Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an axial flow blower.
Background Art
[0002] As an axial flow blower achieving reduction in noise through improvement of a blade
structure, an axial flow blower disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is exemplified. In
the axial flow blower, a radial center portion of a trailing edge of each blade is
formed into a protruding shape curved so as to swell to a suction side, thereby equalizing
a blowing-out velocity of the air in a radial direction of the blade.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003] [PTL 1]
JP 4501575 B2 (mainly FIG. 3 and FIG. 8)
JP2006037800A provides a blower capable of reducing noise and improving efficiency by improving
a blade structure.
JP2002257088A provides an axial flow fan capable of reducing blade area without complicating a
shape of a blade trailing edge part, improving a forming property and reducing cost,
and saving energy by maintaining a load on a driving motor low when rotation speed
is increased to increase the quantity of air flow.
JP2011179330A discloses an impeller includes a hub provided in a rotation center and a plurality
of blades provided around the hub. The radial cross-sectional shape of each blade
is formed into a recessed curve on the peripheral side with respect to a suction side,
and formed into a projecting curve on a hub side with respect to the suction side.
The projecting curve on the hub side is formed into a substantially arcuate shape,
and the value of the curvature radius of the projecting curve formed into the substantially
arcuate shape is reduced from the leading edge side of each blade toward the trailing
edge side thereof.
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] However, in the above-mentioned related-art axial flow blower, when the air is abruptly
moved in the radial direction, turbulence of an air stream is generated, which may
lead to increase in noise.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an obj ect to provide
an axial flow blower capable of preventing increase in noise.
Solution to Problem
[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an axial flow blower is provided
according to the independent claim. Further advantages can be achieved by the features
disclosed in the dependent claims. According to one embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided an axial flow blower, including: a propeller fan; and a driving
unit configured to rotate the propeller fan, the propeller fan including: the hub;
and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, in which a pressure surface of each
of the blades includes a protruding portion curved so as to swell to a suction side,
in which a height of the protruding portion of the each of the blades on a trailing
edge side is larger than a height of the protruding portion on a leading edge side,
and in which a radial position of an apex of the protruding portion on the trailing
edge side is located on a radially inner side with respect to a radial position of
the apex of the protruding portion on the leading edge side.
[0007] Further, an outer peripheral edge of the each of the blades may be curved so as to
bend to the suction side.
[0008] Further, a position of an inner end of the protruding portion on the trailing edge
side is located on the radially inner side with respect to a position of the inner
end of the protruding portion on the leading edge side.
[0009] Still further, a width dimension of the protruding portion on the trailing edge side
may be larger than a width dimension of the protruding portion on the leading edge
side.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0010] According to the one embodiment of the present invention, the increase in noise can
be prevented.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an axial flow blower according to a first embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a propeller fan of the axial flow blower according
to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a plan view for illustrating one of blades according to the first embodiment
as a representative example.
FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating the propeller fan according to the first embodiment
when circumferential changes of a pressure surface are projected on a radial plane
including a rotation axis.
FIG. 5 is a view for particularly illustrating only the pressure surface in one radial
cross-section in the same manner as that of FIG. 4.
Description of Embodiment
[0012] Now, an axial flow blower according to an embodiment of the present invention is
described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the drawings,
the same reference symbols represent the same or corresponding parts.
First Embodiment
[0013] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an axial flow blower according to a first embodiment
of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a propeller fan of the
axial flow blower according to the first embodiment. An axial flow blower 100 includes
a propeller fan 1, a motor 4 being a driving unit, and a bellmouth 5.
[0014] The propeller fan 1 includes a hub 2 and a plurality of blades 3. The plurality of
blades 3 are supported by the hub 2, and are arranged in a radiate manner on an outer
peripheral surface of the hub 2 having substantially a columnar shape (including a
truncated conical shape). Note that, in the illustrated example, the propeller fan
including three blades is illustrated.
