JP2021134749A - Air blower and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air blower that can increase efficiency, and a washing machine that comprises the same.SOLUTION: An air blower comprises an electric motor 100, a rotating shaft rotatably provided in the electric motor 100, a centrifugal impeller 300 provided on the rotating shaft, a diffuser flow passage provided on an outer periphery of the centrifugal impeller 300, and a scroll flow passage 70 provided downstream of the diffuser flow passage. A shielding plate 470 is provided on a scroll junction surface of the scroll flow passage 70. The shielding plate 470 is constituted integrally with a diffuser 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a blower and a washing machine equipped with the blower.

The blower uses an electric motor to rotate the impeller to create an air flow. The air flowing in from the suction port of the blower is boosted and accelerated by the impeller, and decelerated in the stationary flow path. As a result, the kinetic energy applied to the inflowing air is converted into pressure energy and the pressure rises. In order to obtain a highly efficient blower, it is important to have a static flow path that has low loss and can perform pressure conversion. Patent Document 1 describes a blower having a stationary flow path. Patent Document 1 describes a blower having a structure in which spiral high-pressure chambers are superimposed in the axial direction of the impeller.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-185998

However, the blower described in Patent Document 1 has an electric motor arranged on the upstream side of the impeller, and has a configuration in which a fluid flows into the impeller via a curved flow path. For this reason, the distribution of the fluid at the time of inflow is biased, and the inflow angle and the leading edge angle of the impeller do not match, which causes a loss in boosting and speeding up by the impeller, and there is a problem that efficiency is lowered.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a blower capable of improving efficiency and a washing machine equipped with the blower.

The present invention provides an electric motor, a rotating shaft rotatably provided on the electric motor, an impeller provided on the rotating shaft, a diffuser flow path provided on the outer periphery of the impeller, and downstream of the diffuser flow path. The scroll flow path is provided, and a shielding member is provided at the flow path confluence portion of the scroll flow path.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blower capable of increasing efficiency and a washing machine equipped with the blower.

It is a right-right vertical sectional view which shows the washing machine which mounts the blower which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an external perspective view which shows the blower which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the blower when viewed from the fan cover side. It is an exploded perspective view of the blower when viewed from the motor side. It is a perspective view of an impeller. It is an exploded perspective view of an impeller. It is a top view when the diffuser is seen from the fan cover side. It is a top view when the diffuser is seen from the fan casing side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. It is a figure which shows the meridional plane shape of a diffuser vane. It is a figure which shows the meridional plane shape of the diffuser vane which concerns on a modification. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the fan cover from a blower. It is a schematic diagram which shows the shape of a scroll flow path. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the main part of the blower which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the main part of the blower which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view when the diffuser of FIG. 16 is seen from the back surface side.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, the washing machine S, which is a vertical washer / dryer, will be described as an example. The blower 22 can be applied to a machine or other equipment.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a right vertical sectional view showing a washing machine S on which the blower 22 of the first embodiment is mounted. The washing machine S is right and left when viewed from the user side (front side).

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine S includes an outer frame 1 of a housing, an outer tub 2 for storing washing water, a rotary tub (inner tub) 3, a drive motor 10, and a blower 22. The blower 22 of the present embodiment has a role of producing dry air in the drying step of the washing machine S.

The outer tank 2 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, is vibration-proof supported in the center of the outer frame 1, and is housed in the outer frame 1.

The rotary tub 3 is a washing / dehydrating tub that houses laundry to be washed, dehydrated, and dried. The rotary tank 3 is provided in the center of the inside of the outer tank 2. Further, the rotary tank 3 has a rotary shaft in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported in the outer tank 2.

At the bottom of the rotary tank 3, a stirring blade 4 for stirring and rinsing the washing water is rotatably provided. The stirring blade 4 is operated to repeat forward rotation / reverse rotation during the washing operation and the drying operation. Further, the stirring blade 4 rotates at high speed together with the laundry in the rotary tub 3 together with the rotary tub 3 during the dehydration operation, and dehydrates the water contained in the laundry by centrifugal force.

The drive motor 10 is provided in the outer frame 1 and rotationally drives the stirring blade 4 and the rotary tank 3. As the drive motor 10, for example, a DC brushless motor is used. The DC brushless motor is controlled by vector control. Although the drive motor 10 directly drives the stirring blade 4 and the rotary tank 3, it may be driven by using a reduction mechanism such as a belt.

An openable and closable outer lid 5 is provided on the upper part of the outer frame 1. The rear side of the outer lid 5 is axially supported by a top cover 6 provided on the upper part of the outer frame 1. Below the outer lid 5 on the upper part of the outer tank 2, an inner lid 34 is provided so as to be openable and closable around the rear shaft. Laundry is taken in and out of the rotary tub 3 by opening the outer lid 5 and the inner lid 34.

Inside the outer frame 1, a water supply unit 7 is provided on the rear side of the outer lid 5 of the top cover 6. The water supply unit 7 has a water supply box (not shown) having a plurality of water channels inside. The water supply unit 7 pours tap water or bath water supplied from the water supply hose connection port 8 protruding upward from the top cover 6 into the outer tank 2. Further, on the front side of the top cover 6, a detergent and finishing agent charging device 35 is provided. The detergent and finishing agent are poured between the outer tank 2 and the rotary tank 3 by the charging hose 36.

Further, the washing machine S is provided with a drying mechanism 9 for drying the laundry. The drying mechanism 9 circulates and dehumidifies the drying air for drying the laundry in the rotary tub 3. Most of the drying mechanism 9 is occupied by the air circulation path for drying. The drying air circulation passage includes a bottom circulation passage 20 communicating with the bottom of the outer tank 2 and a dehumidifying vertical passage 21 extending upward from the bottom circulation passage 20.

The suction side of the lower part of the blower 22 is connected to the upper end of the dehumidifying vertical passage 21. A drying filter 45 is arranged between the blower 22 and the dehumidifying vertical passage 21 to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the blower 22. The discharge side at the front of the blower 22 is connected to and communicates with the return connection circulation path 25. The details of the blower 22 will be described later.

The return connection circulation path 25 communicates with the upper part of the outer tank 2 via a part of the upper bellows hose 23. The bottom circulation path 20 communicates with the bottom of the outer tank 2 via a part of the lower bellows hose 26.

