JP7348817B2 - blower - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a blower.

Patent Document 1 discloses a suction type blower. The blower includes a centrifugal fan, a housing, a volute, and a main grip. The housing has an intake port to which a suction nozzle can be attached, and accommodates a centrifugal fan. The volute is integrally formed with the housing. The volute is fed by air pumped by a centrifugal fan. The main grip is held by an operator.

Utility Model Publication No. 6-76419

A typical blower is designed so that the distance between the inner surface of the housing and the centrifugal fan is narrow in order to increase the air blowing efficiency of the blower. In the above-mentioned blower, a suction operation for sucking up fallen leaves and the like on the ground is performed while the main grip is held by the operator. In this case, for example, when the tip of the suction nozzle is pressed against the ground by a worker, the volute may be deformed. In this case, the position of the housing relative to the centrifugal fan changes and the centrifugal fan contacts the housing. This specification discloses a technique that can suppress contact between a centrifugal fan and a housing that occurs due to deformation of a volute.

This specification discloses a blower. The blower includes a centrifugal fan, a housing, a volute, a main grip, and a reinforced structure. The housing has an air intake port to which a nozzle can be attached, and houses a centrifugal fan. The volute is formed integrally with the housing, and air blown by the centrifugal fan flows through the volute. The main grip is held by an operator. A reinforcing structure is formed on the outer surface of the volute.

In the above configuration, since the reinforcing structure is formed on the outer surface of the volute, deformation of the volute is suppressed even if, for example, the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground by an operator during a suction operation. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the position of the housing relative to the centrifugal fan from changing, and to suppress the centrifugal fan from coming into contact with the housing.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blower 2 in the ventilation mode of the first embodiment. It is a sectional view of the vicinity of the motor 70 of the blower 2 in the ventilation mode of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the blower 2 in the ventilation mode of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the blower 2 in the ventilation mode of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 2 in the ventilation mode of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle 80 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle 80 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blower 2 in the suction mode of the first embodiment.

In one or more embodiments, a blower may include a centrifugal fan, a housing, a volute, a main grip, and a reinforcement structure. The housing has an air inlet to which a nozzle can be attached and may house a centrifugal fan. The volute is integrally formed with the housing and may be flown with air pumped by a centrifugal fan. The main grip may be held by an operator. The reinforcing structure may be formed on the outer surface of the volute.

In the above configuration, since the reinforcing structure is formed on the outer surface of the volute, deformation of the volute is suppressed even if, for example, the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground by an operator during a suction operation. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the position of the housing relative to the centrifugal fan from changing, and to suppress the centrifugal fan from coming into contact with the housing.

In one or more embodiments, when the main grip is grasped by the operator such that the inlet is positioned opposite the operator, the reinforcing structure is positioned opposite the operator. Good too.

When the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, the volute on the intake port side deforms, changing the position of the housing on the intake port side with respect to the centrifugal fan, and the centrifugal fan comes into contact with the housing on the intake port side. In the above configuration, the reinforcing structure is located on the same side as the air intake. Therefore, even if the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, deformation of the volute on the intake port side can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the position of the housing on the intake port side with respect to the centrifugal fan from changing, and to suppress the centrifugal fan from coming into contact with the housing on the intake port side.

In one or more embodiments, the reinforcing structure may be formed by a plurality of ribs.

With the above configuration, deformation of the volute can be suppressed due to the simple configuration.

In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow within the volute.

When the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, the volute deforms significantly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow within the volute. As a result, the housing is deformed in a direction toward the centrifugal fan, and the centrifugal fan comes into contact with the housing. If each of the plurality of ribs extends in the direction along the air flow direction within the volute, when the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, the volute will deform in the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction. cannot be adequately suppressed. In the above configuration, since each of the plurality of ribs extends in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction, deformation of the volute in the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction can be sufficiently suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the housing from deforming in a direction toward the centrifugal fan, and to sufficiently suppress the centrifugal fan from coming into contact with the housing.

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of adjacent ribs may be spaced apart by an angle of 5 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less about the central axis of the centrifugal fan.

If the distance between adjacent ribs is smaller than an angle of 5°, deformation of the volute can be sufficiently suppressed, but this is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the volute, and the weight of the volute increases. Furthermore, if the interval between adjacent ribs is greater than an angle of 30°, for example, if the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, deformation of the volute cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In the above configuration, since the interval between adjacent ribs is 5° or more and the angle is 30° or less, deformation of the volute can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute can be suppressed. .

In one or more embodiments, the width of the ribs in the direction of air flow within the volute may be greater than or equal to 1 millimeter and less than or equal to 5 millimeters.

