Air blower

Abstract

An air blower (A1) comprises: an air blowing part (1); a pedestal part (2) supporting the air blowing part (1) so as to be capable of swinging left and right; a control part (8) that controls the left-and-right swinging of the air blowing part (1); and a harness (91) connected to the control part (8) and the air blowing part (1). The pedestal part (2) includes a first pedestal part (3) supporting the air blowing part (1), and a second pedestal part (4) surrounding the outer periphery of the first pedestal part (3). The first pedestal part (3) includes a portion that rotates relative to the second pedestal part (4) so that the air blowing part (1) can swing left and right. The control part (8) is disposed inside the second pedestal part (4). The harness (91) includes a first vertical part (911) located inside the first pedestal part (3) and extending in the vertical direction. Such a configuration makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the harness.

Description

Blower

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower.

[0002] Blowers are widely used as devices for supplying air to a predetermined area. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional blower. The blower disclosed in this document is intended to supply air to a wide area by oscillating the fan vertically and horizontally.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-65838

[0004] In the above-described blower, the pedestal is divided into an upper pedestal portion and a lower pedestal portion. When the fan is oscillated left and right, the upper pedestal portion rotates relative to the lower pedestal portion. A control unit that controls a motor for driving the fan is housed in the upper pedestal portion. A harness for power supply or the like from the lower pedestal portion, which is a fixed side, is connected to the control unit. There is a concern that this harness may get caught on surrounding components or be cut when the fan oscillates.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a blower capable of suppressing harness failures.

[0006] The blower provided by the present invention comprises: a blower unit; a pedestal unit that supports the blower unit so as to be capable of horizontal oscillation; a control unit that controls the horizontal oscillation of the blower unit; and a harness connected to the control unit and the blower unit, wherein the pedestal unit includes a first pedestal portion that supports the blower unit and a second pedestal portion that surrounds an outer periphery of the first pedestal portion, the first pedestal portion includes a portion that rotates relative to the second pedestal portion so that the blower unit can perform horizontal oscillation, the control unit is disposed inside the second pedestal portion, and the harness includes a first vertical portion that is located inside the first pedestal portion and extends along a vertical direction.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first base portion includes a base upper portion, a base lower portion located below the base upper portion, and a spacer located between the base upper portion and the base lower portion, wherein the base upper portion supports the air blower and rotates relative to the base lower portion, and further comprises a first drive portion located within the base lower portion that rotates the base upper portion.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blower unit includes a fan and a cover housing the fan and having a slit, and further comprises a second drive unit for causing the blower unit to oscillate up and down relative to the base unit, the second drive unit includes a support leg that supports the blower unit so that it can oscillate up and down, a second drive source that generates a driving force for up and down oscillation, and a curved guide unit that converts the driving force of the second drive source into rotation for up and down oscillation, the support leg includes a first leg that extends in the vertical direction and is inserted through the slit, and a second leg that is connected to the upper end of the first leg and bends along the curved guide unit.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first base portion has a wiring hole through which the first vertical portion is inserted, and a holding member that holds the first vertical portion inserted through the wiring hole, wherein the holding member is composed of a plurality of parts.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion has a base upper surface which is a curved surface that faces the air blower portion in the vertical direction and is recessed downward.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air blower has a curved portion located at the rear end in the direction of air blowing, and the curved portion is curved along the upper surface of the base when facing the upper surface of the base.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has a main plate portion that extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and an annular projection portion in plan view that protrudes downward from the main plate portion, and rotates with the lower part of the base together with the upper part of the base, and when the upper part of the base and the spacer rotate with the lower part of the base, the projection portion slides with the lower part of the base, and a housing space enclosed by the lower part of the base and the main plate portion is formed.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first drive unit includes a first drive source and a first transmission mechanism, the first transmission mechanism being housed in the housing space.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention further comprises a remote control unit for remotely controlling the operation of the air blower unit, and a fixing unit housed within the base unit and fixing the remote control unit by magnetic force.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit has a control board, a cylindrical portion protruding from the control board, and an elastic member in which part is housed within the cylindrical portion and the other part protrudes, and an operating part is provided on the outer surface of the second base portion, and the elastic member contracts when the operating part is pressed.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air blower is spherical.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second base portion has a base portion including a horizontal surface portion and a neck portion extending upward from the base portion and surrounding the outer circumference of the first base portion, and an operating portion is provided on the horizontal surface portion.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the vertical oscillation of the air blower coincides with the center of the air blower.

