JP7693238B2 - Blower - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a blower (circulator).

In recent years, there has been an increased need to dry laundry indoors to prevent pollen and PM2.5 from adhering to laundry hung outside, and in some cases, circulators, which are used to circulate the air indoors, are used to dry clothes by blowing air onto the laundry.

JP 2010-54084 A

However, conventional circulators are designed to oscillate from side to side at a constant air speed, so when trying to dry laundry lined up horizontally by blowing air on it, the air blows strongly on the laundry closest to the center, while the laundry on either side receives very little air. Also, if the air circulator's airflow is made too strong, the laundry closest to the center is pushed to the ends by the wind pressure, and the laundry is biased to the ends and no longer blows evenly, resulting in uneven drying.

This embodiment provides a blower that can dry laundry evenly.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a blower is provided that includes a base, a support pillar erected from the base, a blower supported on the support pillar so as to be able to swing up and down, a motor for swinging up and down provided on the blower, a pinion gear rotatably connected to the output shaft of the motor via a ratchet mechanism, and a rack gear provided on the support pillar that meshes with the pinion gear, and that is configured so that the blower swings up and down when the pinion gear is driven by the motor.

This embodiment allows laundry to be dried evenly.

1 is a perspective view of a blower according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the blower according to the embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which laundry is dried using a blower according to a comparative example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which laundry is dried using the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which laundry is dried using the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel included in the blower according to the embodiment. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing the effect of setting the left and right swing angle range in three stages in the clothes drying mode of the blower of this embodiment, (a) when a blower of a comparative example is used, and (b) when a blower of this embodiment is used. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the set angle range of left and right swing and wind speed in the clothes drying mode of a blower in accordance with the present embodiment, where (a) the set angle range of left and right swing is 60°, and (b) the set angle range of left and right swing is 120°. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of left and right swing of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a base part of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of up and down swing of the blower according to the embodiment. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the set left/right swing angle and the up/down swing angle of a blower in accordance with the present embodiment, where (a) the up/down swing angle is 65°, (b) the set left/right swing angle is 90°, and (c) an image of the air blowing trajectory. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a vertical swing latch structure provided in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a vertical swing latch structure provided in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a vertical swing latch structure provided in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a gear holder included in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a gear holder included in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of the up and down swinging operation of the blower of the present embodiment, in which (a) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the blowing direction of the blower is oriented horizontally, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which it has been operated upward to its upper limit. 6A to 6C are explanatory diagrams of another vertical swing operation of the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an air flow in the blower according to the embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a remote control holder included in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the blower according to the embodiment is in use and drying laundry. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the blower according to the embodiment is in use and drying laundry. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the blower according to the embodiment is in use and drying laundry. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the vertical angle range of a blower according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a blower according to another embodiment dries laundry. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a blower according to the embodiment agitates air in a room. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the swing operation in the forced stirring mode of the blower according to the embodiment. A diagram showing a blower stirring the air in a room. A diagram showing a blower stirring the air in a room. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a distance sensor provided in the blower according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an on/off timer for a blower according to the embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a remote control holder included in the blower according to the embodiment; FIG.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the thickness ratio of each layer, etc., differ from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific thickness and dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. In addition, the drawings naturally include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[overview]
The blower 1 according to the present embodiment is a circulator equipped with a DC motor. This blower 1 is optimal for drying clothes indoors in the clothes drying mode, and the left and right swing angle can be adjusted, realizing an increase in blowing capacity by increasing the intake area. In the clothes drying mode, the wind speed is controlled to gradually decrease as the blower swings from the positions near the ends of the left and right swing to the position near the center, so that laundry can be dried evenly.

[exterior]
Figures 1 to 5 are external views showing a blower 1 according to this embodiment, with Figure 1 being a perspective view, Figure 2 being a front view, Figure 3 being a right side view, Figure 4 being a top view, and Figure 5 being a rear view. This blower 1 is configured to increase wind speed with a spherical grill structure, and to look compact with an evolved spherical design.

Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the blower 1 according to this embodiment has a blower port 11 on the front side, a blower section 2 in which a grill 12 is provided at the blower port 11, and a base section (support section) 3 that supports the blower section 2. The grill 12 has a plurality of fins (blower guide plate) 13 arranged in a spiral shape, and the inner end 13A close to the center O of the spiral of the plurality of fins 13 protrudes in the blowing direction 4 from the outer end 13B that continues to the blower port 11. In other words, the inner end 13A protrudes in the blowing direction 4 from the outer end 13B of the portion 13C in which the plurality of fins 13 are formed in the grill 12. The inner end 13A is the inner end side close to the center O of the spiral, and includes the vicinity of the inner end. The outer end 13B is the portion on the outer end side that continues to the blower port 11. This allows the wind to gather (converge) in the center, improving the wind speed in the center of the blowing direction. In addition, the reach of the air (spiral airflow) blown out from the air outlet 11 can be increased. As a result, the air in the room can be stirred reliably, making the temperature in the room uniform and contributing to energy conservation.

Note that, in this example, a circular ring 13R is provided that intersects with each fin 13 to prevent fingers from entering through the gaps between the multiple fins 13, 13 and also to reinforce the grill 12, but this ring 13R is not necessary.

The cover 15 of the blower unit 2 has a front cover 15a and a rear cover 15b. The front cover 15a is a hemispherical cover made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, and has a circular blower port 11 that opens forward and is provided with a spherical grill 12. The rear cover 15b is also a hemispherical cover made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. Numerous ventilation holes 21 for taking in outside air are formed over almost the entire surface of the rear cover 15b.

The grill 12 is a front panel made of, for example, a synthetic resin material with high impact resistance. Specifically, the spiral fins 13 are formed in a convex curve so that they gradually protrude toward the center O of the spiral. A cap 14 is attached to the center O of the spiral of the grill 12. When air is sent from behind the grill 12 and the airflow (wind) passes in the front-to-rear direction of the grill 12, a spiral airflow is generated that moves straight while swirling.

The base 3 supports the blower 2 so that it can swing left and right, and is placed on an installation surface. The base 3 has a lower base 31 that is circular in plan view, and an upper base 32 that can be fitted into the lower base 31. The covers that form the outer surfaces of both the lower base 31 and the upper base 32 can be made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. A single-legged support 33 is vertically erected behind the center of the upper base 32, and an operation panel 34 is located in front of the support 33. Here, the base 3 is shown as an example of the support 3, but the support 3 may also be structured so that it can be attached to a ceiling, etc.