When the width of the rib is less than 1 mm, the rib itself does not have sufficient rigidity, and deformation of the volute cannot be sufficiently suppressed. Also, if the width of the ribs is greater than 5 millimeters, the weight of the volute increases. In the above configuration, since the width of the rib is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, deformation of the volute can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the height from the outer surface of the volute to the tip of the rib may be greater than or equal to 2 millimeters and less than or equal to 10 millimeters.

When the height of the rib is less than 2 mm, the rib itself does not have enough rigidity, and deformation of the volute cannot be sufficiently suppressed. Also, if the height of the ribs is greater than 10 mm, the weight of the volute increases. In the above configuration, since the height of the rib is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, deformation of the volute can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the blower may further include a sub-grip that is gripped by the operator. When looking at the blower toward the air intake, the air intake may be located between the main grip and the subgrip. The plurality of ribs may be arranged closer to the main grip between the main grip and the sub grip.

Since the main grip is often held by the worker's dominant hand, when the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, the nozzle is often pressed against the ground from the main grip side. Therefore, the closer the area is to the main grip, the greater the external force applied to the volute becomes, and the more easily the volute deforms. In the above configuration, since the ribs are arranged closer to the main grip than the sub grip, deformation of the volute can be efficiently suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the volute may have an outlet. The plurality of ribs may be arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path within the volute is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port.

The wider the air flow path within the volute, the wider the volute. In areas where the volute is wide, the volute is more likely to deform. In the above configuration, since the plurality of ribs are arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path in the volute is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port, deformation of the volute can be effectively suppressed. can.

In one or more embodiments, the blower may further include a tongue disposed within the volute and defining a portion of the air flow path within the volute. The plurality of ribs may be arranged upstream of the tongue with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing through the volute.

The tongue defines a portion of the air flow path within the volute. In this case, even if the tip of the nozzle is pressed against the ground, the tongue suppresses deformation of the volute in the vicinity of the tongue. In the above configuration, the plurality of ribs are located upstream of the tongue with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing through the volute, so the ribs are part of the area where the deformation of the volute is not suppressed by the tongue. Deformation of the upstream volute can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, a blower may include a fan, a casing, and a nozzle. The casing has an outlet and may house a fan. The nozzle may be attachable to the outlet. The nozzle may include a nozzle pipe through which air flows, and a plate member disposed inside the nozzle pipe. The plate member may have a vortex generating mechanism on the upstream side in the air flow direction within the nozzle pipe.

Air flowing into the nozzle pipe flows around the plate member. In this case, the air excites vibrations in the plate member. If the plate member does not have a vortex generation mechanism on its upstream side, the plate member may resonate and generate large noise depending on the air volume of the blower. In the above configuration, since the plate member has the vortex generation mechanism on its upstream side, when air flows around the plate member, a Karman vortex is generated. Thereby, resonance of the plate member can be suppressed, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the vortex generating mechanism may include a notch formed in the plate member.

In the above configuration, resonance of the plate member can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the vortex generating mechanism may include dimples formed in the plate member.

In the above configuration, resonance of the plate member can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the vortex generating mechanism may include a portion of the plate member having a surface roughness Ra of 0.1 or more.

In the above configuration, when air flows around the plate member, the Karman vortex is more stable than when the vortex generation mechanism includes a portion of the plate member whose surface roughness Ra is smaller than 0.1. It is formed. Thereby, the resonance of the plate member can be stably suppressed, and the generation of noise can be stably suppressed.

In one or more embodiments, the width of the plate member in the direction of air flow may be greater than or equal to 10% of the inner diameter of the nozzle tube.

If the width of the plate member is smaller than 10% of the inner diameter of the nozzle pipe, the strength of the plate member is insufficient. In the above configuration, since the width of the plate member is 10% or more of the inner diameter of the nozzle pipe, the strength of the plate member can be ensured.

In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the plate member may be greater than or equal to 1% and less than or equal to 8% of the inner diameter of the nozzle tube when looking at the nozzle in the direction of air flow.

If the thickness of the plate member is less than 1% of the inner diameter of the nozzle pipe, the strength of the plate member is insufficient. Furthermore, if the thickness of the plate member is greater than 8% of the inner diameter of the nozzle pipe, the flow path resistance within the nozzle pipe increases. In the above configuration, the thickness of the plate member is 1% or more and 8% or less of the inner diameter of the nozzle pipe, which ensures the strength of the plate member and prevents the flow path resistance in the nozzle pipe from becoming too large. Can be suppressed.