[0019] According to the present invention, malfunctions in the harness can be suppressed.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] This is a perspective view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a partial perspective view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a partial perspective view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a plan view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a rear view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention in another state. This is a partial side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an operating state. This is a partial side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a stopped state. This is a partial side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an operating state. This is a partial side view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a stopped state. This is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 6A. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a spacer for the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a spacer for the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 6A. This is a cross-sectional view showing another state of the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing the blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the blower according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing the blower according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view showing the blower according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this disclosure are for identification purposes only and are not intended to assign any order to the objects.

[0024] Figures 1 to 17 show a blower according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The blower A1 of this embodiment comprises a blower unit 1, a base unit 2, a first drive unit (left and right) 6, a second drive unit (up and down) 7, a control unit 8, and a harness 91. The blower A1 is for blowing air to a predetermined area and is a type of blower commonly referred to as a circulator, but the specific structure of the blower A1 is not limited in any way. The use of the blower A1 is not limited in any way and can be used, for example, to circulate indoor air.

[0025] In these figures, the z-direction corresponds to the up-and-down direction. However, the up-and-down direction in this invention is not strictly limited to the vertical direction, but can be various directions depending on the usage of the blower. In this embodiment, up-and-down oscillation will be explained using oscillation around a rotation axis extending in the x-direction as an example. Similarly, up-and-down oscillation in this invention is not limited to oscillation along the vertical direction. The x-direction and y-direction are directions perpendicular to the z-direction, respectively. Left-and-right oscillation in this invention may be oscillation in a direction intersecting the up-and-down oscillation. In this embodiment, left-and-right oscillation will be explained using oscillation around a rotation axis extending in the z-direction as an example.

[0026] The air blower unit 1 is the part that blows air in a set direction. Figures 1 to 5 show the air blower unit 1 in a state where air is blowing in the y direction. The specific configuration of the air blower unit 1 is not limited in any way. In this embodiment, the air blower unit 1 has a fan 11, a fan motor 12, a cover 13, and a motor cover 16.

[0027] The fan 11 generates the airflow that the blower 1 sends out through rotation. The specific structure of the fan 11 is not limited in any way, and various types of blade structures can be used as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the fan 11 is a so-called axial flow fan, and is of the type called a propeller fan.

[0028] The fan motor 12 is the drive source that rotates the fan 11. The fan motor 12 is, for example, a DC motor. The fan motor 12 is housed, for example, in a motor cover 16.

[0029] The cover 13 houses the fan 11, fan motor 12, motor cover 16, etc. The cover 13 is made of, for example, resin. The shape of the fan 11 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment it is cylindrical with the airflow direction N as its central axis.

[0030] The cover 13 of this embodiment has a front cover 14 and a rear cover 15. The front cover 14 is the part located on the front side in the airflow direction N and constitutes an air outlet 131. The rear cover 15 is the part located on the rear side in the airflow direction N and constitutes an air intake 132.

[0031] The fan 11 is connected, for example, to the drive shaft of the fan motor 12. When the fan 11 rotates due to the drive of the fan motor 12, the air drawn in from the rear cover 15 is sent out from the air outlet 131 of the front cover 14 in the direction of airflow N.

[0032] In this embodiment, the rear cover 15 includes a first rear cover 151 and a second rear cover 152. The first rear cover 151 is located on the upper side in the z direction. The second rear cover 152 is located on the lower side in the z direction.

[0033] The rear cover 15 has two slits 153. The two slits 153 are separated in the x-direction and parallel to each other. Each slit 153 is provided to extend from the bottom to the top in the z-direction.

