Fan and air conditioning device

Abstract

Provided are: an easy-to-use fan capable of suppressing the size and weight of a device to be mounted; and an air conditioning device using the same. This fan 1 can blow air in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction by rotating. This air conditioning device comprises the fan 1, a heat exchanger 2, a first cap C1, and a second cap C2, wherein the heat exchanger 2 has a heat exchange element 21, the first cap C1 has a first blowout port C12 communicating with the outside, and the second cap C2 has a second blowout port C22 communicating with the outside. The fan 1, the heat exchanger 2, the first cap C1, and the second cap C2 form: a first flow path that exchanges heat between an air flow generated from an outer blade 11 by the rotation of the fan 1 and a first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21, and discharges the air from the first blowout port C12; and a second flow path that exchanges heat between an air flow generated from an inner blade 12 by the rotation of the fan 1 and a second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21, and discharges the air from the second blowout port C22.

Description

Fan and air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan for blowing air and an air conditioner using the same.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a fan-equipped garment that aims to take in outside air into the garment by attaching a fan to the garment and cool the body of the wearer.

[0003] However, simply attaching a fan to the garment can only send external air into the garment. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is high, warm air may be blown into the garment, and a cooling effect may not be expected.

[0004] In addition, a garment with just a fan can produce a cooling effect, but it is difficult to produce a heating effect.

[0005] Therefore, an air conditioner has been proposed that aims to actively cool or heat the inside of the garment by using a heat exchange element.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a heat exchange unit that increases the heat exchange efficiency and efficiently cools or heats the inside of the garment by providing one fan on each of the heat dissipation side and the heat absorption side of a Peltier element.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-97799

[0008] However, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 requires two or more fans, so the size and weight of the device tend to increase, and there are problems such as the wearing feeling and aesthetics when mounted on the garment.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object to be solved is to provide a user-friendly fan capable of suppressing the size and weight of the mounted device, and an air conditioner using the same.

[0010] The present invention for solving the above problems is the technical idea described in [1] to [8].

[0011] <Technical idea>: [1] A fan that is driven to rotate about the same rotation axis and can blow air in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

[0012] [2] The fan according to [1], comprising a bearing, an inner blade arranged on the outer circumference of the bearing, and an outer blade arranged on the outer circumference of the inner blade, wherein the outer blade blows air in the first direction by rotation and the inner blade blows air in the second direction by rotation.

[0013] [3] The fan according to [2], wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

[0014] [4] The fan according to [3], further comprising a frame positioned between the inner blades and the outer blades.

[0015] An air conditioning device comprising a fan as described in any of [5] [1] to [4], a heat exchanger, a first cap, and a second cap, wherein the heat exchanger has a heat exchange element, the first cap has a first outlet communicating with the outside, and the second cap has a second outlet communicating with the outside, and the fan, the heat exchanger, the first cap, and the second cap form a first flow path through which the airflow generated from the outer blades by the rotation of the fan and the first surface of the heat exchange element exchange heat and are exhausted from the first outlet, and a second flow path through which the airflow generated from the inner blades by the rotation of the fan and the second surface of the heat exchange element exchange heat and are exhausted from the second outlet.

[0016] [6] The air conditioning device according to [5], wherein the heat exchanger further has a heat shield wall surrounding the heat exchange element, and the heat shield wall is arranged to separate the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0017] [7] The air conditioning device according to [6], wherein the heat shield wall is formed to be larger in diameter than the frame.

[0018] [8] The air conditioning device according to [5], wherein the first cap further comprises a rectifier plate positioned toward the first air outlet.

[0019] <Effects of each technological concept> Fans like [1] can blow air in both a first and second direction by being driven on the same axis of rotation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element while suppressing an increase in the size and weight of air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0020] Fans like [2] can be manufactured using a simpler configuration, thus reducing design and manufacturing costs.

[0021] Fans like [3] have less mixing of airflow from the inner and outer blades, which can improve operating efficiency.

[0022] Fans like [4] can further improve operational efficiency by reducing the mixing of airflow between the inner and outer blades.

[0023] [5] An air conditioning system like this one can efficiently dissipate and absorb heat without having to install fans on both the heat dissipation and heat absorption surfaces of the heat exchange element, thereby suppressing an increase in the overall size and weight of the system.