(First example)
A blower 2 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Blower 2 is a hand-held blower. The blower 2 has an air blowing mode and a suction mode. When the blower 2 is used in the ventilation mode, the blower 2 can blow away fallen leaves and the like on the ground. When the blower 2 is used in suction mode, the blower 2 can suck and collect fallen leaves and the like on the ground. Hereinafter, the direction in which a shaft 70a of a motor 70 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, extends will be referred to as the left-right direction, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction will be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the up-down direction. .

1 to 7 illustrate the configuration of the blower 2 when used in the blowing mode. As shown in FIG. 1, the blower 2 includes a casing 4, a leg member 16, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) batteries B, a trigger 24, and a main power switch 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 4 includes a left casing 4a and a right casing 4b. The left casing 4a forms the outer shape of the left half of the casing 4. The right casing 4b forms the outer shape of the right half of the casing 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 4 includes a main casing 6, a side casing 8, a front connection part 10, a rear connection part 12, and a main grip 14. The side casing 8 is fixed to the left side surface of the main casing 6 with screws.

The front connection part 10 extends upward from the front upper part of the main casing 6. The rear connecting portion 12 extends upward from the rear upper portion of the main casing 6 . The main grip 14 extends from the rear upper part of the front connecting part 10 to the front upper part of the rear connecting part 12. The main grip 14 is arranged above the main casing 6. The main grip 14 is held by an operator. The leg member 16 is fixed to the lower part of the main casing 6. When the blower 2 is placed on the ground, only the leg members 16 contact the ground. The leg member 16 includes a sub-grip 18. When the blower 2 is placed on the ground, the sub-grip 18 is separated from the ground. When lifting the blower 2 placed on the ground, the operator can hold the blower 2 by gripping the main grip 14 with one hand, or can hold the main grip 14 with one hand and lifting the blower 2 with the other hand. The blower 2 can also be held by grasping the sub-grip 18 with one's hand.

Two batteries B are removably attached to the front surface of the main casing 6. The two batteries B are electrically connected in series. Note that in a modification, the two batteries B may be electrically connected in parallel. Battery B is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery.

A trigger 24 is attached to the main grip 14. The trigger 24 is pushed in by the fingers of the operator's hand grasping the main grip 14.

The main power switch 26 is arranged on an inner surface 28 formed by the side casing 8 and the main casing 6. The middle surface 28 faces upward. The middle surface 28 is arranged on the lower left side of the main grip 14. The main power switch 26 is operated by the operator's hand opposite to the hand gripping the main grip 14. The main power switch 26 is a switch that switches the blower 2 between an on state and an off state. When the blower 2 is in the off state, rotation of a motor 70, which will be described later, is prohibited. In this case, even if the trigger 24 is pressed, the motor 70 does not rotate. On the other hand, when the blower 2 is in the on state, rotation of the motor 70 is allowed. In this case, when the trigger 24 is pressed, the motor 70 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 4 includes a housing 32, a volute 34, and a tongue portion 36 (see FIG. 5). The housing 32 has a fan housing chamber 40 therein. The volute 34 is integrally formed with the housing 32. The volute 34 is disposed on the radial outer side of the housing 32 with respect to the radial direction of the central axis AX extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the volute 34 extends spirally around the central axis AX. The volute 34 has an air passage 42 inside thereof through which air flows. The air passage 42 of the volute 34 communicates with a fan housing chamber 40 of the housing 32 . The air flow path 42 extends spirally around the central axis AX. On the downstream side of the starting point P1 of the air flow path 42, the inner air flow path 42 and the outer air flow path 42 are lined up in the radial direction of the central axis AX. When the blower 2 is viewed to the right, the air flow path 42 extends counterclockwise from the inside to the outside. When the blower 2 is viewed to the right, the width of the air flow path 42 becomes wider as it moves counterclockwise. The air flow path 42 communicates with the outside of the blower 2 via the discharge port 64 of the volute 34 . The tongue 36 is located inside the volute 34. The tongue portion 36 projects from the right inner surface of the volute 34 toward the left side. The tongue portion 36 defines a space between the inner air flow path 42 and the outer air flow path 42 on the downstream side of the starting point P1 of the air flow path 42 . The height of the tongue portion 36 that protrudes toward the left side from the right inner surface of the volute 34 gradually increases as it moves through the air flow path 42 toward the discharge port 64.