[0034] The rear cover 15 has a curved portion 154. The curved portion 154 is located at the rear end in the airflow direction N (the y-direction in Figures 1 to 5 and 6A to 6D). When the curved portion 154 is facing the upper surface 21 of the base (as shown in Figures 6E and 14), it is curved along the upper surface 21 of the base.

[0035] Figures 17A and 17B show an example of how to remove the cover 13. First, as shown in Figure 17A, the front cover 14 is removed from the rear cover 15 by moving it forward in the y-direction. In this case, the engagement between the front cover 14 and the rear cover 15 may be released by, for example, rotating the front cover 14 around an axis extending in the y-direction relative to the rear cover 15. Next, as shown in Figure 17B, the first rear cover 151 is removed from the second rear cover 152. In this case, the first rear cover 151 may be removed by, for example, removing several screws.

[0036] The base portion 2 supports the air blower 1 so that it can oscillate left and right. In this embodiment, the air blower 1 can oscillate left and right for, for example, 360 degrees around the central axis C1 as the center of rotation. The base portion 2 includes a first base portion 3 and a second base portion 4. The first base portion 3 supports the air blower 1. The second base portion 4 surrounds the outer circumference of the first base portion 3. The base portion 2 also has a base top surface 21. The base top surface 21 is the uppermost surface of the base portion 2 in the z direction and faces the curved portion 154 in the state shown in Figures 6E and 14. The base top surface 21 is a curved surface that is recessed downward in the z direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 to 14, the first base portion 3 of this embodiment includes a base upper portion 31, a base lower portion 32, and a spacer 33.

[0038] The lower base 32 is located below the upper base 31 in the z direction. The lower base 32 has a main body 321 and a wiring hole 322. The main body 321 occupies most of the lower base 32 and is, for example, a circular bottomed shape that opens upward in the z direction. The wiring hole 322 is located approximately in the center of the main body 321 and is a through hole extending in the z direction. The central axis C1 overlaps with the wiring hole 322 when viewed in the z direction and may form the center of the wiring hole 322. The lower base 32 may also have a through hole 323. As shown in Figure 10, the through hole 323 is formed in the bottom of the main body 321 and penetrates in the z direction.

[0039] The upper part of the base 31 is located above the lower part of the base 32 in the z direction. The upper part of the base 31 supports the air blower 1. The upper part of the base 31 is a part that rotates around the central axis C1 relative to the second base 4 and the lower part of the base 32 so that the air blower 1 can oscillate left and right. The upper part of the base 31 is circular in shape when viewed in the z direction, for example, and opens downward in the z direction. The upper part of the base 31 has two through holes 311. The two through holes 311 are spaced apart in the x direction in the portion of the upper part of the base 31 that is included in the upper surface 21 of the base, and each opens upward in the z direction. The two through holes 311 are located directly below the two slits 153 in the z direction.

[0040] The spacer 33 is positioned between the upper base 31 and the lower base 32. The spacer 33 rotates with the upper base 31 relative to the lower base 32. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the spacer 33 has a main plate portion 331, a through hole 332, a gear portion 333, and a protruding portion 334.

[0041] The main plate portion 331 is a part that extends in the x and y directions, which are directions intersecting the z direction. The through hole 332 is provided approximately in the center of the main plate portion 331 and is a through hole that extends in the z direction. When viewed in the z direction, the center of the through hole 332 approximately coincides with the center of the wiring hole 322. In this embodiment, the through hole 332 accommodates the wiring hole 322, but the specific relationship between the through hole 332 and the wiring hole 322 is not limited in any way. The gear portion 333 is provided around the through hole 332 and has multiple rows of teeth arranged in a circular shape when viewed in the z direction.

[0042] The protruding portion 334 protrudes downward from the main plate portion 331 and is annular in shape when viewed in the z direction. When the upper base portion 31 and the spacer 33 rotate relative to the lower base portion 32, the protruding portion 334 slides against the upper end portion of the lower base portion 32, etc. In addition, in the first base portion 3 of this embodiment, a housing space 36 is formed surrounded by the lower base portion 32 and the main plate portion 331.