[0024] An air conditioning system like [6] can suppress the mixing of hot and cold heat between the heat-dissipating and heat-absorbing surfaces of the heat exchange element by using a heat shield wall, while also suppressing the mixing of hot and cold airflow between the first and second flow paths.

[0025] A heat shield like the one in [7] can direct a portion of the airflow generated from the outer vane to the intake side of the inner vane, thereby further improving intake and exhaust efficiency and, consequently, heat exchange efficiency.

[0026] An air conditioning device like [8] can guide the airflow generated from the outer vanes to the first surface of the heat exchange element and the first outlet by straightening the airflow plate.

[0027] According to the present invention, a user-friendly fan that can reduce the size and weight of the mounted device, and an air conditioning system using the same are provided.

[0028] This is a diagram illustrating a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating a first cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating a second cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning system

[0029] The fan and air conditioning device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are examples of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Also, the dotted lines indicate (part of) the transparent internal structure.

[0030] Figure 1(A) is a front view of fan 1. Figure 1(B) is a side view of fan 1. Figure 1(C) is a perspective view of fan 1. Note that the bearing 14 is not shown in Figure 1(B).

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the fan 1 has an outer blade 11, an inner blade 12, a frame 13, and a bearing 14.

[0032] The outer blade 11 is positioned on the outer circumference of the inner blade 12, with the bearing 14 as its center of rotation. The inner blade 12 is positioned on the outer circumference of the bearing 14, with the bearing 14 as its center of rotation.

[0033] Therefore, the outer blades 11 and the inner blades 12 are driven by the same rotation axis, causing the fan 1 to rotate and blow air in a direction corresponding to the orientation of each blade.

[0034] On the other hand, since the outer blades 11 and inner blades 12 are arranged in opposite directions, the rotation of the fan 1 allows the outer blades 11 to blow air in the first direction D1 and the inner blades 12 to blow air in the second direction D2, in opposite directions.

[0035] Furthermore, when the inner vane 12 blows air in the second direction D2, it is accompanied by intake air from the third direction D3 on the opposite side (similarly, when the outer vane 11 blows air in the first direction D1, it is accompanied by intake air from the opposite side, but this is omitted from the illustration).

[0036] The frame 13 is positioned between the outer blades 11 and the inner blades 12, improving the rigidity of the fan 1 and making it less likely for the airflow from the outer blades 11 and the inner blades 12 to mix.

[0037] The bearing 14 is configured to receive the driving force of a rotational drive system such as a motor and rotate the fan 1. However, any configuration other than the bearing 14 may be used as long as it can receive the driving force of the drive system and rotate the fan 1.

[0038] Figure 2(A) is a front view of the heat exchanger 2. Figure 2(B) is a side view of the heat exchanger 2. Figure 2(C) is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the heat exchanger 2 includes a heat exchange element 21, a heat shield wall 22, a support plate BP, and a heat sink HS.

[0040] The heat exchange element 21 has a first surface 211 and a second surface 212, each capable of absorbing or releasing heat, and is embedded in the support plate BP. The heat exchange element 21 may constitute part or all of the support plate BP. A Peltier element is usually used for the heat exchange element 21, but any element that is flat and capable of heat exchange on both sides can be used.

[0041] The heat shield wall 22 is positioned to surround the heat exchange element 21. It is preferable that the heat shield wall 22 be made of a material with low thermal conductivity so as not to mix the hot and cold heat generated on both sides of the heat exchange element 21 and the airflow that comes into contact with it.

[0042] The support plate BP holds each component of the heat exchanger 2 and maintains their arrangement. The support plate BP may be partially or entirely formed from the heat exchange element 21 and integrated with the heat exchange element 21. Furthermore, the support plate BP separates the spaces on both sides of the heat exchange element 21 and can be considered part of the heat shield wall 22.

[0043] The heat sink HS is arranged over the entire areas of both the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21, and can enhance the heat exchange efficiency of each surface. Note that, due to design requirements or the like, the heat sink HS may be provided only on one side or a part of the first surface 211 and the second surface 212, or may not be provided on both surfaces.

[0044] FIG. 3(A) is a front view of the first cap C1. FIG. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P - P' of the first cap C1. FIG. 3(C) is a perspective view of the first cap C1.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the first cap C1 includes a first cap main body C11, a first air outlet C12, and a rectifying plate C13.

