Blower device

Abstract

The blower device of the present disclosure quickly and effectively discharges water that has accumulated within a lower baffle. The present disclosure prevents accumulated water from corroding members in the blower device such as a motor. The present disclosure prevents operations of the blower device from being affected by freezing of accumulated water. The blower device includes an outer wall (13). The blower device is provided with a body part from which air blows out, and a plurality of annular lower baffle plates (10) installed on the outer wall (13) so as to surround an axial line of the blower device along the outer periphery of the body part, the lower baffle plates (10) extending from the outer wall (13) in a direction away from the body part. The lower baffle plates (10) have at least one opening (12) passing through the lower baffle plates (10). The lower baffle plates (10) have at least one opening (12) penetrating the lower baffle plates (10). The opening (12) extends to at least the joining part (11). The accumulated water is quickly and effectively discharged.

Description

Blower Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 202411633590.1 filed in the People's Republic of China on November 15, 2024, and incorporates the contents of the basic application by reference in whole.

[0002] The disclosure in this specification relates to a blower. One embodiment relates in particular to a blower installed in the engine compartment of an automobile.

[0003] Conventionally, air blowers have been used in vehicle air conditioning systems or heat absorption / dissipation modules. These blowers are sometimes called fans. In some cases, an annular baffle plate is installed on the side of the motor casing that is almost horizontal to it. The baffle plate prevents water from entering and prevents backflow of air.

[0004] However, condensed water or rainwater may enter the radially inward side of the baffle plate due to pressure differences within the fan. In this case, it becomes difficult to drain the water, and it can accumulate. This accumulated water is sometimes called stagnant water. In winter or when temperatures are low, the stagnant water can freeze and affect the normal operation of the fan.

[0005] The disclosures in this specification have been made in view of the above circumstances. The purpose of the disclosures is to quickly and effectively drain water accumulated in the lower baffle plate.

[0006] The disclosure provides a blower that prevents stagnant water from corroding components such as motors inside the blower, and also prevents stagnant water from freezing and affecting the operation of the blower.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the blower device referred to in the disclosure includes an outer wall, a main body from which air is blown out, and a plurality of annular lower baffle plates installed on the outer wall along the outer circumference of the main body so as to surround the axis of the blower device and extending from the outer wall in a direction away from the main body, the lower baffle plates include annular joints that join with the outer wall, the lower baffle plates have at least one opening that penetrates the lower baffle plates, and the opening extends at least to the joint.

[0008] This structure allows for the rapid and effective discharge of water accumulated at the bottom of the lower baffle plate using the opening, preventing the accumulated water from corroding components such as the motor inside the blower, and also preventing the accumulated water from freezing and affecting the operation of the blower.

[0009] In possible embodiments, the blower further comprises a top cover that engages with the main body via a gap, having an inner wall facing the main body, and having a plurality of annular upper baffle plates installed on the inner wall along the inner circumference of the top cover in a manner surrounding the axis, and extending in a direction toward the main body from the inner wall, wherein the top cover is installed such that each of the upper baffle plates and each of the lower baffle plates intersects in the radial direction of the blower, and the upper baffle plates, the lower baffle plates, and the opening are such that when the blower is tilted in any direction to any angle, each At least one of the lowest ends of the opening closest to the end of the lower baffle plate and the lowest joint point is set to be lower than the end of the adjacent upper baffle plate, wherein the end of the lower baffle plate is the lowest point of the end of the lower baffle plate furthest from the main body, the lowest joint point is the lowest point of the joint of the lower baffle plate, the adjacent upper baffle plate is the upper baffle plate adjacent to the lower baffle plate and close to the axis, and the end of the adjacent upper baffle plate is the lowest point of the end of the adjacent upper baffle plate close to the fin.

[0010] If the vehicle is on a slope, the blower may tilt, potentially causing a problem where water accumulated below the opening in the lower baffle plate cannot be discharged through the opening. However, this structure ensures that the water level in the lower baffle plate is always lower than the edge of the upper baffle plate, thus preventing the upper baffle plate from freezing due to accumulated water at low temperatures.

[0011] In possible embodiments, the plurality of openings are evenly distributed on the lower baffle plate, the maximum angle between the plurality of openings is determined when the first height is the maximum value, the first height is the vertical distance between the lowest end and the lowest joint point, and the minimum number of openings on the lower baffle plate is determined based on the maximum angle.

[0012] This structure minimizes the number of openings, preventing the labyrinth structure formed by the upper and lower baffle plates from reducing wind resistance due to an excessive number of openings.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, when the blower is inclined such that the vertical distance between the end of the lower baffle plate and the lowest joint is equal to the second height, the first height is the maximum value when the first height is equal to the second height, and the second height is the vertical distance between the end of the adjacent upper baffle plate and the lowest joint.

[0014] This structure provides a simple method for determining the minimum numerical aperture.

[0015] In possible embodiments, the openings of adjacent lower baffle plates are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the blower.

[0016] This structure minimizes the impact of the openings on the labyrinth structure's effect of increasing wind resistance.

[0017] In possible embodiments, if the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold, the blower rotates at a preset rotational speed.

[0018] If the vehicle is on a slope, the blower will tilt, which could cause a problem where water accumulated below the opening in the lower baffle plate cannot be discharged through the opening. However, with this structure, by installing and rotating the blower, the water accumulated in the lower baffle plate can be discharged.

[0019] In possible embodiments, the number of openings is one or two.

[0020] This structure allows for the significant reduction in the number of openings required, as water accumulated on the lower baffle plate is discharged through rotation. Therefore, in a situation where an upper baffle plate is installed and a labyrinth structure is formed between it and the lower baffle plate, the effect of the labyrinth structure on increasing wind resistance can be minimized by the installation of openings.