The lower bellows hose 26 is connected to the bottom drop portion 31 of the outer tank 2. The bottom drop portion 31 communicates with the washing water drainage channel 42 for drainage and the washing water circulation water channel 43 for circulation via the lower communication pipe 41. The washing water drainage channel 42 is provided with a normally closed type drain valve 44 that is opened only at the time of drainage.

The drain valve 44 is closed during the washing operation and the drying operation. The drain valve 44 opens at the time of draining the washing water, and drains the washing water and the rinsing water accumulated in the outer tub 2 from the washing water drainage channel 42 to the outside (outside the machine) of the washing machine S. The washing water circulation water channel 43 is provided with a foreign matter removing trap 32 for removing lint and the like.

The washing water circulation water channel 43 is connected to the washing water circulation water vertical water channel 46. The washing water circulating water vertical channel 46 rises along the outer surface of the outer tub 2 and extends to the upper side of the rotary tub 3 and communicates with the washing thread waste removing device 33 provided on the upper side of the rotary tub 3.

The washing water and rinsing water collected in the outer tub 2 flow through the washing water circulating water vertical water channel 46 and are sprayed into the rotary tub 3 from the washing thread waste removing device 33 and poured. Since washing and rinsing are performed while continuing such spraying and water injection, washing and rinsing are performed with a small amount of water.

The washing machine S includes a water level sensor 47 that detects the water level of washing water and rinse water accumulated in the outer tub 2. An air trap 50 is provided near the bottom of the outer tank 2. An air tube 49 is connected to the air trap 50 so as to communicate with the air trap 50. A water level sensor 47 is communicated and connected to the upper end of the air tube 49.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the blower 22 of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 2 shows front, back, top and bottom in the state of being attached to the washing machine S shown in FIG.
In the washing machine S, the centrifugal impeller 300 (see FIG. 2) of the blower 22 rotates, so that the drying air circulates in the rotary tub 3 and dries the laundry in the rotary tub 3. Further, the electric heater 24 (see FIG. 3) of the blower 22 reheats the drying air in which the moisture is condensed in the dehumidifying region and flows through the rotary tank 3. In this way, the drying air circulates while condensing the water content to further evaporate the water content of the laundry and dry it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the blower 22 includes a fan cover 51 which is one housing, a fan casing 52 which is the other housing, an electric motor 100, a centrifugal impeller 300, a diffuser 400 (see FIG. 3), and an electric heater 24. (See FIG. 3).

The electric motor 100 is a rotational drive source for the centrifugal impeller 300. The centrifugal impeller 300 creates drying air that circulates by rotation. The diffuser 400 converts the kinetic energy of the drying air into pressure energy.

The electric heater 24 is a heat source for the drying air to dry the moisture of the laundry. When the blower 22 is mounted on the washing machine S (see FIG. 1), for example, the fan cover 51 of the blower 22 is installed in the outer frame 1 (see FIG. 1) so as to face substantially downward.

<Fan cover 51>
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 22 when viewed from the fan cover 51 side.
As shown in FIG. 3, the fan cover 51 has an elongated shape in one direction, a suction port 57 is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction, and a discharge port 58 is formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The suction port 57 is connected to the upper end of the dehumidifying vertical passage 21 (see FIG. 1) via the drying filter 45 (see FIG. 1). The discharge port 58 is connected to the return connection circulation path 25 (see FIG. 1) of the drying air circulation path.

The suction port 57 is a tubular through hole and faces the center of the suction opening 302 of the centrifugal impeller 300. The discharge port 58 is a cylindrical through hole and is located on the downstream side of the electric heater 24. Further, since the drying air is pressurized by the centrifugal impeller 300, the diameter of the discharge port 58 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the suction port 57. Further, the suction port 57 and the discharge port 58 are formed so as to face substantially the same direction (downward in FIG. 1).

An annular projecting portion 51a is formed around the suction port 57 so as to project in the axial direction Ax. The axial direction Ax means the direction in which the rotating shaft 101 of the electric motor 100 extends. Further, the fan cover 51 is formed with a substantially rectangular protrusion 51b, and houses the electric heater 24.

A plurality of screw fixing portions 91 for fixing to the fan casing 52 are formed on the peripheral portion of the fan cover 51.

<Fan casing 52>
When the fan casing 52 is fixed to the fan cover 51, a space for accommodating the mechanism of the blower 22 is formed inside the fan casing 52. As shown in FIG. 3, a centrifugal impeller 300, a diffuser 400, and an electric heater 24 are arranged between the fan cover 51 and the fan casing 52.

The fan casing 52 has a scroll flow path 70 formed on one side on which the diffuser 400 is arranged. A centrifugal impeller 300 is arranged on the other side where the diffuser 400 is arranged.

The scroll flow path 70 is formed so that the flow path width on the tongue end portion 71 side is narrow and the flow path width gradually increases in the clockwise direction from the tongue end portion 71. The tip of the tongue 71 is the starting point of the scroll flow path 70. Further, the scroll flow path 70 is configured to draw a number 9 toward the electric heater 24 after making one round from the tongue end portion 71.

The outlet of the scroll flow path 70 is the casing discharge port 59 (see the shaded area in FIG. 3). The casing discharge port 59 is a position where air starts to flow from the position of the tongue end portion 71 toward the electric heater 24. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a surface (communicating surface) where the upstream and downstream sides of the scroll flow path 70 meet near the tongue end portion 71, which is the start point of the scroll flow path 70, and the casing discharge port 59, which is the outlet. ) Is the scroll confluence surface 95 (see the shaded area in FIG. 3).

Further, the fan casing 52 is formed with an introduction path 72a for introducing air from the scroll flow path 70 into the electric heater 24. The introduction path 72a is configured so that the flow path width widens toward the electric heater 24. More specifically, the introduction path 72a is configured to extend to substantially the same width as the width of the heating portion 24a of the electric heater 24. The inlet (introduction port) of the introduction path 72a is the casing discharge port 59. Further, the fan cover 51 is also configured so that the flow path width is widened toward the downstream as in the introduction path 72a. By combining the fan casing 52 and the fan cover 51, an introduction path 72 having a shape along the rectangular heating portion 24a of the electric heater 24 is formed.

The electric heater 24 includes a large number of fins for heat exchange. A large number of fins of the electric heater 24 heat the air flowing out of the scroll flow path 70 and passing through the introduction path 72.

Further, the fan casing 52 has a concave flow path 77 that communicates with the discharge port 58 of the fan cover 51 on the downstream side of the electric heater 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path 77 is formed so as to be inclined toward the fan cover 51 so as to be inclined toward the discharge port 58.