[Internal structure]
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, blower section 2 is a blowing device that generates an air flow, and includes blower fan 17 and motor 18 that drives fan 17. An axial flow propeller fan is used as blower fan 17. In addition, a DC motor 18 that can adjust the wind speed more precisely than an AC motor is used as motor 18 for fan 17.

The blower 1 according to this embodiment uses a motor M1 for left-right oscillation and a motor M2 for up-down oscillation to automatically perform left-right oscillation and up-down oscillation. Stepping motors M1 and M2 that can precisely control the rotation angle and rotation speed by pulse signals are used as the two oscillation motors M1 and M2. Note that up-down oscillation can also be performed manually.

[Control unit]
7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, in which the front cover 15a and the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2 are removed, and the cover forming the outer surface of the base unit 3 is also removed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the blower 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a control unit 50 that controls the power ON/OFF, the operation of the off timer, the operation of the on timer, the selection of the blowing mode, the rotation speed of the DC motor 18, the pulse signals sent to the stepping motors M1 and M2, etc. Such a control unit 50 is realized, for example, by a main board on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. are mounted. A power supply board 3A is connected to the main board for generating the required output power from the input power. An AC adapter can also be used in place of the power supply board 3A.

The blower 1 according to this embodiment can be operated not only using the operation panel 34, but also using the remote control 25. A signal from the remote control 25 is sent to the control unit 50 via a signal receiving unit 25a (see FIG. 2) provided in the center of the front of the base unit 3. The control unit 50 controls the above-mentioned processes based on the signal sent from the remote control 25 or the operation panel 34. The remote control 25 can be attached to a remote control holder 26 provided on the top of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2.

[Comparative Example]
8 shows a state in which laundry S1 to S20 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "laundry S") is dried using the blower 100 according to the comparative example. Here, a case is illustrated in which towels are hung on hangers and arranged in two rows on a clothesline.

As shown in FIG. 8, the blower 100 of the comparative example is configured to swing from side to side at a constant wind speed, and when blowing air on laundry S arranged horizontally to dry it, the wind blows strongly on laundry S14, S15, S16, S17, etc. near the center (see reference symbol 4b), and does not blow much on laundry S11, S12, S19, S20, etc. near both ends (see reference symbols 4a and 4c). In addition, if the wind from the blower 100 is made too strong, the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17, etc. near the center will be pushed to both ends by the wind pressure, and the laundry S will be biased to both ends and will not be blown evenly, resulting in uneven drying.

[Example 1]
9 shows a state in which laundry S is dried using the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, as in the comparative example, an example is shown in which towels are hung on hangers and arranged in two rows on a clothesline.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the blower 1 according to this embodiment is in the clothes drying mode, the left and right swing action blows a relatively weak wind toward the center and a relatively strong wind toward both ends. This allows weak wind to be blown toward the laundry S that is spread out and hung out to dry in the left and right direction toward the positions closer to the center (see reference symbol 4b), and strong wind to the positions farther away toward both ends (see reference symbols 4a and 4c). In other words, it is possible to prevent the laundry S11 to S20, which are at different distances from the blower 1, from being strongly blown toward only the laundry S14, S15, S16, and S17 near the center, and from being weakly blown toward the laundry S11, S12, S19, and S20 near the ends. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment employs a stepping motor M1 as the motor M1 for left and right swing. The stepping motor M1 is a motor that operates in synchronization with a pulse signal (pulse power) and rotates at a fixed angle like the second hand of a clock in response to the pulse signal from the control unit 50. Therefore, the stepping motor M1 rotates by the amount of the pulse signal sent by the control unit 50 to the stepping motor M1. That is, the blower 1 controls the stepping motor M1 by the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50, and is capable of grasping its own posture and controlling the left and right swing with high precision. In addition, even if an external force is applied to the blower unit 2 and a difference occurs between the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50 and the rotation of the stepping motor M1, the misalignment between the recognition by the control unit 50 and the posture of the blower unit 2 can be corrected by position detection by the IR sensor 51 (see FIG. 15).

Furthermore, because a DC motor 18 is used as the motor 18 for the fan 17, it is possible to control the wind speed in 10 steps increments in response to the left and right swing caused by the stepping motor M1. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the center of the left and right swing is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the blower unit 2 rotates from the center of the left and right swing to the end, the wind speed gradually increases from 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10. Next, when the blower unit 2 returns from the end of the left and right swing to the center, the wind speed gradually decreases from 10 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6.

In addition, when controlling the air speed in the clothes drying mode, it is desirable to be able to set the air speed adjustment range to multiple levels (select from multiple strong and weak levels), for example, strong, medium, and weak.

Here, the wind speed adjustment range is the amount of change in wind speed with the wind speed at either end of the left-right swing as the upper limit and the wind speed at the center as the lower limit. Specifically, strong clothes drying mode means that the wind speed is set to a strong level during left-right swing, while in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed is set to a medium level during left-right swing, and weak clothes drying mode means that the wind speed is set to a weak level during left-right swing. In the strong clothes drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than the wind speed adjustment range in the clothes drying mode, while in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than the wind speed adjustment range in the weak clothes drying mode. This makes it possible to select an appropriate wind speed adjustment range from among multiple stages depending on the distance between the laundry S and the blower 1.

[Example 2]
10 shows a state in which laundry S is being dried using the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, a shirt is hung on a hanger and is hung on a clothesline.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the air blowing mode is the clothes drying mode, the blower 1 according to this embodiment blows a relatively weak wind near the lower end (lower limit) of the up-down swing motion and a relatively strong wind near the upper end (upper limit). As a result, for laundry S hung vertically, weak wind is blown toward the lower part of the laundry S that is close to the blower 1 (see symbol 4e), and strong wind is blown toward the upper part of the laundry S that is far from the blower 1 (see symbol 4d), preventing uneven drying at the upper and lower parts of the laundry S.

As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment uses a stepping motor M2 as the motor M2 for up-down oscillation. Therefore, it is possible to precisely control the up-down oscillation by the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M2.