[0021] In possible embodiments, when the number of openings is one, the cross-section of the lower baffle plate along the radial direction of the blower is an oval curve, and the opening is installed at one end where the radius of curvature of the oval curve is smallest. When the number of openings is two, the cross-section of the lower baffle plate along the radial direction of the blower is elliptical, and the openings are installed at both ends of the major axis of the ellipse.

[0022] When a turbine blower rotates, the centrifugal force is greater the further away from the axis of rotation. By positioning the opening in such a location, the surface tension of the water can be overcome to the greatest extent possible, allowing the water to be discharged from the opening more quickly and thoroughly.

[0023] As a possible embodiment, when the cross-section of the lower baffle plate along the radial direction of the blower is an oval curve, the openings of adjacent lower baffle plates are located on the same line and on both sides of the axis of the blower in the radial direction of the blower. When the cross-section of the lower baffle plate along the radial direction of the blower is elliptical, the major axes of the ellipses of adjacent lower baffle plates are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] With such a structure, accumulated water can be more reliably discharged by using the opening. Further, in the situation where the upper baffle plate is installed and a labyrinth structure is formed between the upper baffle plate and the lower baffle plate, the influence of the installation of the opening on the wind resistance increasing effect of the labyrinth structure can be minimized.

[0025] In a possible embodiment, when the ambient temperature around the blower is below a predetermined temperature threshold and the angle formed by the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold, the blower rotates at a preset rotational speed.

[0026] With such a structure, the blower is rotated only at low temperatures where there is a risk of accumulated water freezing, so that power can be saved.

[0027] The plurality of forms disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective purposes. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section are exemplary of the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objects, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the blower device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along the axial direction of the main body portion. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along the axial direction of the upper lid and the main body portion. FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away view showing accumulated water inside the lower baffle plate. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing one example of the shape of the opening. FIG. 5B is a plan view showing another example of the shape of the opening. FIG. 5C is a plan view showing still another example of the shape of the opening. FIG. 6 is a top view showing the lower baffle plate and the opening. FIG. 7 is a model diagram showing each parameter when the blower device is placed horizontally. FIG. 8A is a model diagram showing accumulated water at a relatively small inclination. FIG. 8B is a model diagram showing accumulated water at a relatively large inclination. FIG. 9 is a model diagram showing the lower baffle plate when the number of openings is the smallest. FIG. 10 is a top view showing the distribution status of the openings in the lower baffle plate. FIG. 11 is a model diagram for explaining the calculation of the minimum number of openings. FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining the calculation of the minimum number of openings. FIG. 13 is a top view showing one example of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a top view showing another example of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control process of the second embodiment.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be described. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The sizes of the members shown in each figure and the positional relationship between the members can be adjusted for the convenience of explanation, and the disclosure is not limited to the sizes and positional relationships shown in the figures.

[0030] First Embodiment The blower device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. The blower device of this embodiment is a turbo fan mounted in the engine room of a vehicle and used in the vehicle air conditioning system.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the blower device of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view obtained by cutting open the main body portion 100 along the axial direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blower device of this embodiment includes a main body portion 100 and a plurality of annular lower baffle plates 10.

[0032] The main body 100 comprises a bottom 16, an outer wall 13, and blades 14. Specifically, the bottom 16 is circular. The outer wall 13 is substantially annular and comprises an outer peripheral portion 13a and a rising portion 13b that rises vertically as it extends radially inward from the outer peripheral portion 13a. The bottom 16 and the outer wall 13 are arranged coaxially. Multiple blades 14 are installed between the outer wall 13 and the bottom 16. Multiple blades 14 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. Multiple blades 14 are arranged along the circumferential direction between the outer wall 13 and the bottom 16.

[0033] When the blower rotates, air is drawn in through an opening in the middle of the outer wall 13 and blown radially outward through the gaps between the multiple blades 14.

[0034] The intake opening is a circular opening surrounded by the outer wall 13. The radii of the multiple annular lower baffle plates 10 are different from each other. The multiple annular lower baffle plates 10 are installed on the outer periphery 13a coaxially with the axis O of the blower. That is, the multiple lower baffle plates 10 are installed on the outer wall 13 along the outer circumference of the main body 100 so as to surround the axis O. In this embodiment, each lower baffle plate 10 extends from the outer wall 13 in the direction away from the main body 100 in the direction of the axis O. The portion where each lower baffle plate 10 joins the outer wall 13 is an annular joint 11.