Further, the fan casing 52 has a shape that protrudes in the width direction so that the position deviated from the heating portion of the electric heater 24 does not interfere with the air flow.

In the fan casing 52 shown in FIG. 3, a shaft insertion hole 80 into which the rotation shaft 101 of the electric motor 100 is inserted is formed in the center of the scroll flow path 70. Further, on the outer peripheral edge portion of the fan casing 52, a screw insertion portion 92 through which a screw (not shown) is inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the screw fixing portion 91 of the fan cover 51.

Further, in the fan casing 52, screw holes 93 for fixing the diffuser 400 to the fan casing 52 are formed at a plurality of locations (four locations in the embodiment) between the shaft insertion hole 80 and the scroll flow path 70. There is. The screw hole 93 is formed so as to surround the shaft insertion hole 80. Further, the fan casing 52 has a circular recess 93a formed on the peripheral edge of the screw hole 93.

Further, in the fan casing 52, a fan casing recess 94 is formed on the outer periphery of the screw hole 93 in the radial direction. The fan casing recess 94 is a concave groove and is formed in a substantially annular shape.

The motor 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a rotating shaft 101 coupled to the centrifugal impeller 300 at the center in the radial direction. The electric motor 100 is attached to the fan casing 52. Further, the motor 100 has a rotor (rotor) fixed to the rotary shaft 101, a stator (stator) provided around the rotor, and a bearing that rotatably supports the rotary shaft 101. The motor 100 has a substantially columnar case 102 that houses the rotor, stator, and bearings. An annular brim 103 is formed on the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the case 102. The brim 103 is formed with screw insertion holes 104 for screw-fixing the motor 100 to the fan casing 52 at a plurality of locations (4 locations in the present embodiment) in the circumferential direction.

<Diffuser 400>
The diffuser 400 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and has a circular bottom plate 400a facing the axial Ax surface of the centrifugal impeller 300. The bottom plate 400a has a circular through hole 400b formed in the center. The through hole 400b is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the shaft insertion hole 80 of the fan casing 52. Further, the bottom plate 400a is formed with a plurality of screw insertion holes 430 around the through holes 400b through which screws (not shown) for fixing the diffuser 400 to the fan casing 52 are inserted. The screw insertion hole 430 is formed at a position facing the screw hole 93 of the fan casing 52.

Further, in the diffuser 400, a recessed portion 430a is formed on the peripheral edge of the screw insertion hole 430 so that the head of the screw (not shown) does not protrude from the surface (upper surface of the drawing) of the bottom plate 400a. The recessed portion 430a shortens the distance between the bottom plate 400a and the centrifugal impeller 300, and the centrifugal impeller 300 does not come into contact with screws (not shown) when the centrifugal impeller 300 rotates.

On the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate 400a, a diffuser outer bottom surface portion (base portion) 400c formed one step higher in the axial direction Ax than the bottom plate 400a is formed in an annular shape. A plurality of diffuser vanes 401 are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper surface (the surface on the fan cover 51 side) of the outer bottom surface portion 400c of the diffuser in the axial direction. The length of the diffuser vane 401 extending in the circumferential direction is the same for all the diffuser vanes 401.

In the present embodiment, the diffuser vanes 401 are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, but the diffuser vanes 401 may be formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. By making the intervals unequal, it is possible to reduce the blade passing frequency noise.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 22 when viewed from the side of the motor 100.
A bell mouth portion 57a is formed at the suction port 57 of the fan cover 51. A recess 51c in which a ring-shaped sealing member 56 (see FIG. 14) is housed is formed around the bell mouth portion 57a of the fan cover 51.

Further, the fan cover 51 is provided with an annular holding member 55 (see FIG. 14) that holds the sealing member 56 in the recess 51c. The holding member 55 is placed on the annular recess 51d formed on the peripheral side of the recess 51c and formed one step higher (shallow) than the recess 51c. The holding member 55 is fixed to the fan cover 51 via a fixing portion 51e formed around the recess 51d.

Further, the fan cover 51 is provided with an annular elastic member 90. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the elastic member 90 is attached to the fan cover 51. The elastic member 90 is arranged at a position facing the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the diffuser vane 401.

The fan cover 51 shown in FIG. 4 has an introduction path 72b extending from the scroll flow path 70 (see FIG. 3) toward the electric heater 24. The introduction path 72b is continuously formed along the introduction path 72a (see FIG. 3). Further, in the introduction path 72b, the depth (flow path height) dimension H (see FIG. 4) of the flow path from the scroll flow path 70 (see FIG. 3) side toward the electric heater 24 becomes deeper (higher). It is configured.

The scroll flow path 70 of the fan casing 52 is configured to bulge toward the side where the motor 100 is installed. Further, in the scroll flow path 70, the flow path depth (depth of Ax in the axial direction) gradually increases from the flow path on the tongue end 71 (see FIG. 3) side toward the introduction path 72 (see FIG. 3). It is configured to be deep in. Further, the introduction path 72a is formed so that the flow path depth becomes substantially constant toward the electric heater 24. The flow path 77 of the fan casing 52 on the downstream side of the electric heater 24 is formed so as to approach the fan cover 51 side.

The fan casing 52 is formed with screw bosses 78 (see FIG. 4) for fixing the motor 100 at a plurality of locations (four locations in the present embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 4, the diffuser 400 has a ridge portion 440 protruding toward the fan casing 52 on the opposite side (rear side) of the surface on which the diffuser vane 401 is provided. The ridge portion 440 fits into the fan casing recess 94 (see FIG. 3) of the fan casing 52.

The screw insertion hole 430 of the diffuser 400 is formed with a protrusion 430b, which is a boss that fits into the recess 93a (see FIG. 3) of the fan casing 52. Each protrusion 430b fits into the corresponding recess 93a of the fan casing 52, respectively.

The diffuser 400 is fixed by inserting a screw (not shown) into the fan casing 52 through the screw insertion hole 430 of the diffuser 400 and screwing it into the screw hole 93 of the fan casing 52.

The rotating shaft 101 of the electric motor 100 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 80 of the fan casing 52. Further, the rotating shaft 101 is inserted into the through hole 400b of the diffuser 400, and the tip end portion of the rotating shaft 101 is fixed to the centrifugal impeller 300.