As shown in FIG. 3, the blower 2 includes a reinforcing structure 46. A reinforcing structure 46 is formed on the outer surface of the volute 34 in the right casing 4b. The reinforcing structure 46 is formed by a plurality of ribs 50. Each of the plurality of ribs 50 includes a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. The first portion 52 extends in the left-right direction on the rear surface of the volute 34. Note that the rear surface of the volute 34 here refers to the outer surface of the volute 34 that is visible when the blower 2 is viewed from the rear side. Further, the second portion 54 extends from the right end of the first portion 52 on the right side surface of the volute 34 . The height Hr from the right side surface of the volute 34 to the right end of the rib 50 is 5 mm. In addition, in a modified example, the height Hr may be 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the blower 2 is viewed toward the left, the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged radially around the central axis AX. The plurality of ribs 50 are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The interval between adjacent ribs 50 is an angle of 10° around the central axis AX. In addition, in a modified example, the interval between adjacent ribs 50 may be an angle of 5° or more and 30° or less with respect to the center axis AX. Further, the distance between the ribs 50 arranged on both end sides with respect to the center axis AX is an angle of 50° with respect to the center axis AX. In addition, in the modified example, the distance between the ribs 50 arranged on both end sides with respect to the center axis AX may be an angle of 40° or more and 120° or less with respect to the center axis AX. good. The plurality of ribs 50 are arranged in line with respect to the air flow direction of the air flow path 42. The distance Dr between adjacent ribs 50 is 50 mm. In addition, in a modified example, the distance Dr between adjacent ribs 50 may be 10 mm or more and 60 mm. Note that the distance Dr between adjacent ribs 50 refers to the distance between the ribs 50 at the position furthest from the center axis AX in the radial direction. Further, the distance between the ribs 50 at the position closest to the center axis AX in the radial direction is 25 mm. Further, in the radial direction of the center axis AX, the distance between the ribs 50 at the center position of the ribs 50 is 30 mm.

The second portion 54 of the rib 50 has a constant width Wr with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing through the air flow path 42. The width Wr of the second portion 54 of the rib 50 is 2 mm. In addition, in a modified example, the width Wr of the second portion 54 of the rib 50 may be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged closer to the main grip 14 than the sub grip 18. In addition, in FIG. 4, the sub-grip 18 is illustrated by a broken line in order to make it easier to understand the position of the sub-grip 18. Moreover, the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged on the upper half side of the volute 34 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged on the upstream side of the air flow path 42 rather than the tongue portion 36. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 5, the plurality of ribs 50 are illustrated by broken lines in order to make it easier to understand the positions of the plurality of ribs 50. The plurality of ribs 50 are arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path 42 of the volute 34 is 50% of the width of the discharge port 64. In addition, in a modified example, the plurality of ribs 50 may be arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path 42 of the volute 34 is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port 64. may be arranged in a region where the width thereof is 40% or more of the width of the discharge port 64.

As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 4 includes a motor housing chamber 60 and an intake port 62. The motor housing chamber 60 is defined by the main casing 6 and the side casings 8. The motor housing chamber 60 is arranged on the left side of the fan housing chamber 40. The intake port 62 is arranged on the right side surface of the housing 32 in the right casing 4b. Inlet 62 is located on the same side as reinforcing structure 46 . The intake port 62 passes through the right side surface of the housing 32. The intake port 62 communicates with the fan housing chamber 40 .

The blower 2 further includes a cover 68, a motor 70, a control board 72, a centrifugal fan 74, and blades 76. Cover 68 is arranged on the right side of housing 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 68 is rotatable relative to the housing 32 around a rotation axis RX that extends in the vertical direction. A cover 68 covers the intake port 62. A large number of small openings are formed in the cover 68.

As shown in FIG. 2, the motor 70 and the control board 72 are arranged in the motor housing chamber 60. The motor 70 is a prime mover, and is, for example, a brushless motor. Note that in a modified example, the motor 70 may be an engine or a brushed motor. The motor 70 is rotated by power from two batteries B. The vicinity of the right end of the shaft 70a of the motor 70 extends to the fan housing chamber 40. The control board 72 controls the rotation of the motor 70 in response to the operation of the trigger 24.

Centrifugal fan 74 and blades 76 are arranged in fan housing chamber 40 . The centrifugal fan 74 is fitted near the right end of the shaft 70a. When the motor 70 rotates, the centrifugal fan 74 rotates around the central axis AX. As a result, air passes through the intake port 62 and flows from the outside of the blower 2 to the fan housing chamber 40 inside the housing 32 . Thereafter, the centrifugal fan 74 sends the air radially outward of the central axis AX. The blade 76 is fitted near the right end of the shaft 70a. The blades 76 are arranged closer to the intake port 62 than the centrifugal fan 74 . When the motor 70 rotates, the blade 76 rotates around the central axis AX together with the centrifugal fan 74. This crushes dust (for example, fallen leaves and pebbles) that enters the fan housing chamber 40 from the air intake port 62 along with the air. As a result, the centrifugal fan 74 can be prevented from being damaged by dust.