[0035] In the following description, the vertical direction in Figure 2 is described as the axial direction of the blower or the height direction of the blower. The rising portion 13b provides an inner cylinder that defines the intake opening. The plurality of lower baffle plates 10 include the outer lower baffle plate 10, which is located radially outward. The tip of the outer lower baffle plate 10 is lower than the tip of the rising portion 13b. Figure 2 illustrates the difference in height between the tip of the rising portion 13b and the tip of the outer lower baffle plate 10. The plurality of lower baffle plates 10 include an intermediate lower baffle plate 10 located between the outer lower baffle plate 10 and the rising portion 13b. The tip of the intermediate lower baffle plate 10 is lower than the tip of the rising portion 13b. The tip of the intermediate lower baffle plate 10 is higher than the tip of the outer lower baffle plate 10. Figure 2 illustrates the difference in height between the tip of the rising portion 13b, the tip of the outer lower baffle plate 10, and the tip of the intermediate lower baffle plate 10. A predetermined radial gap is provided between the outer baffle plate 10 and the inner baffle plate 10. The space between the base end of the outer baffle plate 10 and the base end of the inner baffle plate 10 is closed by an outer wall 13. The outer wall 13 between the outer baffle plate 10 and the inner baffle plate 10 is inclined to gradually increase in height from the radially outer side to the radially inner side.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the blower further includes a top cover 20. The top cover 20 is positioned facing the main body 100. The top cover 20 is positioned opposite the main body 199. The top cover 20 engages with the main body 100 through a gap. In other words, the top cover 20 is interlocked with the main body 100 in a non-contact manner. The top cover 20 has an inner wall 20a that faces the outer peripheral portion 13a in a non-contact manner. The top cover 20 includes a plurality of annular upper baffle plates 21. The radii of the plurality of upper baffle plates 21 are different from each other. The plurality of upper baffle plates 21 are provided on the inner wall 20a coaxially with the axis O. That is, the plurality of upper baffle plates 21 are provided on the inner wall 20a along the inner circumference of the top cover 20 in a manner that surrounds the axis O. In this embodiment, the plurality of upper baffle plates 21 extend from the inner wall 20a in the direction of the axis O, approaching the main body 100. Furthermore, the top cover 20 is fixed to the vehicle or the like, and does not rotate together with the main body 100 when the blower is operating.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the top cover 20 is installed such that a plurality of upper baffle plates 21 and a plurality of lower baffle plates 10 are arranged alternately in the radial direction of the blower. In other words, the top cover 20 is installed such that the plurality of upper baffle plates 21 and a plurality of lower baffle plates 10 intersect in the radial direction of the blower. The plurality of upper baffle plates 21 and a plurality of lower baffle plates 10 are arranged alternately along the radial direction of the blower. As a result, the lower baffle plates 10 and the upper baffle plates 21 form a labyrinth structure as shown in the figure. This labyrinth structure can increase wind resistance. As a result, it is possible to prevent air from flowing out from upstream through the space between the top cover 20 and the main body 100, thereby reducing the amount of air flowing through the blower. It is also possible to prevent air from flowing back upstream from downstream through the space between the top cover 20 and the main body 100.

[0038] The top cover 20 has an outer bell mouth wall and an inner bell mouth wall with a smaller diameter than the outer bell mouth wall, arranged in line with the airflow from top to bottom. The outer bell mouth wall has a cylindrical wall extending in the height direction at its lower end. The inner bell mouth wall also has a cylindrical wall extending in the height direction at its lower end. The outer bell mouth wall and the inner bell mouth wall are spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap in the radial direction. A rising portion 13b is positioned in the radial gap between the cylindrical wall of the outer bell mouth wall and the cylindrical wall of the inner bell mouth wall.

[0039] The top cover 20 has a stepped inner wall 20a that slopes downward in stages from the radially outer surface of the cylindrical wall of the outer bell mouth wall. At the radially outermost portion shown, the inner wall 20a is inclined to slope downward as it moves radially outward. The top cover 20 has an outer upper baffle plate 21 positioned between the outer lower baffle plate 10 and the intermediate lower baffle plate 10. The top cover 20 has an inner upper baffle plate 21 positioned between the intermediate lower baffle plate 10 and the rising portion 13b. The gap between the outer upper baffle plate 21 and the inner upper baffle plate 21 is closed by the inner wall 20a. The inner wall 20a widens radially outward from the outer upper baffle plate 21. The inner wall 20a provides an outer wall located radially outward from the outer lower baffle plate 10. The space between the outer wall and the outer upper baffle plate 21 is also closed by the inner wall 20a. As a result, a labyrinth structure is provided in the gap between the inner wall 20a of the top cover 20 and the outer wall 13, in which multiple baffle plates are arranged alternately from above and below. The labyrinth structure is provided by the outer wall, the outer lower baffle plate 10, the outer upper baffle plate 21, the intermediate lower baffle plate 10, the inner upper baffle plate 21, and the rising portion 13b, which serve as multiple baffle plates.

[0040] When the blower is operating, rainwater or water generated from defrosting in winter may enter the radially inward side of the lower baffle plate 10 through the gap between the upper cover 20 and the rising portion 13b due to the pressure difference caused by the rotation of the blower. If too much water accumulates, the upper baffle plate 21 may become submerged. Furthermore, the accumulated water may freeze due to the low temperature. In this case, the gap between the upper cover 20 and the main body 100 becomes fixed, hindering the rotation of the blower.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, each of the multiple lower baffle plates 10 has multiple openings 12 (OP) that penetrate the lower baffle plate 10 in the thickness direction of the lower baffle plate 10. The openings 12 are not shown in Figures 1 to 3. The multiple openings 12 (OP) are arranged on the lower baffle plate 10 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The multiple openings 12 may be arranged at equal intervals on the lower baffle plate 10. The multiple openings 12 contribute to the discharge of accumulated water (WT) inside the lower baffle plate 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, the opening 12 may be provided in various shapes, as long as it extends at least to the joint 11. For example, the opening 12 may be provided as a U-shaped opening as shown in Figure 5A. For example, the opening 12 may be provided as a circular opening as shown in Figure 5B. For example, the opening 12 may be provided as a rectangular opening as shown in Figure 5C. Furthermore, considering the ease of molding in line with the demolding direction during molding of the lower baffle plate 10, it is desirable to set the opening 12 in a U-shape.

[0043] Figure 6 is an overhead view of the lower baffle plate 10 and its opening 12 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the multiple openings 12 of the multiple lower baffle plates 10, which are adjacent to each other radially in the inner and outer directions, are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the blower.

[0044] When the vehicle is on a slope, the blower also tilts accordingly. In this case, water that accumulates below the opening 12 in the lower baffle plate 10 cannot be discharged through the opening 12. Therefore, water inevitably accumulates in the lower baffle plate 10. Even in this situation, it is desirable to thoroughly prevent the upper cover 20 from becoming stuck due to the freezing of the accumulated water. To effectively discharge the accumulated water, it is possible to consider increasing the number of openings 12. However, since air also flows through the openings 12, the more openings 12 there are, the more likely it is to affect the wind resistance increase effect of the labyrinth structure. To address the above problem, this embodiment provides a structure with the fewest number of openings 12.