The fan cover 51 and the fan casing 52 are connected by inserting a screw (not shown) into the screw insertion portion 92 of the fan casing 52 and fixing the screw to the screw fixing portion 91 of the fan cover 51. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the blower 22 is formed with a casing portion 61 in which the centrifugal impeller 300 and the diffuser 400 are arranged, and a heater portion 62 in which the electric heater 24 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection space boundary surface between the casing portion 61 (see FIG. 2) and the heater portion 62 (see FIG. 2) is designated as the casing discharge port 59.

<Centrifugal impeller 300>
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the centrifugal impeller 300. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the centrifugal impeller 300.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the centrifugal impeller 300 includes a shroud plate 301, a hub plate 311 and a plurality of blades 321 sandwiched between the shroud plate 301 and the hub plate 311. ..

The shroud plate 301 is formed of a circular metal plate. The shroud plate 301 is formed with a cylindrical suction opening 302 for sucking air in the central portion in the radial direction. The suction opening 302 is formed so as to project outward on the opposite side (upper side of the drawing) of the hub plate 311 and the axial direction Ax.

In the shroud plate 301, a through hole 303 that fits with the claw 322a formed in each blade 321 is formed around the suction opening 302.

The hub plate 311 shown in FIG. 6 is formed of a circular metal plate, and is provided with a hole 312 in which a rotation shaft 101 (see FIG. 3) is fixed at a central portion in the radial direction. A reinforcing plate 314a and a reinforcing plate 314b (see FIG. 4) are fixed to the hole 312 by sandwiching the hub plate 311 of the disk from both sides in the axial direction Ax.

Similar to the shroud plate 301, the hub plate 311 is formed with a through hole 313 that fits with the claw 322b formed on each blade 321.

The blade 321 is formed by bending an elongated rectangular metal plate. In other words, the blade 321 is curved so as to recede from the inner diameter side (inner circumference side) to the outer diameter side (outer circumference side) with respect to the rotation direction W of the centrifugal impeller 300. Such a blade 321 is generally also called a rearward blade, and a fan using an impeller having such a blade shape is also called a turbo fan.

Further, the blades 321 have claws 322a at the upper end (one end side of the axial direction Ax) and claws 322b at the lower end (the other end side of the axial direction Ax) at a plurality of locations (in the present embodiment). 5 places each) are formed. The claws 322a and 322b are formed in a rectangular shape and are formed so as to project in the vertical direction (axial direction Ax). Further, the blades 321 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the blade 321 has a claw 322a (see FIG. 6) inserted into the through hole 303 of the shroud plate 301, and a claw 322b (see FIG. 6) inserted into the through hole 313 of the hub plate 311. Then, the claws 322a and 322b are crimped to the shroud plate 301 and the hub plate 311. As a result, the blades 321 are fixed to the shroud plate 301 and the hub plate 311 to form the centrifugal impeller 300.

In the present embodiment, the closed type centrifugal impeller 300 having the shroud plate 301 has been described as an example, but an open type centrifugal impeller in which the hub plate 311 and the blade 321 are integrally molded with resin may be used. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Further, by using a resin type, it becomes easy to make the blade three-dimensional by further twisting it, and high efficiency can be achieved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the turbofan having the rearward blades has been described as an example, but a sirocco fan having the forward blades may be applied. Further, the shape of the impeller (300) is not limited to the centrifugal type, and may be a mixed flow type. By adopting the oblique flow type, the outer diameter of the impeller can be miniaturized, and the blower 22 can be miniaturized.

Although the case where the centrifugal impeller 300 is formed of metal has been illustrated, it may be formed of resin as long as the strength of the centrifugal impeller 300 can be secured. Since the resin is lightweight, it requires less energy to rotate and can save power.

<Diffuser 400>
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the diffuser 400 as viewed from the fan cover 51 side. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the diffuser 400 as viewed from the fan casing 52 side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, on one side of the diffuser 400 in the axial direction, a plurality of diffuser vanes 401 are arranged around the bottom plate 400a at equal intervals in the entire circumferential direction. The diffuser vane 401 is formed so as to rise perpendicular to the axial direction Ax with respect to the diffuser outer bottom surface portion 400c formed around the bottom plate 400a. As shown in FIG. 3, the diffuser vane 401 is located outside the outer peripheral edge of the centrifugal impeller 300.

Further, the diffuser vane 401 is formed in a thin plate shape and is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction in a plan view. Further, in the diffuser vanes 401 (401A, 401B), the trailing edge 402 at the other end is arranged radially outside the leading edge 412 at one end. Further, a diffuser flow path 410 described later is formed between the adjacent diffuser vanes 401A and 401B. The diffuser flow path 410 is configured so that the radial dimension gradually increases from the leading edge 412 side to the trailing edge 402 side.

Further, in the diffuser vane 401A, a cut portion 404 is formed so that the outer peripheral edge portion of the diffuser outer bottom surface portion 400c extends from the trailing edge 402 substantially perpendicular to the pressure surface 403 of the adjacent diffuser vane 401B. .. The pressure surface 403 means the entire surface of the diffuser vane 401 from the leading edge 412 to the trailing edge 402 facing outward in the radial direction. By forming such a notch portion 404, a substantially triangular notch portion 405 penetrating in the axial direction Ax is formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the diffuser outer bottom surface portion 400c. In other words, the outer peripheral edge of the diffuser 400 is formed so as to be serrated along the circumferential direction.

With this configuration, when the diffuser 400 is attached to the fan casing 52 (see FIG. 3), a substantially triangular passage 420 formed by the fan casing 52, the diffuser vane 401, and the notch 404 is formed. (See the shaded area in FIG. 7).

Further, the diffuser 400 shields the diffuser 400 from flowing through the scroll merging surface 95 at a position corresponding to the scroll merging surface 95 (see FIG. 3) when the diffuser 400 is attached to the fan casing 52 (see FIG. 3). A plate 470 (shielding member) is formed. The shielding plate 470 is a protrusion formed from the diffuser 400 toward the tongue end portion 71 (see FIG. 3) and shields the scroll merging surface 95.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shielding plate 470 is formed in a plate shape. Further, the shielding plate 470 is formed so as to project laterally and downward. It is desirable that the shielding plate 470 shields more than half of the area of the scroll merging surface 95 (see FIG. 3) in order to further block the flow.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper end surface 470s of the shielding plate 470 is at the same height as the upper end surface 401s of the diffuser vane 401. Further, the shielding plate 470 is formed so that the side end surface 470t (side end edge portion) and the lower end surface 470u (lower end edge portion) are curved along the scroll inner wall surface 79 (flow path wall surface) of the fan casing 52. There is. Further, the side end surface 470t and the lower end surface 470u are formed so as to abut the scroll inner wall surface 79. As a result, the shielding plate 470 can shield the scroll merging surface 95, and can suppress the backflow generated from the downstream to the upstream through the scroll merging surface 95 in the scroll flow path 70.