Furthermore, since a DC motor 18 is used as the motor 18 for the fan 17, it is possible to control the wind speed in 10 steps increments in response to the up-and-down swing caused by the stepping motor M2. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the bottom end of the up-and-down swing is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the blower unit 2 rotates from the bottom end of the up-and-down swing to the top end, the wind speed is gradually increased from 6 to 7 to 8 to 9 to 10. Next, when the blower unit 2 returns from the top end of the up-and-down swing to the bottom end, the wind speed is gradually decreased from 10 to 9 to 8 to 7 to 6. In addition, in the wind speed control of the clothes drying mode, it is preferable that the wind speed adjustment range can be set to multiple steps (selectively from multiple strong and weak levels), such as strong, medium, and weak. This makes it possible to select an appropriate one from the multiple wind speed adjustment ranges depending on the distance between the laundry S and the blower 1 and perform the up-and-down swing in the clothes drying mode.

[Operation Panel]
FIG. 11 is a plan view of an operation panel 34 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel 34 includes a power button 34a, an off timer button 34b, an on timer button 34c, a blowing mode button 34d, air volume buttons 34e and 34f, an up-down swing button 34g, and a left-right swing button 34h. The power button 34a is a button for setting the power off/on. The off timer button 34b is a button for setting the off timer. The on timer button 34c is a button for setting the on timer. The blowing mode button 34d is a button for selecting a blowing mode (continuous mode, rhythm mode, clothes drying mode). The air volume buttons 34e and 34f are buttons for adjusting the air volume of the blowing unit 2, and the air volume is reduced each time the air volume button 34e is pressed, and the air volume is increased each time the air volume button 34f is pressed. The up/down swing button 34g is a button for setting up/down swing ON/OFF. The left/right swing button 34h is a button for setting left/right swing ON/OFF, and the swing width of the left/right swing can be adjusted to three set angle ranges (60°, 90°, and 120°).

[Three-stage setting range for left/right swing in clothes drying mode]
12 is a diagram for explaining the effect of setting the set angle range of the left and right swing in the clothes drying mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment in three stages. That is, when the blower 100 according to the comparative example is used, the set angle range (swing width) of the left and right swing cannot be adjusted, so when a large amount of laundry S is spread out to dry, it is necessary to blow air from a place far away from the laundry S (see FIG. 12(a)). On the other hand, when the blower 1 according to the present embodiment is used, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the swing width of the left and right swing can be adjusted to a plurality of set angle ranges (60°, 90°, 120°) according to the installation width of the laundry S, so there is no need to install the blower 1 far away from the laundry S, and the air speed adjustment in the clothes drying mode can send air of a strength suitable for drying all the laundry S while preventing the laundry S from being biased to both ends, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[Set the wind speed according to the left and right swing angle setting in clothes drying mode]
13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the set angle range of the left and right swing and the wind speed in the clothes drying mode of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. That is, in a usage scene where the set angle range (swing width) of the left and right swing is changed, when the installation width of the laundry S is expanded, even if the distance between the blower 1 and the center position of the installation width of the laundry S is the same, the distance between the blower 1 and both ends of the installation width of the laundry S becomes farther. Therefore, it is desirable to set the wind speed increase/decrease width corresponding to each set angle range of the left and right swing (60°, 90°, 120°). Here, the wind speed increase/decrease width is the amount of change in wind speed with the wind speed at the positions near the ends of the left and right swing as the upper limit and the wind speed at the position near the center as the lower limit, and may be rephrased as the wind speed adjustment range described above.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the set angle range of the left and right swing is 60°, the wind speed at the position near the center of the left and right swing is set to 3 out of 10 (see symbol 4b), and as the left and right swing moves to the ends, the wind speed gradually increases from 3 to 4 to 5 (see symbols 4a and 4c). When moving from the ends of the left and right swing back to a position near the center, the wind speed gradually decreases from 5 to 4 to 3. In other words, when the set angle range of the left and right swing is 60°, the wind speed is switched between three stages, from 3 to 5.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(b), when the set angle range of the left and right swing is 120°, the wind speed at the position near the center of the left and right swing is set to 3 out of 10 (see symbol 4b), and as the left and right swing moves to the ends, the wind speed gradually increases from 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 (see symbols 4a and 4c). When moving from the ends of the left and right swing back to a position near the center, the wind speed gradually decreases from 7 → 6 → 5 → 4 → 3. In other words, when the set angle range of the left and right swing is 120°, the wind speed is switched between five stages, from 3 to 7.

In other words, when the set angle range of the left and right swing is changed from 60° to 120° in response to an increase in the width at which the laundry S is placed, the distance between the blower 1 and both ends of the width at which the laundry S is placed increases, but because the wind speed at the positions near the ends of the left and right swing is set high, appropriate wind can be sent to the laundry S at both ends of the width at which the laundry S is placed, and there is no unevenness in the drying rate of the laundry S at the center position and both ends of the width at which the laundry S is placed, allowing the laundry S to be thoroughly dried. In other words, the blower 1 according to this embodiment can handle small to large amounts of laundry S.

[Left and right swing: stepping motor & IR sensor]
Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the left-right swing of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already described, the blower 1 according to this embodiment employs a stepping motor M1 as the motor M1 for left-right swing. By controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1, as shown in Fig. 14, when the automatic left-right swing is stopped (see symbol P11), the blower unit 2 returns to the standard position facing forward (see symbol P10). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the blower unit 2 returns to the standard position facing forward.

The reference position refers to the static position shown in Figures 1 to 5. In other words, the reference position is a position in which the left-right swing position of the blower unit 2 is in the center position and the blowing direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces horizontally.

In this way, the blower 1 according to this embodiment returns to the same forward position as the standard position when the left-right oscillation stops or when the power is turned off. This allows the blower unit 2 to maintain a neat position that always faces forward when the left-right oscillation is in a standby state (stopped state). Also, if the left-right oscillation in the clothes drying mode is started (resumed) with the blower unit 2 facing the laundry S directly, the left-right oscillation will always resume at an equal angle, making it easy to align the center when drying clothes.

Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the base 3 of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the left and right swing position (one location) is detected by an IR (infrared) sensor 51 such as a phototransistor. This makes it possible to correct the left and right swing position during operation, as described below.

That is, a stepping motor M1 is fixed to the upper surface of the fixed plate 41, and a left-right swing mechanism 43 is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor M1. An IR sensor 51 is attached to the lower part of the fixed plate 41, and when the left-right swing position of the blower unit 2 is in the center position, the IR sensor 51 is blocked by a light shielding plate 52 provided on the lower part of the base 31. This makes it possible to detect that the left-right swing position of the blower unit 2 is in the center position, and the number of steps of the stepping motor M1 can be corrected each time the center position is passed. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the blower unit 2 and the blower unit 2 becomes unable to move, or is forcibly rotated, or the blower unit 2 hits an object during the left-right swing and becomes unable to move, it is possible to continue the left-right swing operation with the correct number of steps.