[0046] The first cap main body C11 is a housing that is combined with the outer blades 11 of the fan 1, the heat insulation wall 22 and the support plate BP of the heat exchanger 2, the second cap main body C21 described later, etc., and forms a first flow path F1 described later.

[0047] The first air outlet C12 is a hole for exhausting the airflow flowing through the first flow path F1 described later to the outside of the device. In the present embodiment, the first air outlet C12 is assumed to have a number, shape, and size for discharging the airflow for warming or cooling the object in the direction of the object of air conditioning, but these may be arbitrarily changed.

[0048] The rectifying plates C13 are arranged in a plurality radially toward the first air outlet C12 in order to guide the airflow to the first air outlet C12.

[0049] FIG. 4(A) is a front view of the second cap C2. FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q - Q' of the second cap C2. FIG. 4(C) is a perspective view of the second cap C2.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the second cap C2 includes a second cap main body C21 and a second air outlet C22.

[0051] The second cap main body C21 is a housing that is combined with the inner blades 12 of the fan I, the heat insulation wall 22 and the support plate BP of the heat exchanger 2, the first cap main body C11, etc., and forms a second flow path F2 described later.

[0052] The second outlet C22 is a hole for exhausting the airflow that has flowed through the second flow path F2 (described later) to the outside of the device. In this embodiment, the number, shape, and size of the second outlet C22 are designed to discharge unwanted hot or cold air generated by the heat exchange element 21 to the opposite side of the direction of air conditioning, but these may be changed as needed.

[0053] Figure 5(A) is an exploded side view of the air conditioning unit X. Figure 5(B) is an assembled side view of the air conditioning unit X. For the sake of clarity, the first cap C1 and the second cap C2 are shown in the cross-sectional views in Figures 3(B) and 4(B), respectively. Furthermore, the rotary drive system, wiring, and other components that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art are omitted from the illustration.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the first cap C1 and the second cap C2 house the fan 1 and the heat exchanger 2 inside, and function as the housing of the air conditioning unit X.

[0055] The first cap C1 and the second cap C2 can be assembled, for example, by providing screw threads on the outer circumference of the first cap C1 and the inside of the second cap C2, and then screwing them together. However, the assembly of the first cap C1 and the second cap C2 can be done by any means other than screwing, such as bonding, fitting, magnetic attachment, or any other method, as long as they can be assembled in a way that prevents them from separating.

[0056] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the first flow path F1 in the air conditioning system X.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the first flow path F1 is a flow path for heat exchange between the airflow generated from the outer blades 11 by the rotation of the fan 1 and the first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21, and exhaust from the first outlet C12. The flow of air passing through the first flow path F1 will be described below.

[0058] First, the rotation of fan 1 generates airflow from the outer blades 11. Since the diameter of the outer blades 11 is larger than the diameter of the heat exchanger 2 and the heat shield wall 22, most of the airflow generated by the outer blades 11 passes over the outer circumference and outer surface of the heat exchanger 2.

[0059] Next, the airflow generated by the outer vane 11 has its direction of travel changed by the rectifier plate C13 or the first cap body C11.

[0060] The airflow, whose direction of travel has been altered by the rectifier plate C13, etc., moves towards the first outlet C12 while exchanging heat with the first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS in contact with it.

[0061] The similar airflows that were occurring above and below in Figure 6 collide near the first outlet C12, and the airflow, having nowhere else to go, is ejected from the first outlet C12.

[0062] In this manner, the airflow passing through the first flow path F1 exchanges heat with the first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS in contact with it, and is ejected from the first outlet C12.

[0063] Therefore, by operating the air conditioner X with the first outlet C12 directed towards the target, cool or warm air can be blown to the target by the heat absorption or release of heat on the first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21.

[0064] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the second flow path F2 in the air conditioning system X.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the second flow path F2 is a passage for exchanging heat between the airflow generated from the inner blades 12 by the rotation of the fan 1 and the second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21, and exhausting the air from the second outlet C22. The flow of air passing through the second flow path F2 will be described below.