As shown in FIG. 1, a nozzle 80 is removably attached to the discharge port 64 of the volute 34. As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle 80 includes a nozzle pipe 82 and a plate member 84. The nozzle pipe 82 is a cylinder extending in the longitudinal direction. Air that has passed through the discharge port 64 flows into the nozzle pipe 82 . The plate member 84 is arranged inside the nozzle pipe 82. The plate member 84 prevents the operator's hand from reaching the centrifugal fan 74 when the operator inserts his or her hand through the opening at the tip of the nozzle pipe 82 . The plate member 84 is arranged near the center of the nozzle pipe 82 in the longitudinal direction. The length L1 of the plate member 84 is the same as the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82 in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air in the nozzle pipe 82. The length L1 of the plate member 84 and the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82 are 82 mm. A vortex generating mechanism 88 is formed at the upstream end of the plate member 84 with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing through the nozzle pipe 82 . In this embodiment, the vortex generating mechanism 88 includes a notch 90 formed in the upstream end of the plate member 84. In the radial direction of the nozzle pipe 82, the notches 90 are formed at a plurality of locations on the plate member 84.

With respect to the air flow direction, the width W1 of the plate member 84 is 15 millimeters. In a modified example, the width W1 of the plate member 84 may be 10 mm or more. Further, the width W1 of the plate member 84 is 20% of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82. In addition, in a modified example, the width W1 of the plate member 84 may be 10% or more of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, or may be 20% or more of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the plate member 84 is viewed toward the front, the plate member 84 has a cross shape in which four plates are arranged at intervals of 90° from each other. In a modified example, the plate member 84 may be composed of one or three plates, or may be composed of five or more plates. The thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is 2 mm. The thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is 2.5% of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82. In addition, in a modified example, the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 may be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. Further, the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 may be 1% or more and 8% or less of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82.

Next, the blowing operation of the blower 2 when used in the blowing mode will be described. When the blower 2 is used in the ventilation mode, the main grip 14 is held by the operator. When the operator presses the trigger 24 to rotate the motor 70, the centrifugal fan 74 rotates around the shaft 70a. As a result, air flows toward the left side from the intake port 62 and flows into the fan housing chamber 40 inside the housing 32 . The air that has entered the fan storage chamber 40 is sent out radially outward of the central axis AX by the centrifugal fan 74 and passes through the air flow path 42 of the volute 34. Since the reinforcement structure 46 is formed on the outer surface of the volute 34, air flows through the air passage 42 without being affected by the reinforcement structure 46. Further, since the height of the tongue portion 36 gradually increases in the air flow direction of the air flow path 42, turbulence occurs in the air flow compared to a case where the height of the tongue portion 36 is constant. hard. The air flowing through the air flow path 42 flows toward the discharge port 64 and then flows into the nozzle pipe 82. The air that has entered the nozzle pipe 82 flows around the plate member 84 . In this case, the vibration of the plate member 84 is excited by the air flowing around the plate member 84. If the plate member 84 is not provided with the vortex generating mechanism 88 on its upstream side, when a specific flow rate of air among the set flow rates of the blower 2 flows through the nozzle pipe 82, the plate member 84 resonates and a large noise is generated. This may occur. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the plate member 84 is provided with the vortex generating mechanism 88 on its upstream side, when air flows around the plate member 84, a Karman vortex is formed. As a result, even if air flows through the nozzle pipe 82 within the set flow rate of the blower 2, resonance of the plate member 84 is suppressed and noise generation is suppressed. The air that has flowed around the plate member 84 blows out from the opening at the tip of the nozzle pipe 82 .

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the configuration of the blower 2 when used in the suction mode will be described. Some of the components of the blower 2 when used in the suction mode are different from some of the components of the blower 2 when used in the ventilation mode. As shown in FIG. 8, the blower 2 includes a suction nozzle 92, a joint 94, a flexible nozzle 96, a dust bag 98, and a harness 100 instead of the nozzle 80. The suction nozzle 92 is removably attached to the housing 32 at the periphery of the intake port 62 (not shown in FIG. 8) with the cover 68 open.

Although not shown, the joint 94 is inserted into the discharge port 64. A flexible nozzle 96 is attached to the tip of the joint 94. A dust bag 98 is attached to the other end of the flexible nozzle 96. Both ends of the harness 100 are removably attached to the casing 4. Harness 100 is removably attached to dust bag 98 at any position between the ends.