[Up and down swing: stepping motor]
Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the up-down swing of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already described, the blower 1 according to this embodiment employs a stepping motor M2 as the motor M2 for up-down swing. By controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M2, as shown in Fig. 16, when the automatic up-down swing is stopped (see symbol P21), the blower unit 2 returns to the standard position facing horizontally (see symbol P20). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the blower unit 2 returns to the standard position facing horizontally.

In this way, the blower 1 according to this embodiment returns to the same horizontal position as the reference position when the vertical oscillation stops and when the power is turned off. This allows the blower unit 2 to always maintain a neat horizontal position when the vertical oscillation is in a standby state (stopped state).

[Center of ball = center of swing rotation (up/down/left/right)]
In the blower 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the rotation axis C1 for left-right swing is provided at a position passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2 in a plan view. Also, as shown in Fig. 16, the rotation axis C2 for up-down swing is provided at a position passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2 in a side view. In this way, according to the configuration in which the rotation axis C1 for left-right swing and the rotation axis C2 for up-down swing are both disposed at a position passing through the center of the spherical blower unit 2, the outline (silhouette) has the same shape regardless of whether the blower swings left-right or up-down. Therefore, even if the blower is installed in a narrow place such as a window or a staircase, it will not come into contact with nearby objects when swinging.

[Set angle of left/right swing ≠ integral multiple of up/down swing angle]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the set angle of left-right oscillation and the angle of up-down oscillation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the angle of up-down oscillation is 65°. The set angle of left-right oscillation is either 60°, 90°, or 120°, but here, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the set angle of left-right oscillation is set to 90°. In this way, the set angle of left-right oscillation is not an integer multiple of the angle of up-down oscillation, and if the oscillation speeds of left-right and up-down oscillations are the same when the oscillations are simultaneous up-down and left-right, the air flow trajectory becomes random as shown in FIG. 17(c), and it is possible to blow air so that it spreads throughout the entire air flow range.

Figure 17(c) will be explained in more detail below. The dashed line in Figure 17(c) indicates the position of the center of airflow in the airflow direction 4 when the target of airflow is a surface, and the arrow in Figure 17(c) indicates the airflow trajectory. Assume that the left-right swing is at the far left end and the up-down swing is at the lowest. The left-right and up-down swing speeds are the same. In this state, it is assumed that the head moves 90° to the right and 65° up. In this case, while the head moves 65° up, it also moves 65° to the right, and when it moves 65° up, it starts to move down, and while it moves from 65° to the right to 90°, it continues to move down. And when it moves 90° to the right, the head is moving downward, so it will reverse to the left while moving downward. This makes it easy to blow air in a random trajectory by swinging left-right and up-down at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent biased airflow and evenly dry the laundry S in the airflow direction 4.

[Up and down swing latch structure]
18 to 20 are diagrams for explaining the vertical swing latch structure of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As described below, not only is the vertical swing performed automatically, but the vertical swing angle can also be manually adjusted.

As shown in Figure 18, when the front cover 15a and rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2 are removed, the stepping motor M2, ratchet mechanism 81, and rack gear 85 are revealed. The rack gear 85 is fixed to the support 70. The support 70 clamps the motor cover 71 from both sides, and this clamped position serves as the axis 72 for vertical oscillation, allowing the blower unit 2 to oscillate up and down relative to the base 3. A gear is attached to the output shaft of the stepping motor M2, which moves up and down via a rack and pinion.

Specifically, the ratchet mechanism 81 has a structure in which a pinion gear 82 (see FIG. 19) having a locking recess 82a faces a latch base 83 (see FIG. 20) having a locking pin 84. The output shaft of the stepping motor M2 fits into a central hole 83b of the latch base 83. The pin 84 of the latch base 83 is pressed against the locking recess 82a by a resilient force in the axial direction. This allows the latch to be completed within the size of the pinion gear 82, making it possible to make the ratchet mechanism 81 more compact.

To automatically swing the latch base 83 up and down, the stepping motor M2 rotates the latch base 83. When the latch base 83 rotates, the pinion gear 82 also rotates at the same time because the locking pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a.

On the other hand, when manually adjusting the up and down swing angle, the stepping motor M2 is stopped and the latch base 83 is not rotating. When the blower unit 2 is moved by hand in this state, only the pinion gear 82 rotates. In other words, the latch base 83 does not rotate because the locking pin 84 is only pressed by spring B (see Figure 22). Moving the blower unit 2 by hand does not affect the stepping motor M2.

Here, the locking pin 84 is attached to one of the multiple holes 83a formed in the latch base 83, but the number of locking pins 84 can be adjusted as appropriate. When attaching multiple locking pins 84, it is preferable to attach them in symmetrical positions.

[Up-down swing latch structure (gear holder)]
21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining the gear holder 86 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the gear holder 86 is integral with the rack gear 85. When the stepping motor M2 is driven, the output shaft M2a of the stepping motor M1 rotates, and a rotational force is transmitted to the pinion gear 82 via the latch base 83, and the pinion gear 82 meshing with the rack gear 85 moves up and down due to this rotational force. At this time, the convex portion 82c formed at the center of the pinion gear 82 moves along the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. The gear holder 86 abuts against a surface on the opposite side (in the axial direction) to the surface on which the pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a of the pinion gear 82, thereby supporting the pinion gear 82 and maintaining the locking state between the locking recess 82a and the pin 84. In addition, the guide portion 86g of the gear holder 86 maintains the meshing between the pinion gear 82 and the rack gear 85. This allows the meshing state to be maintained reliably and prevents malfunction.

[Up and down swing: swing operation after manual adjustment]
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the up-down swing operation of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23(a), when the up-down movable range θ2 is 65°, if the blowing direction of the blower unit 2 is moved manually from a state in which the blowing direction is horizontal to the intermediate position P22 of the up-down swing, a deviation occurs between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual swing position. Therefore, when the up-down swing is started (restarted) from the up-down swing stopped state, as shown in FIG. 23(b), it operates upward to the upper limit in step (1), stops by the amount moved manually in step (2), and operates downward to the lower limit in step (3). In step (2), the convex portion 82c formed in the center of the pinion gear 82 is physically locked by the end of the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. As a result, if the swing is always operated upward when the swing is started, the generated deviation can be eliminated in the first step (2).