[0045] Figures 7-9 are schematic diagrams illustrating the parameters used to calculate the minimum aperture. For ease of understanding, Figure 7 shows only one lower baffle plate 10. When there are multiple lower baffle plates 10, and the structure of the other lower baffle plates 10 can be understood in the same way as described below. Figure 7 shows the blower placed horizontally. In Figure 7, H indicates the height of the lower baffle plate 10 in this situation. d indicates the distance between the lower end of an upper baffle plate 21 (hereinafter referred to as the adjacent upper baffle plate 21') that is adjacent to the lower baffle plate 10 and positioned closer to the axis O than the lower baffle plate 10, and the joint 11 of the lower baffle plate 10. The upper baffle plate 21 positioned closer to the axis O than the lower baffle plate 10 is also called the upper baffle plate 21 that is close to the axis O. h indicates the vertical distance from the lower end of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' to the outer wall 13 in this situation. These parameters are selected to evaluate the conditions under which the lower end of the upper baffle plate 21 adjacent to the lower baffle plate 10 does not come into contact with the accumulated water, even when the amount of water held by the lower baffle plate 10 reaches its maximum.

[0046] Figures 8A and 8B show a vehicle stopped on a slope with a gradient θ. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, when the blower is tilted as the vehicle stops, water may enter the radially inward side of the lower baffle plate 10. The water accumulates in the space between the lower baffle plate 10 and its opening 12, as shown by the striped shading in the figures. Figures 8A and 8B consider a situation where the gradient (i.e., θ) on which the vehicle is stopped gradually increases from zero.

[0047] In FIG. 8A, both the lower baffle plate 10 and the upper baffle plate 21' adjacent to the lower baffle plate 10 extend annularly. The end (upper end) of the lower baffle plate 10 far from the main body 100, the end (lower end) of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' close to the main body 100, and the joint portion 11 are all circular. Therefore, when the blower device is tilted, the circular shapes of the end (upper end) of the lower baffle plate 10 far from the main body 100, the end (lower end) of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' close to the main body 100, and the joint portion 11 are tilted. As a result, the lowest point of the lower baffle plate 10 as shown in FIG. 8A, that is, the end A, the end D of the upper baffle plate 21', and the lowest joint point B0 of the joint portion 11 appear respectively.

[0048] When θ is relatively small, the vertical distance (hereinafter referred to as the first height H ３ , １ , １ , １ , ２ , １ , ,

[0049] , ３ , １ between the lowest end C of the opening 12 closest to the lowest joint point B0 and the lowest joint point B0) is relatively short. In this case, the distance in the vertical direction between the end D of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' and the lowest joint point B0 (hereinafter referred to as the second height H ２ is also relatively short. When there is no opening 12, the accumulated water level may reach the height of the lowest point A of the lower baffle plate 10 (hereinafter referred to as the third height H ３ ). However, in this embodiment with the opening 12, the accumulated water between the lower baffle plate 10 and the opening 12 is discharged from the opening 12. Therefore, the height of the accumulated water is limited to the first height H １ . Therefore, the height of the accumulated water (in this state, it is the first height H １ ) does not exceed the distance in the vertical direction between the end D of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' and the lowest joint point B0 (the second height H ２ ). In this state, the accumulated water level is maintained relatively low.

[0049] As θ increases, the first height H １ gradually increases. As a result, the maximum water level of the accumulated water that may occur (the first height H １ ) also increases accordingly. On the other hand, the third height H ３ gradually decreases. When θ becomes even larger, the third height H ３ becomes lower than the first height H １A lower state occurs.

[0050] As θ becomes even larger, the first height H becomes as shown in Figure 8B. １ Since the height of the water becomes greater than the height of the accumulated water, the water will no longer be discharged from the opening 12. However, the vertical distance (third height H) between the end A of the lower baffle plate 10 and the lowest joint point B0 ３ ) also shortens as θ increases. As a result, the accumulated water can flow out over the end A of the lower baffle plate 10, and the maximum level of accumulated water that may occur does not increase beyond end A. In other words, as the gradient θ at which the vehicle stops changes in the direction of increasing gradient, the maximum level of accumulated water between the lower baffle plate 10 and the opening 12 first gradually increases, and then gradually decreases. The inflection point is the gradually increasing first height H １ However, the third height H gradually decreases ３ The gradient θ is greater than [the specified value].

[0051] Therefore, no matter how large θ is, as long as the end D of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' does not come into contact with the accumulated water, it can be guaranteed that no interference with the upper baffle plate 21 will occur even if the accumulated water freezes. In other words, if the lower baffle plate 10 and the upper baffle plate 21 are installed such that when the blower is tilted in any direction and at any angle, at least one of the end A and the lowest end C of the lower baffle plate 10 is lower than the end D of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21', it is possible to prevent the accumulated water from freezing the upper baffle plate 21.

[0052] Furthermore, if the above conditions are met, it may be considered to increase the number of openings 12 on the lower baffle plate 10 in order to quickly drain any water accumulated inside the lower baffle plate 10 and prevent the upper baffle plate 21 from freezing due to the accumulated water. However, as mentioned above, increasing the number of openings 12 may affect the wind resistance increase effect of the labyrinth structure formed by the upper baffle plate 21 and the lower baffle plate 10. In contrast, this embodiment provides a method for calculating the minimum number of openings that will prevent the upper baffle plate 21 from freezing, which will be explained in detail below.