The suction operation of the blower 2 when used in the suction mode will be explained. In the following, a case where fallen leaves on the ground are sucked by the blower 2 will be described as an example. When the blower 2 is used in suction mode, the main grip 14 and the sub-grip 18 are held by the operator. In this case, the air inlet 62 and reinforcing structure 46 are located on the side opposite the operator. Further, the harness 100 is worn over the shoulder of the worker. When the operator presses the trigger 24 to rotate the motor 70, the centrifugal fan 74 and blades 76 rotate around the shaft 70a. From this state, when the tip opening of the suction nozzle 92 faces the ground, fallen leaves on the ground flow from the suction nozzle 92, through the intake port 62, and into the fan storage chamber 40. The fallen leaves are crushed by the blade 76. Thereafter, the crushed fallen leaves sequentially pass through the air flow path 42, the discharge port 64, the joint 94, and the flexible nozzle 96, and are collected in the dust bag 98.

During the suction operation of the blower 2, the tip of the suction nozzle 92 may be pressed against the ground by the operator. In this case, a reaction force that presses the suction nozzle 92 against the ground is applied to the suction nozzle 92. As described above, since the reinforcing structure 46 is formed on the volute 34, the volute 34 does not deform significantly even when force is applied to the suction nozzle 92. As a result, the position of the housing 32 relative to the centrifugal fan 74 does not change significantly. As a result, the rotating centrifugal fan 74 is prevented from coming into contact with the housing 32.

In this embodiment, the blower 2 includes a centrifugal fan 74, a housing 32, a volute 34, a main grip 14, and a reinforcing structure 46. The housing 32 has an intake port 62 to which a suction nozzle 92 can be attached, and accommodates a centrifugal fan 74. The volute 34 is formed integrally with the housing 32, and air sent out by the centrifugal fan 74 flows through the volute 34. The main grip 14 is held by an operator. As shown in FIG. 4, reinforcing structure 46 is formed on the outer surface of volute 34. As shown in FIG. In this configuration, since the reinforcing structure 46 is formed on the outer surface of the volute 34, even if the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground by an operator during suction operation using the blower 2, the volute 34 will not be deformed. It is restrained from doing so. Thereby, the position of the housing 32 relative to the centrifugal fan 74 can be prevented from changing, and the centrifugal fan 74 can be prevented from coming into contact with the housing 32.

Further, when the main grip 14 is gripped by the worker so that the air intake port 62 is arranged on the opposite side from the worker, the reinforcing structure 46 is arranged on the opposite side from the worker. When the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, the volute 34 on the intake port 62 side deforms, and the position of the housing 32 on the intake port 62 side relative to the centrifugal fan 74 changes, and the centrifugal fan 74 moves toward the intake port 62. contact the housing 32 on the side. In the above configuration, the reinforcing structure 46 is located on the same side as the air inlet 62. Therefore, even if the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, deformation of the volute 34 on the intake port 62 side can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the position of the housing 32 on the intake port 62 side with respect to the centrifugal fan 74 from changing, and to suppress the centrifugal fan 74 from coming into contact with the housing 32 on the intake port 62 side.

Further, the reinforcing structure 46 is formed by a plurality of ribs 50. With this configuration, deformation of the volute 34 can be suppressed due to the simple structure.

Further, each of the plurality of ribs 50 extends in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air within the volute 34. When the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, the volute 34 is significantly deformed in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air within the volute. As a result, the housing 32 is deformed in a direction approaching the centrifugal fan 74, and the centrifugal fan 74 comes into contact with the housing 32. If each of the plurality of ribs 50 extends in the direction along the flow direction of the air in the volute 34, when the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air, Deformation of the volute 34 cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In the above configuration, since each of the plurality of ribs 50 extends in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction, it is possible to sufficiently suppress deformation of the volute 34 in the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction. can. Thereby, deformation of the housing 32 in the direction toward the centrifugal fan 74 can be sufficiently suppressed, and contact of the centrifugal fan 74 with the housing 32 can be sufficiently suppressed.

Further, the interval Dr between the plurality of ribs 50 adjacent to each other is an angle of 5° or more and 30° or less with respect to the central axis AX of the centrifugal fan 74. When the distance Dr between adjacent ribs 50 is smaller than an angle of 5°, deformation of the volute 34 can be suppressed, but this is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the volute 34, and the weight of the volute 34 increases. do. Furthermore, if the distance Dr between adjacent ribs 50 is larger than an angle of 30°, deformation of the volute 34 when the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, for example, cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In the above configuration, since the interval Dr between the adjacent ribs 50 is at least 5 degrees and at an angle of at most 30 degrees, deformation of the volute 34 is sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute 34 is suppressed. can do.