[Up and down swing: modified example of swing operation after manual adjustment]
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the vertical oscillation of the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, as in FIG. 23, it is assumed that the vertical range of motion θ2 is 65° and the blower is manually moved to position P22 when the vertical oscillation is stopped. Of course, even at this time, there is a deviation between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual oscillation position. After that, when the vertical oscillation is resumed, the oscillation starts with small vertical oscillations, as in steps (1) → (2) → (3) → (4), and the angle gradually increases. This makes it possible to reduce the "time lag" at which the vertical oscillation stops due to the "deviation" between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual oscillation position. By reducing the "time lag", the number of seconds that the vertical oscillation remains stopped can be shortened, reducing the number of times that the user mistakenly believes it to be a malfunction.

[Expanded intake area → Increased airflow capacity]
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, a plurality of intake holes 15d are formed on the edge of the front cover 15a. This allows outside air to be taken in not only through the vent 21 formed in the rear cover 15b but also through the plurality of intake holes 15d. As a result, the intake area is enlarged and air flows smoothly, improving the blowing capacity. As a result, the clothes drying performance is improved.

As shown in FIG. 25, a cylindrical air tunnel 16 is provided inside the front cover 15a, stabilizing the wind speed of the air blown out from the air outlet 11. The air blown out from the circulator is a spiral airflow that moves straight while swirling, and is more directional and linear than an electric fan. By providing the air tunnel 16, it is possible to ensure the directionality and linearity of the air, which are unique to circulators. In this embodiment, the curved (spherical) grill 12 creates the effect of linearity, so the air tunnel 16 may be short.

[Remote control holder]
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the remote control holder 26 provided in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 26, the remote control holder 26 for holding the remote control 25 is provided on the upper part of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2. Specifically, a recessed space is provided on the inside so as not to destroy the spherical shape, and double plate-like members 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are provided on both the left and right sides of the space. The upper plate-like members 26a and 26b can hold the top surface of the remote control 25, and the lower plate-like members 26c and 26d can hold the side surface of the remote control 25, so that the remote control 25 can be held firmly. In addition, with the remote control 25 held in the remote control holder 26, the hand can be inserted into the space above the remote control 25 to lift the blower 1, and the structure is such that the remote control holder 26 and the handle are shared.

[Clothes drying mode: Swings left and right]
When the blower 1 according to this embodiment is set to the clothes drying mode (left-right swing), the left-right swing angle is (automatically) set to 60°. The left-right swing angle can be set as follows, 60° → 90° → 120° → 60° → ..., each time the swing (left-right) button 34h is pressed. Note that even in the clothes drying mode, when the swing (left-right) is 60°, the wind speed may be set not to change. When the left-right swing angle is switched between 90°/120°, the wind speed on the left and right becomes stronger compared to the wind speed in the front.

By pressing the air blowing mode button 34d, the blower 1 is controlled by switching between a plurality of types of air blowing modes (continuous mode, rhythm mode, clothes drying mode). In the continuous mode, the motor 18 is controlled to keep the wind speed constant while the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a predetermined speed. In the clothes drying mode, the motor 18 is controlled to make the wind speed slower at a position closer to the center than at both ends of the left and right swing of the blower unit 2, and the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a slower speed than the predetermined speed in the continuous mode. That is, the speed of the left and right swing in the clothes drying mode is set slower than the normal (continuous mode) left and right swing. Preferably, the left and right swing in the clothes drying mode is performed at a slower speed of 1/2 to 1/4 times the left and right swing speed in the continuous mode. Specifically, the left and right swing speed in the clothes drying mode is set to 1/3 times the left and right swing speed in the continuous mode. It is also preferable to set the left-right swing speed in the clothes drying mode to change according to the left-right swing angle (60°, 90°, 120°). By performing left-right swing at a slow speed in the clothes drying mode, the time that the laundry S is continuously exposed to the wind is increased, and drying is promoted. To explain further, when the laundry S is exposed to the wind, the laundry S may swing and change its orientation (angle) relative to the blower 1, and if the time that the laundry S is continuously exposed to the wind is short, the laundry S will receive the wind in an unstable position. By lengthening the time that the laundry S is continuously exposed to the wind, there is an advantage that the laundry S receives the wind in a stable position after the swinging of the laundry S has stopped (converged), and the laundry S dries well.

The inventors conducted a clothes drying test. As a result, when comparing the case of drying clothes in continuous mode with a predetermined (normal) left and right swing speed and the case of drying clothes in clothes drying mode with a slow left and right swing speed, it was found that the time for the clothes dryness rate to fall from 100% to 72% was 176 minutes in continuous mode and 160 minutes in clothes drying mode, which means that a time reduction of about 10% can be expected.

[Clothes drying mode: simultaneous up/down/left/right swing]
The blower 1 according to the present embodiment swings up, down, left and right simultaneously in the clothes drying mode, and adjusts the wind speed according to the up, down, left and right directions of the air blowing, making it possible to keep constant the strength of the wind blowing on the laundry S. In other words, when the blower 1 is set to swing up, down, left and right simultaneously in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed is controlled in the left and right directions and up and down according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S, making the wind weaker toward nearby laundry S and stronger toward distant laundry S.

As shown in Figure 27, the area where the laundry S is hung out to dry is divided into 15 areas (three in the height direction and five in the width direction), and the strength of the wind hitting each area is expressed as an estimate with a number from 1 to 5. The higher the number, the stronger the wind. In this example, the strongest wind (guideline "5" of 1 to 5) is sent to the left and right end areas of the upper row where the laundry S is located, which is far from the blower 1, and the weakest wind (guideline "1" of 1 to 5) is sent to the center area of the lower row where the laundry S is located, which is close to the blower 1. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

[Distance detection means]
A distance detection means (see FIG. 36) such as a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the air blowing direction may be provided, and the motor 18 and the swing may be controlled based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61 to adjust the air speed. That is, in the clothes drying mode, the air speed is controlled according to the distance between the air blower 1 and the laundry S detected by the distance detection means, and the air is made weak toward nearby laundry S and strong toward distant laundry S. An infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the distance sensor 61. The mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described later.