As shown in FIG. 8, a ridge portion 440 whose dimension changes from the center O is formed on the other side of the diffuser 400 in the axial direction. The ridge portion 440 is located radially inside the diffuser vanes 401 arranged in an annular shape. Further, the ridge portion 440 is located radially outside the screw insertion hole 430.

The ridge portion 440 has a shape in which a plurality of curves of curvature are connected so as not to be a perfect circle in a plan view from the axial direction Ax (see FIG. 4), and the radial center O of the diffuser 400 (hereinafter, the center O). It has a non-axisymmetric shape. The radial center O of the diffuser 400 coincides with the rotation shaft 101 of the electric motor 100.

The ridge portion 440 is formed to have the shortest distance R10 from the center O through the screw insertion hole 430A (430). Further, the ridge portion 440 is formed so that the distance R20 passing from the center O through the screw insertion hole 430B (430) is longer than the distance R10. Further, the ridge portion 440 is formed so that the distance R30 passing from the center O through the screw insertion hole 430C (430) is longer than the distance R20. Further, the ridge portion 440 is formed so that the distance R40 passing from the center O through the screw insertion hole 430D (430) is longer than the distance R30.

In this way, by making the ridge portion 440 non-axially symmetric with respect to the radial center O (hereinafter referred to as the center O) (rotation axis 101 of the electric motor 100) of the diffuser 400, the rotation axis is as described later. The radial distance from the radial center O of 101 (see FIG. 3) to the radial inner wall surface 73 (see FIG. 13) is shortened by ΔRsc, in (see FIG. 13), and the scroll flow path 70 (see FIG. 3). The scroll flow path 70 can be expanded without increasing in the radial direction of the centrifugal impeller 300 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the blower 22 can be miniaturized.

On the other side of the diffuser 400 in the axial direction, a diffuser outer back surface portion 450 is formed on the radial outer side of the ridge portion 440. The diffuser outer back surface portion 450 is formed in a substantially C shape in a plan view from the axial direction Ax (paper surface vertical direction). From the screw insertion hole 430C shown in FIG. 8 to the screw insertion hole 430D, the diffuser outer non-rear portion 451 is formed on the radial outer side of the ridge portion 440 from which the diffuser outer back surface portion 450 is not formed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ridge portion 440 is formed higher (longer) in the axial direction Ax than the screw insertion hole 430 from the back surface of the bottom plate 400a. Further, the ridge portion 440 fits into the fan casing recess 94 shown in FIG. Further, screw insertion holes 430 (430A to 430D) are located in the vicinity of the ridge portion 440 in the radial direction. The diffuser 400 is fixed to the fan casing 52 by inserting a screw (not shown) into the screw insertion hole 430 and screwing it into the screw hole 93 (see FIG. 3) of the fan casing 52.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an elastic sealing member 460 is provided inside the ridge portion 440 in the radial direction along the shape of the ridge portion 440. The seal member 460 is provided non-axisymmetric with respect to the center O (rotational shaft 101 of the motor 100) in order to follow the shape of the convex portion 440. By providing the seal member 460 at such a position, when the convex portion 440 is fitted into the fan casing recess 94 (see FIG. 3), the seal member 460 is elastically deformed and the fan casing 52 and the diffuser 400 are deformed. It is closely fixed.

As a result, the leakage flow generated between the fan casing 52 and the diffuser 400 due to the pressure difference in the scroll flow path 70 and the surface roughness in processing from the downstream side of the scroll flow path 70 to the upstream side where the pressure is lower than the downstream side. Can be suppressed.

Further, the diffuser 400 attached to the fan casing 52 is covered with the fan cover 51 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), so that the diffuser vane 401, the diffuser outer bottom surface portion 400c, and the fan cover 51 form the diffuser flow path 410 (FIG. 7). See) is formed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the meridional shape of the diffuser vane 401. In FIG. 10, the flow of the fluid is shown by two broken lines having different thicknesses.
The meridional surface shape of the diffuser vane 401 is such that the trailing edge 402 (see FIG. 7) side is gently inclined toward the scroll flow path 70 side (bottom side) in the axial direction Ax. In the present embodiment, the diffuser vane 401 has a shape extending toward the scroll flow path 70 side (bottom side), thereby forming a diffuser flow path 410 (see FIG. 7) that inclines and expands in the axial direction Ax. Due to this inclination, the flow from the substantially triangular continuous passage 420 (see FIG. 7) to the scroll flow path 70 can be smoothly (smoothly) turned to the scroll flow path 70 side in the axial direction Ax.

The meridional shape of the diffuser vane 401 shown in FIG. 10 of the present embodiment is not inclined on the upper edge 401a side of the diffuser vane 401. However, as shown in FIG. 11 of the modified example, the upper edge 401a side of the diffuser vane 401A may also be inclined toward the scroll flow path 70 side in the axial direction Ax. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the meridional shape of the diffuser vane 401A according to the modified example. Due to the configuration of the diffuser vane 401A of the modified example, the flow to the scroll flow path 70 can be turned more smoothly toward the scroll flow path 70 side in the axial direction Ax, and loss can be reduced.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the fan cover 51 is removed from the blower 22.
The central portion of the centrifugal impeller 300 is fixed to the rotating shaft 101 of the motor 100 (see FIG. 3). Further, the centrifugal impeller 300 is arranged on the bottom plate 400a (see FIG. 7) of the diffuser 400 fixed to the fan casing 52, and the diffuser vanes 401 are arranged all around the centrifugal impeller 300. At this time, the centrifugal impellers 300 are arranged at predetermined intervals so as not to come into contact with the respective diffuser vanes 401.

The shielding plate 470 is formed so as to project from the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the diffuser vane 401 arranged closest to the tongue end portion 71 toward the tongue end portion 71. In the diffuser vane 401 on which the shielding plate 470 is formed, the leading edge 412 is located on the upstream side of the scroll merging surface 95 (see FIG. 3), and the trailing edge 402 is located on the downstream side of the scroll merging surface 95. It is located in. Further, the shielding plate 470 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the diffuser vane 401 between the leading edge 412 and the trailing edge 402. Further, the tip of the shielding plate 470 is arranged in contact with the tip of the tongue end portion 71.