[0015] A center portion of the hub 2 is connected to the motor 4, and the propeller fan
1 is rotated by a driving force of the motor 4. The bellmouth 5 is arranged on a radially
outer side of the propeller fan 1. That is, under a state in which a proper gap is
defined between an outer peripheral portion of the propeller fan 1 and an inner peripheral
portion of the bellmouth 5, the propeller fan 1 is surrounded by the bellmouth 5.
Note that, an upper space on the drawing sheet of FIG. 1 corresponds to a suction
side 6, and a lower space on the drawing sheet of FIG. 1 corresponds to a blowing-out
side 7.
[0016] Each of the blades 3 is a forward blade having a leading edge extending to a forward
side in a rotating direction RD. Among edges 8 of each of the blades 3, an edge facing
the forward side in the rotating direction RD is referred to as a leading edge 8a,
and an edge facing a backward side in the rotating direction RD is referred to as
a trailing edge 8c. A portion connecting a radially outer portion of the leading edge
8a and a radially outer portion of the trailing edge 8c to each other is referred
to as an outer peripheral edge 8b. Further, a portion connecting each of the blades
3 and the hub 2 to each other is referred to as a connection edge 8d.
[0017] One surface of each blade 3 surrounded by the leading edge 8a, the outer peripheral
edge 8b, the trailing edge 8c, and the connection edge 8d as described above is referred
to as a suction surface 9a, and the other surface thereof is referred to as a pressure
surface 9b. The suction surface 9a is a surface on the suction side 6, and the pressure
surface 9b is a surface on the blowing-out side 7. Further, a rotation center line
of the propeller fan 1 is referred to as a rotation axis 10 . The rotating direction
RD of the propeller fan is schematically indicated by the outline arrows of the drawings,
and flows of the air are schematically indicated by the dashed arrows .
[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view for illustrating one of the blades as an representative example,
and FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating the propeller fan according to the first embodiment
when circumferential changes of the pressure surface are projected on a radial plane
including the rotation axis. In addition, FIG. 5 is a view for particularly illustrating
only the pressure surface in one radial cross-section in the same manner as that of
FIG. 4. The dot-and-dash lines A1 to A6 of FIG. 3 correspond to lines along which
radial cross-sections of the hub and the blade are taken. The dot-and-dash lines A1
to A6 include the rotation axis, and extend continuously from the connection edge
to the outer peripheral edge. Further, the lines B1 to B6 of FIG. 4 respectively correspond
to the cross-sections of the pressure surface taken along the dot-and-dash lines A1
to A6. In addition, FIG. 5 is an illustration of only the pressure surface taken along
the line B3 of FIG. 4.
[0019] A shape of the pressure surface of each of the blades 3 is described while one pressure
surface illustrated in FIG. 5 is taken as an example . The pressure surface 9b includes
a protruding portion 11 curved so as to swell to the suction side 6. Assuming that
a straight line BL (chain double-dashed line of FIG. 5) is brought into abutment on
the pressure surface 9b from the blowing-out side 7, a portion swelling from the straight
line BL to the suction side 6 corresponds to the protruding portion 11.
[0020] An end portion of the protruding portion 11 on the outer peripheral edge side of
each blade 3 is referred to as an outer end 11a of the protruding portion, and an
end portion of the protruding portion 11 on the connection edge side thereof is referred
to as an inner end 11b. A most distant point of the protruding portion 11 from the
straight line BL (chain double-dashed line) is referred to as an apex 11c of the protruding
portion. A distance between the apex 11c of the protruding portion 11 and the straight
line BL (chain double-dashed line) is referred to as a height H of the protruding
portion 11. A radial distance (denoted by W in FIG. 5) between the outer end 11a and
the inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11 is referred to as a width dimension
W of the protruding portion 11. Note that, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a line connecting
points of the outer end 11a of the protruding portion 11, a line connecting points
of the inner end 11b thereof, and a line connecting points of the apex 11c thereof
are indicated by the curved lines La, Lb, and Lc, respectively.