[Wetness Detection Means]
A wetness detection means (see FIG. 36) such as a temperature sensor 62 for detecting the wetness of the laundry S in the air blowing direction may be provided, and the motor 18 and the swing may be controlled based on the wetness of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62 to adjust the wind speed so as to blow an appropriate wind toward the wet laundry S. As an example of the wind speed and swing control of the blower 1, as shown in FIG. 28, the wind speed is controlled according to the blowing direction within the blowing range where the wet laundry S is detected by the temperature sensor 62. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost areas in the upper row and the entire area in the lower row, a weak wind ("1" in the guidelines 1 to 5) is blown. On the other hand, since there is wet laundry S in the remaining area (thick frame area), the wind speed is controlled according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S, and the wind is weak toward the nearby laundry S and strong toward the distant laundry S. This eliminates the waste of blowing strong wind to areas where there is no laundry S, and allows the wet laundry S to be dried efficiently. A surface temperature measuring device constituted by a non-contact thermometer such as an infrared radiation thermometer can be used as the temperature sensor 62. The mounting position of the temperature sensor 62 will be described later. Wind speed control is also possible by using the temperature sensor 62 and the distance sensor 61 in common.

As another example of the wind speed and oscillation control of the blower 1, as shown in FIG. 29, the blower 2 may be oscillated to blow air so that the direction of the air blown by the blower 2 is more frequently directed toward the wet laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost areas of the upper row and the entire area of the lower row, these areas are determined to be non-drying areas and no air is blown thereto. On the other hand, since there is wet laundry S in the remaining areas (thick framed areas), the wind speed is controlled according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S, and the wind is weak toward nearby laundry S and strong toward distant laundry S. This eliminates the waste of blowing air into areas where there is no laundry S, and allows the wet laundry S to be dried efficiently.

The control unit 50 of the blower 1 has a determination means for determining, based on the wetness state of the laundry S (air blowing target object) detected by the temperature sensor 62, the range of the air blowing range caused by the up/down/left/right swing in which the wet laundry S exists as the drying target area, and the range in which the wet laundry S does not exist as the non-drying target area. If it is determined that part of the laundry S in the drying target area has dried, the area in which the dried laundry S exists is changed from the drying target area to the non-drying target area. In other words, if it is determined that the laundry S has dried, that area may be excluded, and the swing range of the blower unit 2 may be gradually narrowed. In this way, by gradually reducing the air blowing range based on the dryness determination of the control unit 50 using the temperature sensor 62, the wet laundry S can be dried more efficiently.

Other examples of the blower 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 30, the vertical range of motion θ1 of the blower 1 in another embodiment is from 15° downward (-15°) to 90° upward. In the clothes drying mode, the angle range θ2 of the vertical swing is limited to 15° downward (-15°) to 45° upward. This eliminates the waste of blowing air in the upward blowing direction where laundry S is not present, and allows the air to be concentrated toward laundry S that is present at a range of 15° downward to 45° upward from the blower 1.

As shown in FIG. 31, the blower 1 according to another embodiment can change the blowing direction upward while maintaining the vertical swing angle range θ2 in the clothes drying mode. This allows the hanging laundry S to be dried while blowing air from below onto the flat drying net 120 or the like. Although the vertical swing angle range is 60°, this is not limited to this. That is, the vertical swing of the blower unit 2 is set to an angle range of 45° to 75°, and the angle can be adjusted in the vertical direction while maintaining the vertical swing angle range of the blower unit 2. The 45° angle range is -15° to 30° or 45° to 90°, etc. The 75° angle range is -15° to 60° or 15° to 90°, etc. This configuration that allows the angle range to be changed can meet the diverse needs of users.

[Forced mixing mode]
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing how fan 1 according to the present embodiment agitates the air in room 110. As shown in FIG.

The blower 1 is configured to be able to control the blowing mode by switching it to the forced stirring mode (by the blowing mode button 34d described above). In the forced stirring mode, the blower is controlled to swing left and right faster than in the continuous mode (normal). The speed of the left and right swing in the forced stirring mode is set, for example, twice as fast as the left and right swing in the normal (continuous mode). Preferably, the left and right swing in the forced stirring mode is performed at a speed 1.5 to 3 times faster than the left and right swing speed in the continuous mode. When the blowing mode of the blower 1 is set to the forced stirring mode, even if the swing (left and right) is "off", the swing (left and right) is automatically turned "on" and the swing (up and down) angle is fixed at 45° upward. In the forced stirring mode, the swing in the up and down direction of the blower unit 2 is stopped, and the blower is controlled to swing intermittently left and right at high speed (for example, twice as fast) while maintaining the up and down angle (up 45°), repeating the operation and stopping. Specifically, it swings left and right by 15 degrees each (30° angle range) and stops at both ends for a certain period of time (e.g., 4 seconds). The forced mixing mode generates a vertically rotating airflow throughout the room 110 to circulate the air in the room 110.

As shown in FIG. 32, the forced mixing mode is used when you want to mix the air in the room 110 and reduce the temperature difference. By blowing air to the ceiling to circulate the air, you can reduce temperature variations in the air in the room 110.

The inventors conducted a forced mixing test to examine the improvement rate of temperature unevenness near the ceiling and floor in the center of the room before and after operation (hereinafter referred to as the average mixing rate) by setting the blower 1 in the forced mixing mode. Specifically, a 20-tatami room was used, the room was heated with a heat source (oil stove) without a blowing function, and a temperature difference (about 7 to 8°C) was created between the top and bottom of the room. The blower 1 was then operated for 0.5 hours to measure the mixing effect. As a result, the average mixing rate before and after mixing operation in the continuous mode was 92.9%, while the average mixing rate was 95.8% in the forced mixing mode in which the left and right oscillation was performed at twice the left and right oscillation speed of the continuous mode, and 88.1% in the comparative example mode in which the left and right oscillation was performed at 1/2 the left and right oscillation speed of the continuous mode. It was found that the average mixing rate improved to 98.9% in the forced mixing mode in which the left and right oscillation was doubled, the oscillation was performed in an angle range of 15 degrees left and right, and the oscillation was stopped for 4 seconds at both ends. Thus, it was found that swinging left and right at a higher speed (e.g. twice as fast) compared to normal swinging left and right has the effect of stirring the indoor air more efficiently.

[Forced stirring mode: Intermittent left and right swing]
33 is a flow chart showing another example of the swing operation in the forced stirring mode of the blower 1. When the blower is in the forced stirring mode, as described below, the blower may swing intermittently left and right to repeatedly start and stop.