[0043] The second pedestal portion 4 is a fixed portion that does not move relative to a place such as a floor on which the blower A1 is placed when the blower portion 1 swings left and right. The specific configuration of the second pedestal portion 4 is not limited at all, and in the present embodiment, the second pedestal portion 4 has, for example, a circular shape with a bottom that opens upward in the z-direction.

[0044] The first driving portion 6 is located in the lower pedestal portion 32 and the second pedestal portion 4, and rotates the upper pedestal portion 31 around the central axis C1. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first driving portion 6 includes a first driving source 61 and a first transmission mechanism 62.

[0045] The first driving source 61 is, for example, a motor, and generates a driving force for swinging the blower portion 1 left and right. The first driving source 61 is housed in the second pedestal portion 4, and a main body portion of the first driving source 61 is located below the lower pedestal portion 32. A driving shaft of the first driving source 61 is inserted through the through hole 323, and a tip end of the driving shaft is located in the housing space 36. A gear for transmitting driving force, for example, is attached to the driving shaft of the first driving source 61.

[0046] The first transmission mechanism 62 is a mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the first driving source 61 to the spacer 33 and the upper pedestal portion 31. The specific configuration of the first transmission mechanism 62 is not limited at all, and in the present embodiment, the first transmission mechanism 62 is configured as a gear that meshes with the gear on the driving shaft of the first driving source 61 and the gear portion 333. The first transmission mechanism 62 is housed in the housing space 36. With such a configuration of the first driving portion 6, when the first driving source 61 generates a driving force, the driving force is transmitted to the gear portion 333 via the first transmission mechanism 62, and the upper pedestal portion 31, the spacer 33, the second driving portion 7, and the blower portion 1 swing left and right.

[0047] The second driving portion 7 is configured to cause the blower portion 1 to swing up and down relative to the pedestal portion 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and 13, the second driving portion 7 includes a second driving source 71, a curved guide portion 72, a support leg 73, and a support leg 74. In this embodiment, the blower portion 1 can swing up and down by, for example, 90 degrees about a central axis C2 extending in the x-direction as the rotation center. FIGS. 1 to 5, 6A to 6D, 7A, 8A, 9, 13, 16 and 17 show a state where the blowing direction N of the blower portion 1 is directed forward in the y-direction by the up-down swinging. On the other hand, FIGS. 6E, 7B, 8B and 14 show a state where the blowing direction N of the blower portion 1 is directed upward in the z-direction by the up-down swinging.

[0048] The support leg 73 and the support leg 74 are fixed to the upper pedestal 31 and are spaced apart from each other in the x-direction. The support leg 73 and the support leg 74 are inserted through two through holes 311. The support leg 73 and the support leg 74 are also inserted through two slits 153. Upper end portions of the support leg 73 and the support leg 74 in the z-direction support the blower portion 1 via a rotating shaft portion 76 such that the blower portion 1 can swing up and down.

[0049] The second driving source 71 generates driving force for causing the blower portion 1 to swing up and down relative to the pedestal portion 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second driving source 71 is located behind the motor cover 16 in the blowing direction N and is fixed to the motor cover 16.

[0050] The curved guide portion 72 is for converting the driving force of the second driving source 71 into rotation for up-down swinging. In this embodiment, the curved guide portion 72 has a curved shape over an azimuth of approximately 90 degrees. A plurality of tooth rows are provided on the inner side of the curved guide portion 72 over an azimuth of approximately 90 degrees. The curved guide portion 72 is fixed to, for example, the support leg 74. As shown in FIG. 5, a gear portion 711 attached to the driving shaft of the second driving source 71 meshes with the tooth rows of the curved guide portion 72. Accordingly, when the second driving source 71 is driven, the curved guide portion 72 moves in an arc shape, thereby causing the blower portion 1 to swing up and down.

[0051] The support leg portion 74 includes a first leg portion 741 and a second leg portion 742. As shown in Figures 4, 6D, 7, and 13, the first leg portion 741 extends in the z direction. The first leg portion 741 is inserted through the through hole 311 and the slit 153 and includes a portion that is exposed to the outside between the blower portion 1 and the first base portion 3. The second leg portion 742 is connected to the upper end of the first leg portion 741 and is bent along the curved guide portion 72. The second leg portion 742 is housed in the cover 13 and is not exposed to the outside.