Further, the width Wr of the rib 50 in the direction of air flow within the volute 34 is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. When the width Wr of the rib 50 is smaller than 1 mm, the rib 50 itself does not have enough rigidity, and deformation of the volute 34 cannot be sufficiently suppressed. Further, when the width Wr of the rib 50 is larger than 5 mm, the weight of the volute 34 increases. In the above configuration, since the width Wr of the rib 50 is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, deformation of the volute 34 can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute 34 can be suppressed.

Further, the height Hr from the outer surface of the volute 34 to the tip of the rib 50 is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When the height Hr of the rib 50 is less than 2 mm, the rib 50 itself does not have enough rigidity, and deformation of the volute 34 cannot be sufficiently suppressed. Further, when the height Hr of the rib 50 is greater than 10 mm, the weight of the volute 34 increases. In the above configuration, since the height Hr of the rib 50 is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, deformation of the volute 34 can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in the weight of the volute 34 can be suppressed. .

Further, the blower 2 further includes a sub-grip 18 that is gripped by an operator. As shown in FIG. 4, when the blower 2 is viewed toward the intake port 62, the intake port 62 is located between the main grip 14 and the subgrip 18. The plurality of ribs 50 are arranged closer to the main grip 14 between the main grip 14 and the sub-grip 18. Since the main grip 14 is often held by the worker's dominant hand, when the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, the suction nozzle 92 is often pressed against the ground from the main grip 14 side. Therefore, the closer the area is to the main grip 14, the greater the external force applied to the volute 34 becomes, and the more easily the volute 34 deforms. In the above configuration, since the rib 50 is disposed closer to the main grip 14 than the sub grip 18, deformation of the volute 34 can be effectively suppressed.

Further, the volute 34 has a discharge port 64 . The plurality of ribs 50 are arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path 42 in the volute 34 is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port 64. The wider the air passage 42 within the volute 34, the wider the volute 34 becomes. In a wide region of the volute 34, the volute 34 is easily deformed. In the above configuration, since the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path 42 in the volute 34 is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port 64, deformation of the volute 34 can be efficiently prevented. can be suppressed to

The blower 2 may further include a tongue 36 located inside the volute 34 and defining a portion of an air flow path 42 within the volute 34 . As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged upstream of the tongue portion 36 with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing through the volute 34. As shown in FIG. Tongue 36 defines a portion of an air passageway 42 within volute 34 . In this case, even if the tip of the suction nozzle 92 is pressed against the ground, the tongue portion 36 suppresses deformation of the volute 34 in the vicinity of the tongue portion 36 . In the above configuration, since the plurality of ribs 50 are arranged upstream of the tongue portion 36 with respect to the flow direction of the air flowing inside the volute 34, the deformation of the volute 34 is not suppressed by the tongue portion 36. The upstream volute 34, which is a part of the region, can be prevented from deforming.

In this embodiment, the blower 2 includes a fan 74, a casing 4, and a nozzle 80. The casing 4 has a discharge port 64 and accommodates a fan 74. Nozzle 80 can be attached to discharge port 64 . As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle 80 includes a nozzle pipe 82 through which air flows, and a plate member 84 disposed inside the nozzle pipe 82. As shown in FIG. 6, the plate member 84 has a vortex generating mechanism 88 on the upstream side in the air flow direction within the nozzle pipe 82. As shown in FIG. The air that has entered the nozzle pipe 82 flows around the plate member 84 . In this case, the vibration of the plate member 84 is excited by the air. If the plate member 84 does not have the vortex generating mechanism 88 on its upstream side, the plate member 84 may resonate depending on the air volume of the blower 2 and generate large noise. In the above configuration, since the plate member 84 has the vortex generating mechanism 88 on its upstream side, when air flows around the plate member 84, a Karman vortex is generated. Thereby, resonance of the plate member 84 is suppressed, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

The vortex generating mechanism 88 also includes a notch 90 formed in the plate member 84. With this configuration, resonance of the plate member 84 can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the width W1 of the plate member 84 in the air flow direction is 10% or more of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82. If the width W1 of the plate member 84 is smaller than 10% of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, the strength of the plate member 84 is insufficient. In the above configuration, since the width W1 of the plate member 84 is 10% or more of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, the strength of the plate member 84 can be ensured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the nozzle 80 is viewed in the air flow direction, the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is 1% or more and 8% or less of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82. If the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is smaller than 1% of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, the strength of the plate member 84 is insufficient. Moreover, when the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is larger than 8% of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, the flow path resistance within the nozzle pipe 82 increases. In the above configuration, since the thickness T1 of the plate member 84 is 1% or more and 8% or less of the inner diameter D2 of the nozzle pipe 82, the strength of the plate member 84 is ensured, and the flow path inside the nozzle pipe 82 is It is possible to prevent resistance from becoming too large.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the width W1 of the plate member 84 is 10 mm or more in the air flow direction. If the width W1 of the plate member 84 is smaller than 10 mm, the strength of the plate member 84 is insufficient. In the above configuration, since the width W1 of the plate member 84 is 10 mm or more, the strength of the plate member 84 can be ensured.