[0066] First, the rotation of fan 1 generates an airflow from the inner blades 12. As the airflow generated by the inner blades 12 is exhausted from the second outlet C22, an intake airflow is generated on the opposite side (see also Figure 1(b), etc.).

[0067] The intake airflow generated by the inner vane 12 is discharged from the second outlet C22 while exchanging heat with the second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS in contact with it.

[0068] In other words, the intake airflow generated by the inner vane 12 can discharge unwanted hot or cold air generated by the heat exchange element 21 to the opposite side of the direction of air conditioning, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 21.

[0069] Furthermore, because the heat shield wall 22 is formed with a larger diameter than the frame 13, the airflow generated from the outer fins 11 can also assist in the discharge of unwanted hot or cold air.

[0070] In other words, the rotation of the fan 1 generates airflow from the outer blades 11. Most of the airflow generated by the outer blades 11 passes over the outer circumference and outer surface of the heat exchanger 2, while the heat shield wall 22 is formed with a larger diameter than the frame 13. As a result, a portion of the airflow generated by the outer blades 11 has its direction of travel changed by the heat shield wall 22 and the support plate BP, and is directed towards the second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS that is in contact with it.

[0071] The airflow, whose direction of travel has been altered by the heat shield wall 22, exchanges heat with the first surface 211 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS in contact with it, and then merges with the intake airflow generated by the inner vane 12 and is ejected from the second outlet C22.

[0072] In other words, a portion of the airflow generated by the outer vanes 11 can assist in the discharge of unwanted hot or cold air generated by the heat exchange element 21 through the intake airflow generated by the inner vanes 12, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 21.

[0073] In this manner, the airflow passing through the second channel F2 exchanges heat with the second surface 212 of the heat exchange element 21 or the heat sink HS in contact with it, and is ejected from the second outlet C22.

[0074] Therefore, by operating the air conditioner X with the second outlet C22 facing away from the target, unwanted hot or cold air generated by the heat exchange element 21 can be discharged away from the direction of the air conditioner's target, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 21.

[0075] The air conditioning device X described above is capable of efficient heat exchange while keeping its size and weight down, and can be suitably used in clothing with air conditioning or as a portable air conditioning device.

[0076] Furthermore, because the fan 1 described above has the characteristic of being able to blow air in two directions independently, it can be suitably adopted not only in simple air conditioning systems but also in other devices that require airflow control, intake and exhaust, and other requirements such as miniaturization.

[0077] It should be noted that the configurations and functions shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0078] X Air conditioning unit 1 Fan 11 Outer blades 12 Inner blades 13 Frame 14 Bearing 2 Heat exchanger 21 Heat exchange element 211 First surface 212 Second surface C1 First cap C11 First cap body C12 First outlet C13 Rectifier plate C2 Second cap C21 Second cap body C22 Second outlet F1 First flow path F2 Second flow path

Claims

1. A fan that rotates driven by the same axis of rotation, enabling it to blow air in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The fan according to claim 1, comprising a bearing, an inner blade arranged on the outer circumference of the bearing, and an outer blade arranged on the further outer circumference of the inner blade, wherein the outer blade blows air in the first direction by rotation, and the inner blade blows air in the second direction by rotation.

3. The fan according to claim 2, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

4. The fan according to claim 3, further comprising a frame positioned between the inner blades and the outer blades.

5. An air conditioning device comprising a fan according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a heat exchanger, a first cap, and a second cap, wherein the heat exchanger has a heat exchange element, the first cap has a first outlet communicating with the outside, and the second cap has a second outlet communicating with the outside, and the fan, the heat exchanger, the first cap, and the second cap form a first flow path through which the airflow generated from the outer blades by the rotation of the fan and the first surface of the heat exchange element exchange heat and are exhausted from the first outlet, and a second flow path through which the airflow generated from the inner blades by the rotation of the fan and the second surface of the heat exchange element exchange heat and are exhausted from the second outlet.

6. The air conditioning device according to claim 5, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a heat shield wall surrounding the heat exchange element, and the heat shield wall is arranged to separate the first flow path and the second flow path.

7. An air conditioning device according to claim 6, comprising the fan according to claim 4, wherein the heat shield wall is formed to have a larger diameter than the frame.

8. The air conditioning device according to claim 5, wherein the first cap further comprises a rectifier plate positioned toward the first air outlet.

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