As a result, the air that has passed through the diffuser flow path 410 from the centrifugal impeller 300 is changed in the direction of flow by the shielding plate 470 as shown by the arrow S, and flows toward the introduction path 72. Further, the air flowing from the diffuser flow path 410 through the scroll flow path 70 is also blocked by the shielding plate 470 from the downstream side to the upstream side of the scroll flow path 70, and flows toward the introduction path 72. In this way, the shielding plate 470 regulates the backflow of air from the downstream to the upstream at the tongue end portion 71. This makes it possible to prevent backflow at the scroll merging surface 95 and improve the efficiency of the blower 22.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the shape of the scroll flow path 70. Note that FIG. 13 shows a state in which all the internal parts of the electric heater 24, the electric motor 100, the centrifugal impeller 300, and the diffuser 400 are removed from the fan casing 52. Further, in FIG. 13, the outer peripheral edge portion (outermost outer circumference) of the centrifugal impeller 300 is indicated by reference numeral 110, and the outer peripheral edge portion (outermost outer peripheral portion) of the diffuser 400 is indicated by reference numeral 111.
The blower 22 includes a scroll flow path 70 shown in FIG. 13 and a diffuser flow path 410 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the scroll flow path 70 means a flow path from the tongue end portion 71 to the casing discharge port 59 in the clockwise direction of FIG. Further, the scroll flow path 70 includes a scroll portion 75 (flow path portion) at the center and a discharge portion (discharge path) 76 at the discharge port. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the start end of the scroll flow path 70 on the tip side is referred to as the tongue end 71 (the position indicated by the point A) with respect to the rotation direction W of the centrifugal impeller 300. do.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is the outer circumference of the diffuser 400 in the radial direction, and substantially triangular passages 420 are formed side by side in the circumferential direction on the downstream side of the diffuser vane 401. The upstream side of the communication passage 420 communicates with the diffuser flow paths 410 surrounded by the adjacent diffuser vanes 401 and 401, the diffuser outer bottom surface portion 400c, and the fan cover 51 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in FIG. 13, when the centrifugal impeller 300 rotates in the W direction, air (fluid) is discharged from the outer circumference of the centrifugal impeller 300 to the diffuser flow path 410. As shown by the arrow α1 in FIG. 12, the discharged air passes through the diffuser flow path 410 and flows into the substantially triangular continuous passage 420. The air discharged through the communication passage 420 flows into the scroll flow path 70 (see FIG. 14) (the back side in the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. 13) provided on the back side of the diffuser 400.

The air flowing through the scroll flow path 70 shown in FIG. 13 passes through the scroll portion 75 and is discharged to the discharge portion 76. Then, the air that has passed through the discharge portion 76 passes through the casing discharge port 59 and is introduced into the introduction path 72. The discharge unit 76 means a scroll flow path 70 from the point B to the casing discharge port 59, starting from the point B.

Further, regarding the inner wall surface forming the scroll flow path 70, the wall surface on the side closer to the radial center O of the rotating shaft 101 in the radial direction is the radial inner wall surface 73, and the wall surface on the far side is the radial outer wall surface 74. .. In this case, the radial distance from the radial center O of the rotating shaft 101 to the radial inner wall surface 73 is ΔRsc, in, and the radial distance from the radial center O of the rotating shaft 101 to the radial outer wall surface 74 is ΔRsc, in. Let it be out.

Further, in the present embodiment, ΔRsc, in is partially reduced from the tongue end portion 71 toward the casing discharge port 59. As a result, the centrifugal impeller 300 overlaps the scroll flow path 70 in the axial direction Ax at least in a part of the region. In FIG. 13, the portion where the scroll flow path 70 overlaps with the centrifugal impeller 300 in the axial direction Ax is shown by an oblique line. Further, on the downstream side of the point B, ΔRsc, in gradually increases, and then the radial inner wall surface 73 coincides with the outer peripheral edge portion 110 of the centrifugal impeller 300.

From the tongue end portion 71 shown in FIG. 13 to the end point of the scroll portion 75 indicated by the point B (the position where the diffuser vane 401 starts to separate from the flow path wall surface of the fan casing 52), there is a section in which ΔRsc and out are constant. Further, from the point B to the casing discharge port 59, there is a section in which ΔRsc and out gradually expand (change). Further, the diffuser flow path 410 (the section from the point A to the point B) entirely overlaps the scroll flow path 70 in the axial direction Ax.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG.
The scroll flow path 70 is surrounded by a fan cover 51, a fan casing 52, and a diffuser outer back surface portion 450. Further, the upper surface of the diffuser vane 401 and the upper end surface 470s of the shielding plate 470 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) come into contact with the elastic member 90 provided on the fan cover 51 to suppress the air leakage flow of the diffuser flow path 410. ing. Note that FIG. 14 does not show a state in which the upper end surface 470s is in contact with the elastic member 90.

Here, the region 112 (hatching portion in FIG. 13) where the centrifugal impeller 300 overlaps the scroll flow path 70 in the axial direction Ax is from the radial center O of the rotating shaft 101 to the outer peripheral edge portion 110 of the centrifugal impeller 300. Assuming that the radial distance is R1, it means a region where R1> ΔRsc, in. The shaded area described with reference to FIG. 13 indicates a region 112 in which the centrifugal impeller 300 overlaps the scroll flow path 70 (scroll unit 75, discharge unit 76) in the axial direction Ax.

Similarly, the region where the diffuser flow path 410 and the scroll flow path 70 overlap in the axial direction Ax is R2, where R2 is the radial distance from the radial center O of the rotating shaft 101 to the outer peripheral edge portion 111 of the diffuser 400. It means a region where> ΔRsc, in.

As shown in FIG. 13, the scroll flow path 70 gradually expands the flow path cross-sectional area from the tongue end portion 71 to the casing discharge port 59. As described above, the entire scroll portion 75 has a section in which ΔRsc and out are constant, that is, a section in which ΔRsc and out increase is not provided, so that the size of the blower 22 in the radial direction is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to expand the cross-sectional area of the flow path by gradually reducing ΔRsc, in. This is because the scroll flow path 70 is not arranged on the rotating surface of the centrifugal impeller 300 (outside in the radial direction), but at a position shifted in the axial direction Ax from the rotating surface of the centrifugal impeller 300 (a position overlapping the axial direction Ax). This can be achieved by arranging the scroll flow path 70.