First, when the forced stirring mode is selected (by the blowing mode button 34d), the blower 1 oscillates so that the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 faces forward, and is fixed in this position for, for example, 10 minutes (step S1). Next, the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 faces 60° to the left, and is fixed in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (step S2). Next, the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 oscillates so that the blowing direction 4 faces forward, and is fixed in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (step S3). Next, the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 oscillates so that the blowing direction 4 faces 60° to the right, and is fixed in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (step S4). Next, the blowing direction 4 of the blowing unit 2 oscillates so that the blowing direction 4 faces forward, and is fixed in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (step S5). After that, the same process is repeated (steps S2 → S3 → S4 → S5 → S2 → ...). By intermittently swinging left and right in this way and repeatedly starting and stopping, it is possible to generate an airflow that rotates vertically.

[Forced stirring mode: distance sensor]
The blower 1 may be equipped with a distance sensor 61 on the blowing section 2, detect the farthest wall (i.e., the corner 111 of the room 110 in FIG. 32), and adjust the airflow direction to blow air toward that wall. Alternatively, the blower is controlled to swing left and right between two points 111, 112 (or three points 111, 112, 113) in the corners of the room 110. This allows the blower 1 to find the farthest corner of the room 110 regardless of the installation location, and efficiently circulate air in the room 110. The blower can also be controlled to adjust the air speed according to the distance from the blower 1 to the corner of the room 110.

[Forced stirring mode: Temperature sensor]
As shown in Fig. 34, a temperature sensor 62 may be mounted on the blower unit 2 to detect the position of the air conditioner 115 during heating and to blow air towards the air conditioner 115. This allows warm air stagnating near the air conditioner 115 (near the ceiling) to circulate regardless of where the blower 1 is installed. This makes it possible to equalize the temperature in the room and improve heating efficiency. In addition, since the cost required is only that of mounting the temperature sensor 62 on the blower 1, this can be achieved at a lower cost than the cost required when the blower 1 is linked to the air conditioner 115.

As shown in Figure 35, when using the cooling function, it is recommended to stand with your back to the air conditioner 115 and circulate the cold air that accumulates below. This creates an air current that circulates the cold air that accumulates near the floor, increasing the feeling of freshness.

Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between cooling and heating operation of the air conditioner 115 based on temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 62 of the air blowing section 2, and to change the air blowing method when cooling and when heating. Specifically, as shown in Figure 35, air is blown horizontally when cooling, while as shown in Figure 34, air is blown diagonally upwards when heating. This maximizes the effect of the circulator and improves the efficiency of cooling and heating according to the season.

The blower 1 may also be configured to be rotatable (able to change direction 180 degrees) so that it can blow air in the optimal direction when in cooling mode and when in heating mode. Specifically, the range of motion of the base part 3 of the blower 1 may be changed so that it can swing left and right more than 180 degrees. Alternatively, the blower 1 may be equipped with a running means such as tires, and the blower 1 may change direction using the running means. Furthermore, the blower 1 may move by itself to the optimal position in the room and blow air in the optimal direction. This can further improve the efficiency of cooling and heating.

You can also manually set the airflow direction in forced mixing mode.

For example, when the blower 1 is installed in the room 110 and the blowing mode is set to the forced mixing mode, the search mode is activated. In the search mode, the blower 1 swings up, down, left and right. While the blower 1 swings up, down, left and right, the setting operation means such as the remote control 25 is used to set, for example, one of the four corners 112 of the wall surface 116 of the room 110 shown in FIG. 32 that is farthest from the blower 1, and the corner 114 diagonally opposite to that corner, and the search mode ends. When the search mode ends, the blower 1 is controlled to swing left and right within the range of the rectangle defined by the two points 112 and 114 of the room 110 that it has set. In this way, it is possible to deal with a unique room shape in which the distance sensor 61 does not work well. In other words, it is possible to realize efficient air mixing that matches the shape of the room 110. In addition, since the distance sensor 61 is not necessary, it is also possible to reduce costs.

[Sensor mounting position]
FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the mounting position of the distance sensor 61 provided in the blower 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described, but the same applies to the mounting position of the temperature sensor 62. As shown in FIG. 36, the distance sensor 61 is provided on the movable part (blower unit 2) of the circulator that swings up, down, left and right. Here, the case where the distance sensor 61 is provided on the upper end of the front cover 15a of the blower unit 2 is illustrated, but the distance sensor 61 may be provided on the lower end of the front cover 15a of the blower unit 2. This allows the detection target location of the distance sensor 61 or the temperature sensor 62 to follow the blowing direction 4. The circulator with a spherical grill structure has the advantage that the wind converges and concentrates in a narrow range, so that even if the detection target location detected by the distance sensor 61 or the temperature sensor 62 is a narrow range, the wind can be concentrated there.

[On/Off Timer]
The on timer can be selected by pressing the on timer button 34c (see FIG. 11) of the blower 1. Similarly, the off timer can be selected by pressing the off timer button 34b. When the blower is not operating (power is OFF) and the on timer is being set (the lamp is flashing), it is possible to set the off timer, blowing mode, up-down oscillation, left-right oscillation, and air volume.

In addition, if the on timer is set, the up/down and left/right swing positions will be maintained when operation is stopped for the off timer setting, and when operation starts for the on timer setting, air will be blown in the original swing positions. This means that if the swing position is set so that the wind does not blow directly on the user when going to sleep, the wind will not blow directly on the user even after the on timer has been activated. When operation is stopped under normal circumstances, the up/down and left/right swing positions are returned to their original positions.

Figure 37 is an explanatory diagram of the on/off timer of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the off timer is set first, and then the on timer is set. As shown in Figure 37, if the on timer is set while the off timer is operating (during operation), operation will stop after the time set by the off timer, and only the on timer lamp will be lit. Also, the on timer lamp will change according to the remaining time, and operation will start after the time set by the on timer.

[Remote control holder]
Fig. 38 is a perspective view of remote control holder 26 included in blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already explained, remote control holder 26 for holding remote control 25 is provided on the upper part of rear cover 15b of blower unit 2. As shown in Fig. 38, at least one rib 26e among the ribs constituting remote control holder 26 may be raised a little higher. In this way, when remote control 25 is attached to remote control holder 26, rib 26e comes into contact with the underside of remote control 25, making it possible to prevent remote control 25 from falling off.

