole, 200...Hot air generating section, 201...Ventilation path, 220...Heater, 221...Casing , 222...Partition plate, 223...Heating wire, 224...Terminal, 240...First fan, 241, 261...Intake port, 242, 262...Outlet, 250, 270...Casing, 250a, 270a...Flow path, 251, 271...Bottom wall, 252, 272...Side wall, 253, 273...Top wall, 251a, 271a...Flange, 254, 274...Impeller, 255, 275...Blade, 256, 276...Motor, 256a, 276a...Shaft, 257, 277...Protrusion, 257a, 277a...Through hole, 258, 278...Pin, 258a, 278a...Axis, 258b, 278 b...head, 258c, 258c...small diameter portion, 258d, 258d...tapered portion, 260...second fan, 270...casing, 300...board base, 310...boss, 320 arm, 321...claw, 300a...slit, 330...arm, 331...claw, 340...sensor support portion, 341...arm, 342...support portion, 342a...base, 342b...inclined portion, 342c...groove, 350...control board, 350a...slit, 350b...through hole, 360...temperature sensor, 361...wiring, 342c...groove, 370, 380...wiring, 390...inclined plate (inclined portion), 400...cover, 410...top Plate, 420...front plate, 421...notch, 422...sensor cover, 430...rear plate, 431...middle plate, 432...rib, 440...right side plate, 441...engaging portion, 441a...opening, 450...left side plate, 451...engaging portion, 451a...opening, 452...notch, 460...connector mounting portion, 461...leg, 461a...rib, 462...flange, 462a...connection portion, 463...recess, 500...connector, 510...plug connection portion, 520...cover mounting portion, 521...groove, 522...tongue, 522a...inclined surface, 523...claw, 524...wall, 525...flange, 525a...engaging portion.

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a base; a plurality of fans provided on the base; and a housing having an air passage through which air blown out from the outlets of the plurality of fans passes, wherein the base has a regulating portion that regulates the positions of the plurality of fans relative to the housing.

2. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is disposed in a position facing the fan.

3. The blower device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulating section comprises a plurality of regulating members, and the plurality of fans and the plurality of regulating members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air outlet opens.

4. The blower device according to claim 3, wherein the casing of the fan has a portion that is fixed to the base.

5. The blower device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover that covers the housing, the cover being provided with walls that separate the plurality of fans.

6. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with walls that separate the plurality of fans.

7. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein a heater is disposed in the air passage.

8. The air blower according to claim 7, further comprising a substrate provided in the housing, and a plate disposed between the heater and the substrate.

9. The blower device according to claim 8, wherein the plate has an engaging portion facing the substrate, and the engaging portion engages with an engaged portion of the substrate.

10. The air blower according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the heater has a terminal extending toward the substrate, and the terminal penetrates the plate and is electrically connected to the substrate.

11. A blower device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the plate has a flange that protrudes from the heater in the direction in which the heater blows out air, a temperature sensor is connected to the board, and the temperature sensor is hung down in front of the heater by having its wiring run along the flange.

12. The blower device according to claim 8, wherein the plate has an inclined portion that slopes upward toward the air outlet, and the inclined portion faces the upper edge of the air outlet of the plurality of fans.

13. The blower device according to claim 12, wherein the housing has a side wall, and the edge of the side wall on the side of the air outlet faces side edges of one end and other end of the plurality of air outlets of the plurality of fans.

14. A blower device as described in claim 4, wherein the bottom wall of the casing, which is continuous with the air outlet, has a flange that protrudes toward the base, and the flange faces the plurality of regulating members in the direction in which the air outlet opens.

15. The blower device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of regulating members include regulating members extending in the direction in which the air outlet opens and regulating members extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air outlet opens.

16. The blower device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wires that electrically connect the plurality of fans to a board, the plurality of wires passing through gaps between the plurality of fans.

17. The blower device according to claim 16, wherein electronic components are electrically connected to the substrate.

18. The blower device according to claim 17, wherein the electronic component is disposed opposite the air outlet.

19. The blower device according to claim 18, further comprising a cover that covers the housing, wherein the cover or the base is provided with walls positioned between the plurality of fans and between the plurality of wirings.

20. The air blower according to claim 19, wherein the base is provided with a portion for fixing the plurality of wires.

21. A blower device as described in claim 16 or 17, wherein the base comprises a housing in which the electronic component and the board are mounted, the housing comprises an air outlet, and a plate is disposed between the heater, which is the electronic component, and the board.

22. The blower device according to claim 21, wherein the plate has an engaging portion facing toward the substrate, and the engaging portion engages with an engaged portion of the substrate.

23. The air blower according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the heater has a terminal extending toward the substrate, and the terminal passes through the plate and is electrically connected to the substrate.

24. The air blower device of claim 21, wherein the plate has a flange that protrudes from the heater in the direction in which the heater blows out air, a temperature sensor is connected to the board, and the temperature sensor is hung down in front of the heater by having its wiring run along the flange.

25. The blower device according to claim 21, wherein the plate has an inclined portion that slopes upward toward the air outlet, and the inclined portion faces the upper edge of the air outlet of the plurality of fans.

26. The blower device according to claim 20, wherein the wiring is hung on a part of the base after leaving between the plurality of fans and routed to predetermined locations on each of the plurality of fans.

27. The blower device of claim 26, wherein a portion of the base is a hook.

28. The blower device according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the plurality of fans have casings, the casings have protrusions that protrude in the direction of adjacent fans, and the plurality of wirings are sandwiched between the adjacent protrusions.

29. The air blower device according to claim 28, wherein the gap between the adjacent protrusions has a width sufficient to accommodate only one of the wirings, and the plurality of wirings are aligned vertically in the gap.

30. A blower device as described in claim 26 or 29, wherein the protrusion is provided with a through-hole that penetrates in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan, and the fan is fixed to the base by an engaging member inserted into the through-hole engaging with the through-hole in the base.

Citation Information

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