Further, by making ΔRsc, in smaller than the outer diameter (outer peripheral edge portion 110) of the centrifugal impeller 300, it is possible to suppress the height of the axial Ax of the flow path cross section while maintaining the same flow path cross-sectional area. It is possible to shorten the length of the axial direction Ax of the blower 22. That is, as ΔRsc, in is made smaller than the outer diameter of the centrifugal impeller 300 (outer peripheral edge 110), the volume of the flow path can be expanded in the radial direction of the centrifugal impeller 300. The height can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the centrifugal impeller 300 overlaps the scroll flow path 70 in the axial direction Ax in at least a part of the area (see FIG. 14), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the centrifugal impeller 300 overlaps in a plurality of areas and the entire circumference. You may. As a result, the shape of the scroll flow path 70 that flexibly corresponds to the space in which the blower 22 is installed can be realized. Further, when they overlap over the entire circumference, ΔRsc, out can be reduced as ΔRsc, in decreases, so that the size of the blower 22 in the radial direction can be further reduced.

<Air flow in the blower 22>
Next, the air flow in the blower 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the electric motor 100 is driven and the centrifugal impeller 300 coaxial with the rotating shaft 101 rotates, air flows into the centrifugal impeller 300 from the suction port 57 of the fan cover 51. The inflowing air is boosted and accelerated in the rotating centrifugal impeller 300, and discharged from the centrifugal impeller 300. The air discharged from the centrifugal impeller 300 is guided to the diffuser 400. When the air is decelerated in the diffuser flow path 410 of the diffuser 400, the kinetic energy of the discharged air is converted into pressure energy (referred to as pressure recovery), and the pressure is increased.

The air discharged from the diffuser flow path 410 is converted to the scroll flow path 70 side in the axial direction Ax by the communication passage 420 (see FIG. 12) connecting the diffuser flow path 410 and the scroll flow path 70, and the scroll flow path It flows into 70. The air flowing into the scroll flow path 70 travels while decelerating in the rotation direction W (see FIG. 13) of the centrifugal impeller 300, and passes through the scroll flow path 70 (scroll section 75 and discharge section 76) shown in FIG. It is discharged to the casing discharge port 59. The kinetic energy of the air traveling from the scroll flow path 70 toward the casing discharge port 59 is converted into pressure energy and further boosted.

The air discharged from the casing discharge port 59 passes through the introduction path 72, the electric heater 24 shown in FIG. 12, and is discharged from the discharge port 58 of the fan cover 51 shown in FIG. The air passing through the electric heater 24 is heated to a temperature suitable for drying.

Further, the diffuser flow path 410 and the scroll flow path 70 slow down the air flow from the centrifugal impeller 300. Further, by making the shape of the casing discharge port 59 shown in FIG. 12 substantially rectangular, the distribution of the air flowing into the electric heater 24 is made uniform. As a result, the pressure loss generated in the electric heater 24 can be reduced, and the efficiency of the blower can be improved.

Further, in the blower 22, the scroll flow path 70 is arranged on the electric motor 100 side (the side where the electric motor 100 is installed) in the axial direction Ax with respect to the centrifugal impeller 300, and the centrifugal impeller 300 and the electric motor 100 (brimmed portion 103) are arranged. ) (See FIG. 14). By forming the scroll flow path 70 between the centrifugal impeller 300 and the electric motor 100 in this way, it is possible to reduce the size of the blower 22 in the radial direction.

Further, in the scroll flow path 70, the scroll confluence surface 95 (see FIG. 3) is shielded by a shielding plate 470 (see FIG. 3). As a result, it is possible to prevent the air swirling from the diffuser flow path 410 via the scroll portion 75 from flowing back from the downstream to the upstream at the tongue end portion 71, thereby improving the efficiency of the blower 22. Can be done.

As shown in FIG. 14, the blower 22 is provided with an electric motor 100 having a rotating shaft 101 coaxial with the centrifugal impeller 300 on the opposite side of the fan casing 52 where the diffuser 400 is provided and the axial direction Ax. When fixing the motor 100 to the fan casing 52 by using it as a screw (not shown) in the screw insertion hole 104 (see FIG. 3) of the motor 100, the elastic bush 106 (vibration-proof rubber, see FIG. 3) is used to fix the motor 100 to the fan casing 52. Is fixed. The elastic bush 106 can absorb and alleviate the vibration generated from the electric motor 100 by the bush 106.

Further, in the case 102 of the electric motor 100, an annular recess 102a is formed around the rotating shaft 101 so that the concave surface faces the fan casing 52 side. A vibration-proof rubber 105 (elastic member) is provided in the recess 102a. The electric motor 100 is attached to the fan casing 52 via the anti-vibration rubber 105. Thereby, the vibration generated from the electric motor 100 can be alleviated.

By the way, in order to obtain good pressure recovery, it is desirable that the flow path cross-sectional area of the scroll flow path 70 gradually expands from the tongue end portion 71 to the casing discharge port 59. Therefore, in general, the radial outer wall surface 74 of the scroll flow path 70 is expanded radially outward, and ΔRsc, out (see FIG. 14) is increased from the tongue end portion 71 to the casing discharge port 59 to flow. We are trying to expand the road cross-sectional area. However, in this configuration, as the cross-sectional area of the flow path increases, the size of the scroll flow path 70 in the radial direction also increases, and the size of the blower 22 increases.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a section in which ΔRsc and out are constant (a diffuser vane 401 flows from the tongue end 71) from the tongue end 71 to the casing discharge port 59 in the scroll flow path 70. It has a point B away from the road wall surface), and ΔRsc, in is decreased from the tongue end portion 71 toward the start point of the discharge portion 76 (the end point of the scroll portion 75 or the position of the point B). As a result, the cross-sectional area of the flow path can be gradually expanded without increasing the scroll flow path 70 in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 101, and the scroll flow path 70 that performs good pressure recovery can be realized.

As described above, the blower 22 of the first embodiment includes the electric motor 100, the rotating shaft 101 rotatably provided on the electric motor 100, the centrifugal impeller 300 provided on the rotating shaft 101, and the outer periphery of the centrifugal impeller 300. The diffuser flow path 410 provided in the above, and the scroll flow path 70 provided downstream of the diffuser flow path 410 are provided. A shielding plate 470 is provided on the scroll confluence surface 95 of the scroll flow path 70 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 7). According to this, since the backflow from the downstream to the upstream passing through the scroll confluence surface 95 (see FIG. 3) can be suppressed, the loss can be reduced and the efficiency of the blower 22 can be improved. can.