[0053] First, the second height H２ The third height H ３ Consider the case where the blower is tilted until it becomes equal to θ. Assuming that the opening 12 is sufficiently far from the lowest joint point B0 and that accumulated water is not discharged from the opening 12, the maximum level of accumulated water that can occur will not exceed the end D. As θ increases further, the accumulated water is discharged from the end A of the lower baffle plate 10, so even if the accumulated water freezes, it will not interfere with the adjacent upper baffle plate 21'. Therefore, this gradient θ is called the limit gradient θ'.

[0054] Referring to Figure 7, the second height H ２ It can be seen that the following equation (1) is satisfied.

[0055]

[0056] Also, the third height H ３ The following equation (2) is satisfied.

[0057]

[0058] Using equations (1) and (2) above, the second height H ２ to the third height H ３ Let's assume the case where it is equal to . That is, we assume the following equation (3). From this equation (3), we can find the gradient θ at this time, i.e., the critical gradient θ'.

[0059]

[0060] If the gradient on which the vehicle is located is less than the limit gradient θ', drainage must be carried out by the opening 12. Also, if the gradient is less than the limit gradient θ', the greater the gradient, the greater the first height H １ As the height increases, the maximum water level of any accumulated water that may occur will also increase accordingly. Therefore, the maximum water level under these conditions is the second height H. ２ As long as we ensure that it does not exceed this value, we can ensure that even if the accumulated water freezes, it will not interfere with the adjacent upper baffle plate 21'.

[0061] Figure 9 shows this situation, and as shown in Figure 9, at this time, the first height H １ This is the maximum value, i.e., the second height H. ２It becomes equal to. In this situation, we assume that the multiple openings 12 are evenly distributed on the lower baffle plate 10, as shown in Figure 10. As the number of openings 12 increases, the first height H increases accordingly. １ The water level also decreases, and the maximum water level of any puddles that may form will be lower than in the case shown in Figure 9. In other words, the situation shown in Figure 9 is the situation with the fewest number of openings 12.

[0062] Next, we will explain the calculation of the numerical aperture S. As shown in Figure 10, the radius of the lower baffle plate 10 is R, and the angle between two adjacent apertures 12 is α. Referring to Figure 11, the first height H １ It can be seen that the following equation (4) is satisfied. Also, in Figure 11, for ease of understanding, only the location of the opening 12 is shown with a dotted line.

[0063]

[0064] Since multiple openings 12 are evenly distributed on the lower baffle plate 10, the number of apertures S can be determined based on the angle α. That is, as shown in equation (5) below, the number of apertures S can be used to determine the first height H １ It can represent that.

[0065]

[0066] First height H １ to the second height H ２ Let's assume the case where it is equal to . That is, let's assume the case where equation (6) below holds true.

[0067]

[0068] In this case, the numerical aperture S satisfies the following equation (7).

[0069]

[0070] By substituting the critical gradient θ' obtained from equations 1 and 2 above into θ in equation (7), we can obtain the minimum value of the numerical aperture S.

[0071] As an example, let's explain using Figure 12. Figure 12 shows an example calculated with R = 126.9 mm, H = 7 mm, d = 6.9 mm, and h = 6 mm. In Figure 12, the X axis represents the stopping gradient (SLP (°)). The Y axis represents the water level in the puddle (WL (mm)). For clarity, the second height H is shown. ２ and third height H ３ The curves are shown simultaneously. The solid line is the curve of equation (1) (hereinafter referred to as curve 1 (CV1)). Curve 1 is the second height H ２ This explains the changes associated with changes in the stopping gradient. The dotted line is the curve representing equation (2) (hereinafter referred to as curve 2 (CV2)). Curve 2 is the third height H ３ This explains the changes that occur in response to changes in the stopping gradient.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the stopping gradient at the intersection of curve 1 and curve 2 is the critical gradient θ'. In this example, the critical gradient θ' is 16.4°. The maximum water level of the accumulated water corresponding to this critical gradient is 6.7 mm. The calculated value of the number of apertures S obtained by substituting into equation (7) is 5.04. By rounding up, the minimum value of the number of apertures S, 6, can be obtained. In situations where possible, if the calculated number of apertures is exactly an integer, it is desirable to add 1 to the calculated number of apertures to obtain the final number of apertures. In this way, it is possible to guarantee to the greatest extent possible that the accumulated water in the lower baffle plate does not come into contact with the adjacent upper baffle plate at all. Thus, the multiple apertures 12 are evenly distributed on the lower baffle plate. The first height H is the vertical distance between the lowest end C and the lowest joint point B0. １ When the value is at its maximum, the maximum angle α between multiple openings is determined. Based on this maximum angle, the minimum number of openings in the lower baffle plate is determined.

[0073] The effects of this embodiment will be described below.

[0074] In this embodiment, the lower baffle plate 10 is provided with an opening 12 that penetrates the lower baffle plate 10, and the opening 12 extends at least to the joint 11. This allows the water accumulated at the bottom of the lower baffle plate 10 to be quickly and effectively drained using the opening 12.

[0075] In this embodiment, by setting the height of the lowest end C of the opening 12 to the height of the end D at the limit slope θ', it is possible not only to prevent the upper baffle plate 21 from freezing due to accumulated water at low temperatures, but also to reduce the number of openings as much as possible, thereby minimizing the influence of the openings on the wind resistance increase effect of the labyrinth structure and ensuring that the airflow of the blower is not affected.

[0076] Furthermore, the openings 12 of adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the blower. Therefore, accumulated water can be more reliably discharged using the openings 12. Moreover, in such a structure, air cannot pass continuously in the radial direction through the two openings 12 on the two adjacent lower baffle plates 10 in the radial direction of the blower. Therefore, the influence of the installation of the openings 12 on the wind resistance increase effect of the labyrinth structure formed by the lower baffle plate 10 and the upper baffle plate 21 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0077] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16. In this embodiment, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be mainly described, but other parts can be structured in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, a method for setting the minimum number of openings 12 was explained. However, the first embodiment assumed that the blower was not operating when the vehicle was stopped on a slope. In order to quickly drain accumulated water, the following method of this embodiment can also be adopted.