[0021] In radial cross-sections of each of the blades 3 according to the first embodiment,
within an angle range where the radial cross-sections extend continuously from the
connection edge 8d to the outer peripheral edge 8b (angle range defined between the
dot-and-dash lines A1 and A6 of FIG. 3), the pressure surface 9b includes the protruding
portion 11 curved so as to swell to the suction side 6. The outer end 11a of the protruding
portion 11 is positioned on a radially inner side with respect to the outer peripheral
edge 8b of each of the blades 3. Further, the height H of the protruding portion 11
on the trailing edge side is larger than the height H of the protruding portion 11
on the leading edge side. As an example, within the angle range defined between the
dot-and-dash lines A1 and A6, the height H of the protruding portion 11 becomes larger
as approaching to the trailing edge. Further, a radius position (radial position)
of the apex 11c of the protruding portion 11 on the trailing edge side is located
on the radially inner side with respect to a radius position (radial position) of
the apex 11c of the protruding portion 11 on the leading edge side. As an example,
within the angle range defined between the dot-and-dash lines A1 and A6, the radial
position of the protruding portion 11 is shifted radially inward as approaching to
the trailing edge.
[0022] Further, aposition of the inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11 on the trailing
edge side is located on the radially inner side with respect to a position of the
inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11 on the leading edge side. As an example,
within the angle range defined between the dot-and-dash lines A1 and A6, the position
of the inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11 is shifted radially inward as approaching
to the trailing edge. In other words, within the angle range defined between the dot-and-dash
lines A1 and A6, a point on the curved line Lb, which is obtained by connecting the
points of the inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11, is shifted radially inward
as approaching to the trailing edge.
[0023] Further, the width dimension W of the protruding portion 11 on the trailing edge
side is larger than the width dimension W of the protruding portion 11 on the leading
edge side. As an example, within the angle range defined between the dot-and-dash
lines A1 and A6, the width dimension W of the protruding portion 11 becomes larger
as approaching to the trailing edge.
[0024] In addition, the outer peripheral edge 8b of each of the blades 3 is curved so as
to bend to the suction side 6.
[0025] Next, operation of the axial flow blower having the above-mentioned configuration
is described. The hub 2 connected to the motor 4, and also the blades 3 are rotated
by the driving force of the motor 4 as indicated by the reference symbol RD.
[0026] Owing to this rotation, the pressure surface 9b of each blade 3 pushes the air in
the rotational region of the blade 3 to the blowing-out side 7, with the result that
pressure is reduced on the suction surface 9a side of the blade 3 by movement of the
suction surface 9a. Thus, the air is caused to flow from the suction side 6 into the
rotational region of the blade 3. Owing to this action of the blade 3, as indicated
by the dashed arrows, the air is caused to flow from the suction side 6 to the blowing-out
side 7.
[0027] In a general radial distribution of an axial flow velocity at a vicinity of the trailing
edge on the blowing-out side of the axial flowblower, the flow velocity increases
from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side, and becomes maximum in
a region positioned slightly radially outward of a radial center. The flow velocity
decreases from the region toward the outer peripheral edge being a position of a maximum
radius. Further, on the hub side of each blade, a flow is directed radially outward
due to a centrifugal force, thereby reducing a flow rate on the hub side. Accordingly,
insufficient flow rate causes the flow to be separated from a blade surface. Due to
turbulence generated by the separation, noise may be increased, and efficiency may
be reduced due to the separation. Further, on an outer peripheral side with respect
to the radial center of the blade, the flow rate is concentrated, thereby increasing
the flow velocity. Aerodynamic noise of the propeller fan increases mainly in proportion
to the sixth power of the flow velocity. Accordingly, there is a problem in that noise
is increased along with increase in flow velocity. As described above, on the blowing-out
side, the distribution of the flow velocity appears in the radial direction of the
blade. Further, the air flows slower on the hub side, whereas the air flows faster
on the outer peripheral edge side. As a result, there arise a problem of increase
in noise and a problem of reduction in efficiency, which are caused by the distribution
of the flow velocity.