Further, in the first embodiment, the shielding plate 470 is provided in the parts constituting the diffuser flow path 410 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). According to this, since the gap between the shielding plate 470 and the diffuser 400 can be eliminated, backflow between the shielding plate 470 and the diffuser 400 can be prevented.

Further, in the first embodiment, the shielding plate 470 shields more than half of the flow path cross-sectional area of the scroll flow path 70 (see FIG. 9). According to this, the backflow of the air flowing around the scroll portion 75 can be effectively suppressed.

Further, in the first embodiment, the upper end surface 470s of the shielding plate 470 has the same height as the upper end surface (upper surface) 401s of the diffuser vane 401 of the diffuser flow path 410 (see FIG. 9). According to this, the backflow at the scroll merging surface 95 can be suppressed more reliably.

Further, in the first embodiment, the side end surface 470t (side end edge portion) and the lower end surface 470u (lower end edge portion) of the shielding plate 470 are in contact with the scroll inner wall surface 79 (flow path wall surface) of the scroll flow path 70. (See FIGS. 4 and 9). According to this, the backflow at the scroll merging surface 95 can be suppressed more reliably.

Further, in the first embodiment, the blower 22 is provided in the washing machine S (see FIG. 1). As a result, the input power to the blower 22 during the drying operation can be reduced by improving the efficiency, so that the washing machine S with reduced power consumption can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a fan casing 52A which is a main part of the blower according to the second embodiment.
The blower of the second embodiment is provided with a shielding plate 470A (shielding member) similar to the shielding plate 470 of the first embodiment on the fan casing 52A side. Other parts not shown in FIG. 15 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The shielding plate 470A is formed so as to face the scroll inner wall surface 79 (see FIG. 14) from the tongue end 71 at the position of the scroll confluence surface 95 (see FIGS. 3 and 13) of the fan casing 52A. Further, the shielding plate 470A is integrally resin-molded with the fan casing 52A. Further, when the diffuser 400 is attached to the fan casing 52A, the upper end surface 470s of the shielding plate 470A is at the same height as the upper end surface 401s of the diffuser vane 401. Further, when the diffuser 400 is attached to the fan casing 52A, the side end surface 470t of the shielding plate 470A is arranged in a state of being in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the diffuser vane 401. Further, the lower end surface of the shielding plate 470A extends from the scroll inner wall surface 79 and is integrally formed.

In the second embodiment, the shielding plate 470A is provided on the component constituting the scroll flow path 70. According to this, even if the position of the diffuser vane 401 in the circumferential direction is changed, the backflow from the downstream to the upstream passing through the scroll merging surface 95 (see FIG. 3) can be surely suppressed.

The shielding plate 470A may not be integrally molded with the fan casing 52A, but may be a separate part. For example, the shielding plate 470A may be fitted with the fan casing 52A, or may be fitted with the diffuser 400.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a diffuser which is a main part of the blower according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the diffuser of FIG. 16 when viewed from the back surface side.
As shown in FIG. 16, the shielding plate 470B (shielding member) is provided on the diffuser 400B as in the first embodiment. The shielding plate 470B is integrally formed with the diffuser 400B by resin molding. Further, the shielding plate 470B is formed in a plate shape and extends from the diffuser vane 401 toward the tongue end portion 71. Further, the surface 470 m facing the outlet side (discharge portion 76 side) of the shielding plate 470B is formed so as to be flush with the inner wall surface 72s of the introduction path 72 (flow path).

By forming the shielding plate 470B on the diffuser 400B in this way, it is possible to suppress the backflow from the downstream to the upstream passing through the scroll merging surface 95 (see FIG. 3), so that the loss can be reduced. The efficiency of the blower 22 can be improved. Further, by making the surface 470 m on the outlet side of the shielding plate 470B and the inner wall surface 72s of the introduction path 72 flush with each other, the air flowing around the scroll flow path 70 collides with the tongue end portion 71. It can be suppressed, the loss can be further reduced, and the efficiency of the blower 22 can be improved.

In the third embodiment, the case where the shielding plate 470B is provided on the diffuser 400B has been described as an example, but the shielding plate 470B may be provided on the fan casing 52 side as in the second embodiment. Alternatively, it may be composed of parts separate from the diffuser 400B and the fan casing 52.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the scroll flow path 70 is provided so as to overlap the diffuser 400 in the axial direction has been described as an example, but the scroll flow path 70 is radially outside (outer peripheral side) of the diffuser 400. ) May be provided.

22 Blower 24 Electric heater 52 Fan casing 70 Scroll flow path 72 Introduction path (flow path)
72s Inner wall surface 75 Scroll part (scroll flow path)
76 Discharge section (scroll flow path)
79 Scroll inner wall surface (flow path wall surface)
95 Scroll confluence surface (flow path confluence)
100 Motor 101 Rotating shaft 300 Centrifugal impeller (impeller)
400 Diffuser 401 Diffuser vane 410 Diffuser flow path 470, 470A, 470B Shielding plate (shielding member)
470m Exit side surface 470s Upper end surface 470t Side end surface (side end edge)
470u lower end surface (lower end edge)
S washing machine

Claims (8)

With an electric motor
A rotating shaft rotatably provided on the motor and
An impeller provided on the rotating shaft and
A diffuser flow path provided on the outer circumference of the impeller and
A scroll flow path provided downstream of the diffuser flow path is provided.
A blower characterized in that a shielding member is provided at a flow path confluence portion of the scroll flow path. In the blower according to claim 1,
The blower is characterized in that the shielding member is provided on a component constituting the diffuser flow path. In the blower according to claim 1,
The blower is characterized in that the shielding member is provided on a component constituting the scroll flow path. In the blower according to claim 1,
The shielding member is a blower characterized in that it shields more than half of the flow path cross-sectional area of the scroll flow path. In the blower according to claim 1,
A blower characterized in that the upper end surface of the shielding member has the same height as the diffuser vane of the diffuser flow path. In the blower according to claim 2,
A blower characterized in that the side end edge portion and the lower end edge portion of the shielding member are in contact with the flow path wall surface of the scroll flow path. In the blower according to claim 1,
It has a flow path having an outlet of the scroll flow path, and has a flow path.
The flow path has a flow path wall surface formed extending from the tongue end portion of the scroll flow path.
The blower is characterized in that the shielding member is formed so as to be flush with the wall surface of the flow path. A washing machine provided with the blower according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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