[0052] The control unit 8 controls the left-right oscillation of the air blower unit 1, and further controls the airflow and up-down oscillation of the air blower unit 1. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 8 is located within the second base unit 4. The control unit 8 is connected to a wire (not shown) with a plug that connects to, for example, an external commercial AC 100V outlet. The specific configuration of the control unit 8 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, it has a control board 81, a plurality of cylindrical parts 82, and a plurality of elastic members 83.

[0053] The control board 81 is, for example, a circuit board on which multiple electronic components for realizing the control functions of the control unit 8 are mounted. As shown in Figure 9, in the illustrated example, the control board 81 is supported in orientations along the x and z directions.

[0054] Multiple cylindrical portions 82 each protrude from the control board 81 and are arranged in the x-direction. Multiple elastic members 83 each have a portion housed within one of the cylindrical portions 82, with the other portion, the tip, protruding from the cylindrical portion 82. The multiple cylindrical portions 82 and multiple elastic members 83 are located behind the multiple operating parts 92 shown in Figure 1 in the y-direction. The multiple operating parts 92 are provided on the outer surface of the second base portion 4 and are for the user to operate the blower A1. When the user presses any of the multiple operating parts 92, the outer surface of the second base portion 4 partially indents, and the corresponding elastic member 83 contracts. The display portion 93 is for indicating, for example, the operating status of the blower A1, and consists of, for example, an LED, a liquid crystal display, etc.

[0055] The harness 91 is connected to the control unit 8 and the blower unit 1. The harness 91 supplies power to, for example, the fan 11 of the blower unit 1. The harness 91 also supplies power to the first drive source 61 and the second drive source 71. As shown in Figures 2, 4 to 9, and 13 to 16, the harness 91 includes a first vertical section 911, a second vertical section 912, and a horizontal section 913.

[0056] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first vertical section 911 is located within the upper part 31 of the base and is a portion aligned with the z direction. The first vertical section 911 extends from the lower part 32 of the base through the spacer 33 to the upper part 31 of the base. The first vertical section 911 is inserted through the wiring hole 322 and the through hole 332. The second vertical section 912 is located in the section spanning the air blower section 1 and the first base section 3 and is a portion aligned with the z direction. As shown in Figures 6D, 9 and 13, the second vertical section 912 is arranged along the support leg 73 and is inserted through the slit 153 together with the support leg 73. As shown in Figure 15, the horizontal section 913 is connected to the upper end of the first vertical section 911 and the lower end of the second vertical section 912 and extends horizontally.

[0057] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the first base portion 3 further includes a holding member 35. The holding member 35 is for holding the first vertical portion 911. In this embodiment, the holding member 35 is composed of multiple parts, specifically consisting of a first holding member 351 and a second holding member 352.

[0058] The first retaining member 351 is located above the wiring hole 322 in the z-direction and partially covers the wiring hole 322. The first retaining member 351 has a hole 3511. The hole 3511 overlaps with at least a portion of the wiring hole 322 when viewed in the z-direction. Also, the hole 3511 is larger than the cross-section of the first vertical portion 911.

[0059] The second retaining member 352 is a component for holding the first vertical portion 911, which is inserted through the hole 3511, together with the first retaining member 351. The second retaining member 352 has an extension portion 3521 and two engaging portions 3522. The extension portion 3521 extends downward in the z direction and is a portion that holds the first vertical portion 911, which is inserted through the hole 3511, from the side (in this embodiment, the x direction). The two extension portions 3521 are portions that engage with the two engaging portions 3512 provided on the first retaining member 351, and fix the second retaining member 352 to the first retaining member 351 in a detachable manner. In the illustrated example, the engaging portion 3512 is a hole, and the engaging portion 3522 is a projection with a stepped portion.

[0060] As shown in Figure 15A, when assembling the blower A1, the harness 91 (first vertical portion 911) is inserted through the hole 3511 with the second retaining member 352 removed. Then, as shown in Figure 15B, the second retaining member 352 is attached to the first retaining member 351 by the engagement described above, by inserting the extension portion 3521 along the first vertical portion 911 into the hole 3511.