[0028] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the pressure surface 9b of each of the blades
3 includes the protruding portion 11, thereby suppressing appearance of the distribution
of the flow rate in the radial direction, which causes the above-mentioned problems.
The pressure surface 9b acts so as to push out the air in a direction of the blowing-out
side 7. The protruding portion 11 functions as an escape route for the pushed air,
and the flow directed toward the protruding portion 11 is generated on the pressure
surface 9b. The radial position of the apex 11c of the protruding portion 11 on the
trailing edge side is located on the radially inner side with respect to the radial
position of the apex 11c of the protruding portion 11 on the leading edge side. Accordingly,
it is possible to obtain such an effect that the air on the radially outer side of
the pressure surface 9b is moved to the radially inner side. Thus, it is possible
to reduce movement of the air to the radially outer side caused by the centrifugal
force. Further, the height H of the protruding portion 11 on the trailing edge side
is larger than the height H of the protruding portion 11 on the leading edge side.
Accordingly, the effect of moving the air to the radially inner side can be further
enhanced, and imbalanced concentration of the flow rate on the radially outer side
can be further suppressed. Thus, the distribution of the flow rate in the radial direction
can be almost equalized.
[0029] Further, in the radial cross-sections, the protruding portion 11 is formed over the
entire angle range where the radial cross-sections extend continuously from the connection
edge 8d to the outer peripheral edge 8b (entire angle range where the pressure surface
extends continuously in the radial direction from the connection edge 8d to the outer
peripheral edge 8b). Accordingly, without abruptly changing the flow of the air, the
distribution of the flow rate in the radial direction can be controlled. Thus, turbulence
of the air can be suppressed, and increase in noise and reduction in efficiency caused
by the turbulence of the air can be prevented.
[0030] Further, in the propeller fan, at a vicinity of the outer peripheral edge, a swirling
flow is generated from the pressure surface to the suction surface through the outer
side of the outer peripheral edge due to a pressure difference between the pressure
surface and the suction surface. Regarding this, in the first embodiment, it seems
that the radially outer side of the protruding portion is inclined so as to push the
air to the inner peripheral side, thereby increasing the pressure and intensifying
the swirling flow from the pressure surface to the suction surface. However, the outer
end of the protruding portion is arranged on the inner peripheral side with respect
to the outer peripheral edge, thereby preventing intensification of the swirling flow
generated on the outer side of the outer peripheral edge.
[0031] Further, in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of each of the blades
is curved so as to bend to the suction side. That is, the outer peripheral edge 8b
is positioned on the suction side 6 with respect to the straight line BL (chain double-dashed
line) of FIG. 5. Accordingly, even in the above-mentioned case where the swirling
flow from the pressure surface to the suction surface may be generated, because the
outer peripheral edge is curved to bend to the suction side, a pressure change is
started before the air is caused to flow out from the pressure surface to the outer
side of the outer peripheral edge. Consequently, the abrupt pressure change can be
prevented from occurring afterward, and turbulence caused by the swirling can be reduced.
Further, even if the swirling flow is generated, a position of the swirling flow can
be shifted from the suction surface to the suction side. Thus, an influence of the
swirling flow can be lessened.
[0032] Further, in the first embodiment, the position of the inner end 11b of the protruding
portion 11 on the trailing edge side is located on the radially inner side with respect
to the position of the inner end 11b of the protruding portion 11 on the leading edge
side. Accordingly, as compared to a mode of merely forming the protruding portion,
it is possible to intensify an effect of increasing the radially-inner-side flow rate
of the air passing through the propeller fan.