[0079] In this embodiment, if the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold, the blower rotates at a preset rotational speed. In this way, the rotation of the blower can discharge the water accumulated on the lower baffle plate 10.

[0080] Moreover, in this situation, the number of openings 12 can be reduced, specifically, the number of openings 12 can be set to 1 or 2.

[0081] Additionally, in this situation, it is possible to change the shape of the lower baffle plate 10 as shown in Figure 13 in order to better drain accumulated water. Figure 13 shows the situation where there is one opening 12. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of all the lower baffle plates 10 along the radial direction of the blower. As shown in Figure 13, the lower baffle plate 10 (outer lower baffle plate 10) is an oval curve in which the radius of curvature is maximum at one end and minimum at the other end along the radial direction of the blower. The opening 12 is provided at the end where the radius of curvature of the oval curve is minimum. The openings 12 of adjacent lower baffle plates 10 (inner lower baffle plate 10) are located on the same straight line (on the major axis). Therefore, the opening 12 of the outer lower baffle plate 10 and the opening 12 of the inner lower baffle plate 10 are located on both sides of the axis of the blower in the radial direction of the blower. Thus, the number of openings 12 in a single lower baffle plate is one. The cross-section of the multiple lower baffle plates along the radial direction of the blower is an oval curve. The opening is located at one end where the radius of curvature of the oval curve is smallest. The openings of two adjacent lower baffle plates are collinear and located on opposite sides of the blower's axis in the radial direction.

[0082] Figure 14 shows a situation where there are two openings 12. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of all the lower baffle plates 10 along the radial direction of the blower. As shown in Figure 14, the lower baffle plates 10 (both the outer lower baffle plate 10 and the inner lower baffle plate 10) are elliptical. The openings 12 are provided at both ends of the major axis of the ellipse. Also, the major axes of the ellipses of adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are perpendicular to each other. Thus, the number of openings 12 in one lower baffle plate is two. The cross-section of multiple lower baffle plates along the radial direction of the blower is elliptical. Openings are provided at each end of the lower baffle plate along the major axis defined by the ellipse. The two major axes defined by the ellipses of two adjacent lower baffle plates are perpendicular to each other.

[0083] Furthermore, to avoid ineffective rotation of the blower, a temperature sensor can be installed on the blower. The temperature sensor detects the ambient temperature around the blower. In this situation, only if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold (e.g., 0°C) is it determined whether the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane is greater than a predetermined angle threshold. The determination of the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane, and the determination of the temperature, can be performed by a small ECU (Electronic Control Unit) installed on the blower, or by the vehicle's ECU.

[0084] Figure 15 is a block diagram of the blower system. The blower 201 (FAN) can be provided by the blower of a previous embodiment. Alternatively, the blower 201 of this embodiment can be provided by a blower having fewer openings 12 (for example, one opening 12). The blower 201 is rotated by an electric motor 202 (MTR). In this embodiment, when the electric motor 202 rotates the blower 201, accumulated water is discharged from the opening 12. The operating state of the electric motor 202 is controlled by a control circuit 203. In this embodiment, the control circuit 203 (ECU) rotates the electric motor 202, which is in a stopped state, to a minimum rotation angle or greater.

[0085] The minimum rotation angle is set according to the number of openings 12 and their positions. The minimum rotation angle can be such that all openings 12 of all lower baffle plates 10 reach their lowest position at least once. Instead of the minimum rotation angle, the control circuit 203 may rotate the motor 202 several times. Thus, the minimum rotation angle may be achieved by a minimum amount of operation. The minimum rotation angle may be achieved by the blower 201 rotating at a preset rotational speed. The minimum amount of operation of the motor 202 is set to allow accumulated water to be discharged from the openings 12.

[0086] The control circuit 203 operates the electric motor 202 in response to the sensor 204 (SNR). The sensor 204 observes and detects a physical quantity that indicates the conditions under which the blower 201 will seize up due to the freezing of stagnant water. An example of this physical quantity is the gradient θ of the blower 201. In this case, the sensor 204 is an angle sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, an example of this physical quantity is the ambient temperature Temp of the blower 201. In this case, the sensor 204 is a temperature sensor. The physical quantity may be both the gradient θ and the temperature Temp. In this case, the sensor 204 includes both an angle sensor and a temperature sensor. The conditions can be set by one or more thresholds.

[0087] If the physical quantity is a gradient θ, the condition can be determined to be met if the gradient θ exceeds a predetermined angular threshold θth. If the physical quantity is a temperature Ttemp, the condition can be determined to be met if the temperature Ttemp falls below a predetermined temperature threshold Tth (for example, 0°C). If the physical quantity is both a gradient θ and a temperature Ttemp, the condition can be determined to be met if both the gradient θ and the temperature Ttemp satisfy the condition.

[0088] Sensor 204 detects a physical quantity and outputs an electrical signal indicating that physical quantity. When the physical quantity meets predetermined conditions, control circuit 203 activates the electric motor 202. As a result, the blower 201 rotates, and the accumulated water is discharged from the opening 12.

[0089] When the physical quantity is a gradient θ, the control circuit 203 or the sensor 204 can perform the function of determining whether the gradient θ exceeds a predetermined angle threshold θth. When the physical quantity is a temperature Ttemp, the control circuit 203 or the sensor 204 can perform the function of determining whether the temperature Ttemp falls below a predetermined temperature threshold Tth. In this embodiment, the control circuit 203 performs the determination function.