[0061] Figure 16 shows a remote control unit 95 for remotely controlling the blower A1. The remote control unit 95 is a device that allows a user to operate the blower A1 from a distance, for example, by infrared communication. As shown in Figures 13 and 16, the blower A1 may have a fixing part 94 for fixing the remote control unit 95. The fixing part 94 is for fixing the remote control unit 95 using magnetic force, and is, for example, a magnetic member provided inside the second base part 4. If the remote control unit 95 has a magnetic member, the remote control unit 95 may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as metal.

[0062] Next, we will explain the operation of blower A1.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 13, the first base portion 3 includes a base upper portion 31 which rotates relative to the second base portion 4 so that the blower portion 1 can oscillate left and right. The control unit 8 is located inside the second base portion 4. Therefore, when the base upper portion 31 rotates relative to the base lower portion 32 and the second base portion 4, the wire (not shown) to which the plug connected to the control unit 8 is provided does not move. Furthermore, the harness 91 is located inside the first base portion 3 and includes a first vertical portion 911 that runs vertically. Therefore, the first vertical portion 911 is less likely to get caught on any part outside the first base portion 3 or to break. Thus, the blower A1 can suppress malfunctions of the harness 91.

[0064] In particular, the first vertical section 911 is inserted through the wiring hole 322. The wiring hole 322 coincides with the rotational axis of the left-right oscillation of the air blower section 1, and the center of the wiring hole 322 can become the rotational axis. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the movement of the first vertical section 911 when the air blower section 1 oscillates left and right.

[0065] The first base portion 3 includes a spacer 33 located between the upper base portion 31 and the lower base portion 32. This prevents the upper base portion 31 and the lower base portion 32 from rubbing against each other when the air blower portion 1 is oscillated from side to side. It also helps to suppress rattling of the air blower portion 1.

[0066] The support leg portion 74 has a first leg portion 741 and a second leg portion 742. The first leg portion 741 is aligned in the vertical direction, and the second leg portion 742 is curved along the curved guide portion 72. This makes it possible to avoid the slit 153 through which the first leg portion 741 is inserted becoming unduly large, and to ensure the strength of the blower portion 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6E, 7B, 8B, and 14, when the blower portion 1 is oscillated up and down so that the blowing direction N is directed upward in the z direction, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the vertical size of the blower A1.

[0067] The harness 91 has a second vertical portion 912. The second vertical portion 912 runs along the support leg portion 73 and is inserted into the slit 153 together with the support leg portion 73. This prevents the second vertical portion 912 from getting caught on or rubbing against other parts when the air blower 1 oscillates up and down.

[0068] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the fan is equipped with a retaining member 35 that holds the first vertical section 911, and the retaining member 35 is composed of multiple parts, namely a first retaining member 351 and a second retaining member 352. This prevents the first vertical section 911 from moving or being pulled improperly when the fan 1 oscillates from side to side, thereby suppressing wire breakage and other damage. If the retaining member 35 consists of a single part, the hole for inserting the first vertical section 911 must be of a size that can properly hold the first vertical section 911. For this reason, it becomes difficult to insert the first vertical section 911 (harness 91) when assembling the fan A1. Since the retaining member 35 is composed of multiple parts such as the first retaining member 351 and the second retaining member 352, it is possible to insert the first vertical section 911 with the second retaining member 352 removed and then attach the second retaining member 352, thereby making the assembly of the blower A1 easier while properly protecting the first vertical section 911 (harness 91).

[0069] The upper surface 21 of the base portion 2 is curved downward in the z direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 6E, the support legs 73 and 74 (first leg portion 741) are less visible from the outside, and the aesthetic appearance of the blower A1 can be improved.

[0070] As shown in Figure 14, the air blower unit 1 has a curved portion 154 located at the rear end in the air blowing direction N, and the curved portion 154 is curved to follow the upper surface 21 of the base. This prevents the rear cover 15 from interfering with any part of the base 2 when the air blower unit 1 oscillates up and down.