(Second example)
A second embodiment will be explained. In the second embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be explained, and points similar to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the vortex generating mechanism 88 includes a dimple instead of the notch 90. The dimple is arranged at the upstream end of the plate member 84. A dimple is formed on the rear side surface of the plate member 84. The dimples include a plurality of depressions formed on the rear side of the plate member 84.

In this embodiment, the vortex generating mechanism 88 includes dimples formed in the plate member 84. With this configuration, resonance of the plate member 84 can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and generation of noise can be suppressed.

(Third example)
A third embodiment will be explained. In the third embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be explained, and points similar to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the vortex generating mechanism 88 does not include the notch 90. The surface roughness Ra of the upstream end of the plate member 84 in the air flow direction is 0.1. The surface roughness Ra represents the arithmetic mean roughness. In addition, in a modification, the entire surface roughness Ra of the plate member 84 may be 0.1 or more, or may be 0.2 or more and 8 or less. In this embodiment, the plate member 84 is manufactured by molding, and the overall surface roughness Ra of the plate member 84 is adjusted by forming grains on the inner surface of the mold. In addition, in the modified example, the overall surface roughness Ra of the plate member 84 may be adjusted by, for example, sandblasting the surface of the plate member 84 or processing the surface of the plate member 84 with a file. good. The vortex generating mechanism 88 includes a portion of the plate member 84 having a surface roughness Ra of 0.1. In addition, in a modified example, the vortex generating mechanism 88 may include a portion of the plate member 84 where the surface roughness Ra is 0.1 or more, or may include a portion where the surface roughness Ra is 0.2 or more and 8 or less. good.

In this embodiment, the vortex generating mechanism 88 includes a portion of the plate member 84 whose surface roughness Ra is 0.1 or more. With this configuration, when the air flowing through the nozzle pipe 82 flows around the plate member 84, the vortex generating mechanism 88 is compared to the case where the plate member 84 includes a portion where the surface roughness Ra is smaller than 0.1. , a Karman vortex is stably formed. Thereby, the resonance of the plate member 84 can be stably suppressed, and the generation of noise can be stably suppressed.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above.

In one embodiment, the reinforcing structure 46 may be formed by a single rib 50 .

The plurality of ribs 50 according to one embodiment may not be arranged radially.

The blower 2 according to one embodiment may not include the tongue portion 36.

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. Further, the techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings can simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.

2: Blower 4: Casing 6: Main casing 8: Side casing 14: Main grip 18: Sub grip 32: Housing 34: Volute 36: Tongue 40: Fan housing chamber 42: Air flow path 46: Reinforced structure 50: Rib 52 : First part 54 : Second part 60 : Motor housing chamber 62 : Inlet port 64 : Outlet port 70 : Motor 74 : Centrifugal fan 80 : Nozzle 82 : Nozzle pipe 84 : Plate member 88 : Vortex generating mechanism 90 : Notch 92 : Suction nozzle B: Battery

Claims (8)

A blower,
centrifugal fan,
a housing having an intake port to which a nozzle can be attached and housing the centrifugal fan;
a volute formed integrally with the housing, through which air sent out by the centrifugal fan flows;
a main grip held by a worker;
a reinforcing structure formed on the outer surface of the volute;
A sub-grip gripped by the worker ,
The reinforcing structure is formed by a plurality of ribs,
When looking at the blower toward the intake port, the intake port is located between the main grip and the sub grip,
In the blower, all of the plurality of ribs are arranged closer to the main grip between the main grip and the sub-grip . 2. The reinforcing structure is arranged on the opposite side to the worker when the main grip is gripped by the worker so that the air intake port is arranged on the opposite side from the worker. Blower described in. The blower according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of air within the volute. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein an interval between the plurality of ribs adjacent to each other is an angle of 5° or more and 30° or less with respect to the central axis of the centrifugal fan. . The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the width of the rib in the direction of air flow within the volute is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the height from the outer surface of the volute to the tip of the rib is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The volute has a discharge port,
The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged in a region where the width of the air flow path in the volute is 50% or more of the width of the discharge port. further comprising a tongue disposed within the volute and defining a portion of an air flow path within the volute;
The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged upstream of the tongue with respect to the flow direction of air flowing through the volute.

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