[0090] The control circuit 203 is provided by a circuit or at least one processor circuit. The control circuit 203 is configured to perform the control method described in this specification. The circuit may be an analog circuit or a digital circuit. If the control circuit 203 has at least one processor circuit, the control circuit 203 further has a memory device. The memory device stores a program that, when executed by the processor circuit, causes the control circuit 203 to function.

[0091] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the control process 290 executed by the control circuit 203. The control process 290 is executed during periods when it is necessary to prevent the blower from sticking due to freezing. The control process 290 can be executed continuously or intermittently during periods when freezing may occur. The control process 290 may be executed only under conditions where standing water occurs.

[0092] In step 291, a signal indicating a physical quantity is input from the sensor 204. Step 291 provides an acquisition process to obtain the physical quantity of the environment in which the blower 201 is placed.

[0093] Step 292 determines whether a physical quantity satisfies a predetermined condition. If the condition is not met in Step 292, the process branches to NO and proceeds to Step 293. If the condition is met in Step 292, the process branches to YES and proceeds to Step 294. Step 292 provides a comparison process that compares the observed physical quantity with a threshold value indicating a predetermined condition. Step 292 also provides a determination process that determines whether or not it is necessary to drain the accumulated water.

[0094] In step 293, the motor 202 is maintained in the required normal state (MTR HOLD). The normal state includes the state in which the motor 202 is in the OFF state in order to stop the blower 201. Furthermore, the normal state also includes the state in which the motor 202 is in the ON state in order to operate the blower 201. Therefore, if step 292 is determined to be negative, the motor 202 is kept in the normal state. For example, the blower 201 may be used for air conditioning. In step 293, the blower 201 is maintained in the operating state during the period when the blower 201 is operating for air conditioning. In step 293, the blower 201 is maintained in the stopped state during the period when the blower 201 is stopped for air conditioning. If the process goes through step 293, even if the blower 201 is maintained in the stopped state, the possibility of freezing occurring is low, and the blower 201 will not stick. Step 293 provides a normal control process to stop or operate the electric motor 202 while keeping it in its normal state.

[0095] Step 294 forces the motor 202 to operate (MTR ON). This forced operation is above the minimum rotation angle or above the minimum operating amount described above. As a result, the accumulated water is discharged from the opening 12. It is desirable that step 294 forces the motor 202 to operate even when the motor 202 is stopped, for example, when the vehicle is parked or the vehicle's power switch is off. Step 294 provides a discharge process that discharges the accumulated water by forcibly rotating the motor 202. Sensor 204 may detect the ambient temperature Ttemp around the blower. In this case, if the ambient temperature Ttemp around the blower is below a predetermined temperature threshold Tth, and the angle θ formed by the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold θth, the blower may rotate at a preset rotation speed. As a result, the accumulated water is discharged.

[0096] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained.

[0097] In this embodiment, if the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold, the blower rotates at a preset rotational speed. Therefore, the blower rotates even if the height of the accumulated water when the vehicle is stopped on a slope does not exceed the height of the upper baffle plate. This allows for the rapid discharge of accumulated water within the lower baffle plate and effectively prevents the risk of the blower's operation being affected by the freezing of the water.

[0098] Furthermore, when the blower rotates, the centrifugal force experienced increases with distance from the blower's axis. By positioning the opening 12 at the location shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14, the surface tension of the water can be overcome to the greatest extent possible, allowing water to be discharged from the opening more quickly and thoroughly.

[0099] In one example of this embodiment, the lower baffle plate 10 has an oval curve. In this case, the openings 12 of adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are located on the same straight line, and both openings 12 are located on opposite sides of the axis of the blower in the radial direction of the blower.

[0100] In one example of this embodiment, when the lower baffle plate 10 is elliptical, the major axes of the ellipses of adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, compared to cases where adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are arranged in other ways, the distribution of the openings 12 becomes more uniform, and accumulated water can be discharged more reliably using the openings 12. Furthermore, in a situation where an upper baffle plate 21 is installed and a labyrinth structure is formed between it and the lower baffle plate 10, as in the first embodiment, the distance between the openings 12 on adjacent lower baffle plates 10 is the greatest, so the influence of the opening placement on the wind resistance-increasing effect of the labyrinth structure can be minimized as much as possible.

[0101] In one example of this embodiment, an angle sensor is installed, and the blower is rotated to drain the water only when there is a risk of seizing due to the freezing of accumulated water, thus effectively saving the vehicle's electrical energy.

[0102] In one example of this embodiment, a temperature sensor is installed, and the blower is rotated to drain the water only when the temperature poses a risk of freezing, thereby effectively saving the vehicle's electrical energy.

[0103] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, a system in which the blower is a turbo fan has been described, but the type of blower is not limited to this, and various multi-blade blowers such as sirocco fans can also be used. In the case of other types of blowers, the structure in which the blades are arranged between the bottom and the outer wall, as described in the first embodiment, is not required.

[0104] In the first embodiment described above, a method of installing multiple openings 12 on the lower baffle plate 10 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. There is no special restriction on the number of openings 12; it is sufficient to install at least one opening 12.

[0105] In the above embodiment, a method is described in which the lower baffle plate 10 extends upward in the direction of axis O, and the upper baffle plate 21 also extends upward in the direction of axis O, but the invention is not limited to this. The lower baffle plate 10 and the upper baffle plate 21 can be extended in any direction between the axial direction and the radial direction of the blower, as long as the lower baffle plate 10 and the upper baffle plate 21 do not interfere with each other.

[0106] In the first embodiment described above, the outer wall 13 has a structure having an outer peripheral portion 13a and a rising portion 13b, but it is not limited to this. The outer wall 13 may have other shapes as long as the lower baffle plate 10 can be installed.