[0071] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the spacer 33 has a protruding portion 334 that protrudes downward in the z direction, and when the air blower 1 oscillates from side to side, only the protruding portion 334 of the spacer 33 slides against the lower part of the base 32. This makes it possible to suppress friction at the first base portion 3 when it oscillates from side to side.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, a housing space 36 is formed by the lower base portion 32 and the main plate portion 331, and the first transmission mechanism 62 is housed in the housing space 36. This allows for more effective use of the space within the base portion 2.

[0073] As shown in Figure 16, the remote control unit 95 is detachably attached to the second base unit 4 by the fixing unit 94. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remote control unit 95 from being lost when not in use.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14, when the operating part 92 is pressed, the corresponding elastic member 83 is retracted. This makes it possible to operate the operating part 92 more reliably. In addition, it makes it easier to assemble the control unit 8 onto the second base part 4.

[0075] Figures 18 to 20 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the configurations of each part in each modification and each embodiment can be appropriately combined with each other to the extent that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0076] Figures 18 to 20 show a blower according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The blower A2 of this embodiment differs mainly in the shape of the blower section 1 and the base section 2, and the configuration of other elements may be the same as, for example, the first drive section 6, the second drive section 7, the harness 91, etc. in the blower A1 described above. That is, the blower section 1 blows air with a fan 11 and is capable of left-right oscillation and up-down oscillation.

[0077] In this embodiment, the air blower unit 1 is spherical. Specifically, the cover 13 is spherical, with the front cover 14 forming the front part of the sphere and the rear cover 15 forming the rear part of the sphere. The front cover 14 forms the air outlet 131, and the first rear cover 151 forms the air intake 132.

[0078] As shown in Figure 18, the central axis C1, which is the center of the left-right oscillation of the air blower unit 1, coincides with the center of the air blower unit 1 (cover 13) when viewed in the z-direction. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the central axis C2, which is the center of the up-down oscillation of the air blower unit 1, coincides with the center of the air blower unit 1 (cover 13) when viewed in the x-direction. Note that the central axis C2 may be defined, for example, by the rotating shaft portion 76 in the blower A1 described above.

[0079] The second base portion 4 has a base portion 41 and a neck portion 42. The base portion 41 is located downward in the z direction and includes a horizontal surface portion 411. The horizontal surface portion 411 is generally aligned with the x and y directions and is annular in shape when viewed in the z direction. Multiple operating parts 92 are provided on the horizontal surface portion 411. A control unit 8 is housed directly below the multiple operating parts 92 within the second base portion 4.

[0080] The neck portion 42 extends upward in the z-direction from the base portion 41 and surrounds the outer circumference of the upper part 31 of the base. When viewed in the z-direction, the neck portion 42 has a smaller annular shape than the base portion 41.

[0081] This embodiment also helps to suppress malfunctions of the harness 91. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air blower 1 is spherical. Therefore, when the air blower 1 oscillates left and right and up and down, it is possible to suppress large movements of the air blower 1, and to achieve a state in which the air blower 1 appears to be floating. By having the central axis C1, which is the center of left and right oscillation, and the central axis C2, which is the center of up and down oscillation, coincide with the center of the air blower 1, the floating appearance of the air blower 1 can be further emphasized.

[0082] The second base portion 4 has a base portion 41 including a horizontal surface portion 411 and a neck portion 42. Multiple operating parts 92 are provided on the horizontal surface portion 411. This makes it possible to operate the operating parts 92 by pushing them in the vertical direction while the air blower portion 1 appears to be floating, thereby improving the user experience.