[0033] Still further, in the first embodiment, the width dimension W of the protruding portion
11 on the trailing edge side is larger than the width dimension W of the protruding
portion 11 on the leading edge side. Accordingly, with a view to equalizing the radial
distribution of the flow velocity on the blowing-out side by forming the protruding
portion, it is possible to enlarge a controllable range of the radial distribution
of the flow velocity on the blowing-out side.
[0034] As described above, in the axial flow blower according to the first embodiment, the
distribution of the axial flow velocity on the blowing-out side can be almost equalized.
Accordingly, increase in noise and reduction in efficiency, which are caused by the
extensive distribution of the flow velocity, can be prevented, thereby being capable
of obtaining the propeller fan capable of achieving reduction in noise and high efficiency.
In addition, it is possible to suppress turbulence of the flow, which may be generated
in order to almost equalize the flow velocity. Thus, effects of reducing noise and
increasing efficiency can be enhanced.
[0035] Although the details of the present invention are specifically described above with
reference to the preferred embodiment, it is apparent that persons skilled in the
art may adopt various modifications based on the basic technical concepts and teachings
of the present invention.
[0036] As an application example of the present invention, an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning
apparatus is given. When the axial flow blower according to the present invention
is applied to a blower of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus, it is
possible to reduce aerodynamic noise caused when generating a desired quantity of
air, and to reduce necessary power. In other words, it is possible to obtain the air-conditioning
apparatus capable of reducing noise and excellent in energy saving performance .
Reference Signs List
[0037] 1 propeller fan, 2 hub, 3 blade, 4 motor, 5 bellmouth, 6 suction side, 7 blowing-out
side, 8a leading edge, 8b outer peripheral edge, 8c trailing edge, 8d connection edge,
9a suction surface, 9b pressure surface, 10 rotation axis, 11 protruding portion,
11a outer end of protruding portion, 11b inner end of protruding portion, 11c apex
of protruding portion, 100 axial flow blower
1. Axialströmungsgebläse (100), umfassend:
einen Propellerlüfter (1); und
eine Antriebseinheit, die eingerichtet ist, den Propellerlüfter (1) zu drehen,
wobei der Propellerlüfter (1) umfasst:
eine Nabe (2); und
eine Vielzahl von Schaufeln (3), die durch die Nabe (2) gestützt werden,
wobei eine Druckoberfläche (9b) jeder der Schaufeln (3) einen vorstehenden Abschnitt
(11) umfasst, der gekrümmt ist, um zu einer Saugseite hin anzuschwellen,
wobei eine Höhe (H) des vorstehenden Abschnitts jeder der Schaufeln (3) auf einer
Hinterkantenseite größer ist als eine Höhe des vorstehenden Abschnitts auf einer Vorderkantenseite,
und
wobei das Axialströmungsgebläse dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass:
eine radiale Position eines Scheitels (11c) des vorstehenden Abschnitts auf der Hinterkantenseite
in Bezug auf eine radiale Position des Scheitels des vorstehenden Abschnitts auf der
Vorderkantenseite auf einer radial inneren Seite angeordnet ist, und
eine Position eines inneren Endes (11b) des vorstehenden Abschnitts auf der Hinterkantenseite
in Bezug auf eine Position des inneren Endes des vorstehenden Abschnitts auf der Vorderkantenseite
auf der radial inneren Seite angeordnet ist.
2. Axialströmungsgebläse nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine äußere Umfangskante (8b) jeder der
Schaufeln (3) gekrümmt ist, um sich zur Saugseite zu biegen.
3. Axialströmungsgebläse nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei ein Breitenmaß (W) des vorstehenden
Abschnitts auf der Hinterkantenseite größer ist als ein Breitenmaß des vorstehenden
Abschnitts auf der Vorderkantenseite.
4. Außeneinheit einer Klimaanlage, die das Axialströmungsgebläse (100) nach einem der
Ansprüche 1 bis 3 verwendet.