[0107] In the first embodiment described above, the number of openings S is calculated using the "vertical distance h from the lower end of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21' to the outer wall 13" as a parameter, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the outer peripheral portion 13a is not horizontal but an inclined surface, the number of openings S can be calculated based on the condition that "when the blower is inclined in any direction by any angle, at least one of the end A and the lowest end C of the lower baffle plate 10 is lower than the end D of the adjacent upper baffle plate 21'." In this situation, only equations (1) to (7) above need to be appropriately modified based on the inclination angle of the outer peripheral portion 13a, and such modifications can be easily made by a person skilled in the art based on ordinary mathematical principles.

[0108] The second embodiment described above describes a system in which the blower is equipped with a temperature sensor, but it is not limited to this. The blower does not need to be equipped with a temperature sensor, and in this case, in order to save power, for example, if the angle formed between the blower and the horizontal plane is greater than a predetermined angle threshold, the blower can be rotated for a certain period of time at predetermined time intervals. In addition, the temperature sensor does not need to be installed on the blower, but can be installed in the space in which the blower is mounted.

[0109] Although the shape of the lower baffle plate 10 has been described in the second embodiment above, the shape of the lower baffle plate 10 is not limited to an egg-shaped curve or an ellipse. The lower baffle plate 10 can be installed in any shape as long as it can overcome the surface tension of the water.

[0110] In the second embodiment described above, the shape in which adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are arranged in the positional relationship shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. As long as the openings 12 of the adjacent lower baffle plates 10 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the blower, the invention is not limited to the positional relationship shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0111] The disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned specific examples. Examples modified by persons skilled in the art are included in the scope of the disclosure, provided they retain the characteristics of the disclosure. The elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shapes, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in any way as appropriate, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0112] The disclosures in this specification and drawings are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosures include the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosures are not limited to combinations of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosures are implementable in a variety of combinations. The disclosures may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosures include those in which parts and / or elements of the embodiments have been omitted. The disclosures include substitutions or combinations of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The scope of the disclosed technical areas is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments. Some of the scope of the disclosed technical areas are indicated by the descriptions of the claims and should be understood to include the equivalent meaning of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a main body (100) from which air is blown out, including an outer wall (13); and a plurality of annular lower baffle plates (10) installed on the outer wall along the outer circumference of the main body so as to surround the axis of the blower and extending from the outer wall in a direction away from the main body, wherein the plurality of lower baffle plates include annular joints (11) that join with the outer wall, and the plurality of lower baffle plates have at least one opening (12) that penetrates the lower baffle plates, and the opening (12) extends at least to the joint (11).

2. An upper cover (20) that engages with the main body through a gap, having an inner wall (20a) facing the main body, and further comprising a plurality of annular upper baffle plates (21) installed on the inner wall along the inner circumference of the upper cover in a manner surrounding the axis, and extending in a direction toward the main body from the inner wall, wherein the upper cover is installed such that the plurality of upper baffle plates and the plurality of lower baffle plates are arranged alternately in the radial direction of the blower, and the upper baffle plates, lower baffle plates and opening are installed such that when the blower is tilted in any direction to any angle, at least one of the end (A) of the lower baffle plate and the lowest end (C) of the opening closest to the lowest joint point (B0) is lower than the end (D) of the upper baffle plate adjacent to the lower baffle plate, and the end (A) of the lower baffle plate is the lowest point of one end of the lower baffle plate furthest from the main body, The blower according to claim 1, wherein the lowest joint point (B0) is the lowest point of the joint of the lower baffle plate, the upper baffle plate adjacent to the lower baffle plate is the upper baffle plate that is adjacent to the lower baffle plate and is installed in a position closer to the axis than the lower baffle plate, and the end (D) of the upper baffle plate adjacent to the lower baffle plate is the lowest point of one end of the upper baffle plate that is close to the main body.

3. The multiple openings (12) are evenly distributed on the lower baffle plate, and the first height (H) is the vertical distance between the lowest end (C) and the lowest joint point (B0). １ The blower according to claim 2, wherein when ) is at its maximum value, the maximum angle (α) between the multiple openings is determined, and the minimum number of openings in the lower baffle plate is determined based on the maximum angle.

4. The air blower is configured such that the vertical distance between the end (A) of the lower baffle plate and the lowest joint point (B0) is the second height (H ２ The blower according to claim 3, in a situation where it is tilted until it is equal to ), when the first height is equal to the second height, the first height is the maximum value, and the second height is the vertical distance between the end (D) of the upper baffle plate adjacent to the lower baffle plate and the lowest joint point.

5. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the openings of a plurality of adjacent lower baffle plates are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the blower.

6. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the blower rotates at a preset rotational speed when the angle (θ) formed between the blower and the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle threshold (θth).

7. The blower according to claim 6, wherein the number of openings (12) is 1 or 2.

8. The blower according to claim 7, wherein the number of openings (12) in one of the lower baffle plates is 1, the cross-section of the plurality of lower baffle plates along the radial direction of the blower is an oval curve, the openings are located at one end where the radius of curvature of the oval curve is smallest, and the openings of two adjacent lower baffle plates are located on the same line and are located on both sides of the axis of the blower in the radial direction of the blower.

9. The blower according to claim 7, wherein the number of openings (12) in one lower baffle plate is 2, the cross-section of the plurality of lower baffle plates along the radial direction of the blower is elliptical, the openings are provided at each end of the lower baffle plate along the major axis defined by the ellipse, and the two major axes defined by the ellipses of two adjacent lower baffle plates are perpendicular to each other.

10. The blower according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, when the ambient temperature (Ttemp) around the blower is below a predetermined temperature threshold (Tth), the blower rotates at a predetermined angle threshold (θth).

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