[0083] The blower according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the blower according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

[0084] A1, A2: Blower, 1: Blower section, 2: Base section, 3: First base section, 4: Second base section, 6: First drive section, 7: Second drive section, 8: Control section, 11: Fan, 12: Fan motor, 13: Cover, 14: Front cover, 15: Rear cover, 16: Motor cover, 21: Top surface of base, 31: Upper part of base, 32: Lower part of base, 33: Spacer, 35: Holding member, 36: Housing space, 41: Base, 42: Neck section, 61: First drive source, 62: First transmission mechanism, 71: Second drive source, 72: Curved guide section, 73: Support leg section, 74: Support leg section, 76: Rotating shaft section, 81: Control board, 82: Cylinder section, 83: Elastic member, 91: Harness 92: Operating section, 93: Display section, 94: Fixing section, 95: Remote control section, 151: First rear cover, 152: Second rear cover, 153: Slit, 154: Curved section, 311: Through hole, 321: Main body section, 322: Wiring hole, 323: Through hole, 331: Main plate section, 332: Through hole, 333: Gear section, 334: Protruding section, 351: First retaining member, 352: Second retaining member, 411: Horizontal surface section, 711: Gear section, 741: First leg section, 742: Second leg section, 911: First vertical section, 912: Second vertical section, 913: Horizontal section, 3511: Hole section, 3512: Engaging section, 3521: Extension section, 3522: Engaging section, C1, C2: Central axis

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a blower unit; a base unit that supports the blower unit so that it can oscillate left and right; a control unit that controls the left and right oscillation of the blower unit; and a harness connected to the control unit and the blower unit, wherein the base unit includes a first base unit that supports the blower unit and a second base unit that surrounds the outer circumference of the first base unit; the first base unit includes a portion that rotates relative to the second base unit so that the blower unit can oscillate left and right; the control unit is located within the second base unit; and the harness is located within the first base unit and includes a first vertical portion that is aligned vertically.

2. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the first base portion includes a base upper portion, a base lower portion located below the base upper portion, and a spacer located between the base upper portion and the base lower portion, the base upper portion supports the blower portion and rotates relative to the base lower portion, and further comprises a first drive portion located within the base lower portion and rotating the base upper portion.

3. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the blower unit includes a fan and a cover housing the fan and having a slit, and further comprises a second drive unit for causing the blower unit to oscillate up and down relative to the base unit, the second drive unit includes a support leg that supports the blower unit so that it can oscillate up and down, a second drive source that generates a driving force for the up and down oscillation, and a curved guide unit that converts the driving force of the second drive source into rotation for the up and down oscillation, and the support leg includes a first leg that extends in the vertical direction and is inserted through the slit, and a second leg that is connected to the upper end of the first leg and bends along the curved guide unit.

4. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first base portion has a wiring hole through which the first vertical portion is inserted, and a holding member that holds the first vertical portion inserted through the wiring hole, and the holding member is composed of a plurality of parts.

5. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base portion has a base upper surface that is a curved surface that is recessed downward and faces the blowing portion in the vertical direction.

6. The blower according to claim 5, wherein the blower section has a curved section located at the rear end in the direction of airflow, and the curved section is curved along the upper surface of the base when facing the upper surface of the base.

7. The blower according to claim 2, wherein the spacer has a main plate portion that extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and an annular projection portion in plan view that protrudes downward from the main plate portion, and rotates together with the upper part of the base with respect to the lower part of the base, and when the upper part of the base and the spacer rotate with respect to the lower part of the base, the projection portion slides with the lower part of the base, and a housing space enclosed by the lower part of the base and the main plate portion is formed.

8. The blower according to claim 7, wherein the first drive unit includes a first drive source and a first transmission mechanism, and the first transmission mechanism is housed in the housing space.

9. The blower according to claim 1, further comprising: a remote control unit for remotely controlling the operation of the blower unit; and a fixing unit housed within the base unit and fixing the remote control unit by magnetic force.

10. The blower according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a control board, a cylindrical portion protruding from the control board, and an elastic member having a portion housed within the cylindrical portion and the other portion protruding, an operating part is provided on the outer surface of the second base portion, and the elastic member contracts when the operating part is pressed.

11. The blower according to claim 3, wherein the blowing section is spherical.

12. The blower according to claim 11, wherein the second base portion has a base portion including a horizontal surface portion and a neck portion extending upward from the base portion and surrounding the outer circumference of the first base portion, and an operating portion is provided on the horizontal surface portion.

13. The blower according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the central axis of the vertical oscillation of the blower unit coincides with the center of the blower unit.

Images