As described above, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing left and right and has a blower fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right swing of the blower unit 2, and the control unit 50 controls the left and right swing of the blower unit 2 so that the wind speed at a position closer to the center is slower than the wind speed at positions closer to the ends. This allows weak wind to be blown toward positions closer to the center of laundry S that are spread out and hung out to dry in the left and right direction, and strong wind to be blown toward positions closer to the ends, allowing the laundry S to be dried evenly.

Specifically, the blower 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a stepping motor M1 that drives the left-right swing of the blower unit 2, and the control unit 50 desirably controls the left-right swing of the blower unit 2 by a pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1. This makes it possible to control the wind speed according to the left-right swing position of the blower unit 2.

The blower 2 also has a DC motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and the control unit 50 desirably controls the DC motor 18 in response to the left-right swing of the blower 2 caused by the stepping motor M1. This allows fine wind speed control in multiple stages, and allows fine wind speed switching according to the left-right swing position of the blower 2.

It is also desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range, with the wind speed at either end of the left and right swing of the blower unit 2 as the upper limit and the wind speed at the center as the lower limit, in multiple stages (select from multiple strong and weak levels). This allows the wind speed to be adjusted according to the distance from the laundry S.

It is also desirable to make the left-right swing range of the air blower 2 adjustable within a number of set angle ranges. This allows the left-right swing angle (swing range) to be adjusted to match the width of the laundry S, improving drying efficiency.

It is also desirable to set the wind speed increase/decrease range from the upper limit of the wind speed at both ends of the left and right swing of the blower unit 2 to the lower limit of the wind speed at the center, corresponding to each set angle range of the left and right swing of the blower unit 2. This increases the drying rate of the laundry S and can accommodate small to large amounts of laundry S.

In addition, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to return to the standard position in which the blowing direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces forward when the left-right swing of the blower unit 2 is stopped and when the power is turned off. This makes it easier to align the center when drying clothes.

It is also preferable to have a detection unit (IR sensor 51) that detects that the left/right swing position of the blower unit 2 is in a specified position. This makes it possible to correct the left/right swing position during operation.

It is also preferable that the stepping motor M2 that drives the up-down swing of the blower unit 2 is provided, and the control unit 50 controls the up-down swing of the blower unit 2 so that the wind speed at the upper end is faster than the wind speed at the lower end. This allows weak wind to be blown toward the laundry S hung vertically toward the lower end, which is closer, and strong wind to be blown toward the upper end, which is farther away, allowing the laundry S to be dried evenly.

In addition, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to return to the standard position in which the blowing direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces horizontally when the up-down oscillation of the blower unit 2 stops and when the power is turned off. This allows the blower unit 2 to maintain a neat position in which the blower unit 2 always faces horizontally when the up-down oscillation is in a standby state (stopped state).

In addition, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing left and right and has a blower fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right swing of the blower unit 2, and the control unit 50 controls the blowing of the blower unit 2 so that the wind speed at a position closer to the center is slower than the wind speed at positions closer to both ends of the left and right swing. The control unit 50 also controls the blowing of the air and the left and right swing of the blower unit 2 by switching between multiple types of blowing modes, and the multiple types of blowing modes include a continuous mode in which the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a predetermined speed while controlling the motor 18 to keep the wind speed constant, and a clothes drying mode in which the blower unit 2 swings left and right at a speed slower than a predetermined speed while controlling the motor 18 to make the wind speed at a position closer to the center slower than the wind speed at positions closer to both ends of the left and right swing of the blower unit 2. This allows the drying of laundry S, such as clothes, to be accelerated by slowly swinging left and right in the clothes drying mode.

The blower unit 2 also includes a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction 4, and the control unit 50 desirably controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. This allows the optimum wind speed to be selected according to the distance from the blower 1 to the laundry S, and allows the air to be blown onto the laundry S at a constant speed.

The air blowing unit 2 is also provided with a temperature sensor 62 that detects the wetness of the laundry S in the air blowing direction 4, and the control unit 50 desirably controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the air blowing unit 2 based on the wetness of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62. This allows the wet laundry S to be dried efficiently.

The control unit 50 also has a determination means for determining, based on the wetness state of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, the area within the air blowing range of the air blowing unit 2 where the wet laundry S is present as the area to be dried and the area where the wet laundry S is not present as the area not to be dried. If it is determined that part of the laundry S in the area to be dried has dried, it is desirable to change the area where the dried laundry S is present from the area to be dried to the area not to be dried. This allows the wet laundry S to be dried efficiently.

The blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing left and right and has a blower fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right swing of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to swing up and down so that the wind speed at a position near the upper end is faster than the wind speed at a position near the lower end. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

The vertical swing of the air blower 2 is set to an angle range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees, and it is desirable to make the angle adjustable in the vertical direction while maintaining the vertical swing angle range of the air blower 2. This allows the air to be directed in a concentrated manner at the laundry S, allowing for efficient drying. It can also be used in a variety of situations for drying clothes.

The blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can swing up and down and left and right and has a blower fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the up and down and left and right swing of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to swing left and right so that the wind speed at the center is slower than the wind speed at both ends, and controls the blower unit 2 to swing up and down so that the wind speed at a position closer to the upper end is faster than the wind speed at a position closer to the lower end. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

The blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blowing of air and the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2 by switching between multiple blowing modes. The multiple blowing modes include a continuous mode in which the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a predetermined speed, and a forced stirring mode in which the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a speed faster than the predetermined speed. This allows indoor air to be circulated by rapidly oscillating left and right in the forced stirring mode.

It is also desirable for the control unit 50 to stop the vertical swing of the blower unit 2 and control it to swing left and right faster than a predetermined speed while maintaining the vertical angle. This allows the indoor air to be mixed efficiently.

It is also preferable that the control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 to swing left and right intermittently. This can improve the mixing rate of the indoor air.

The blower unit 2 is also provided with a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction 4, and the control unit 50 desirably controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. This allows the indoor air to be efficiently stirred in the forced stirring mode regardless of where the blower 1 is installed.

The blower unit 2 also includes a temperature sensor 62 that detects the temperature of an object in the blowing direction 4, and the control unit 50 preferably controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the blower unit 2 based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62. This allows the indoor air to be mixed efficiently.

The control unit 50 also has a determination means for determining whether the air conditioner is in a cooling mode, in which the air conditioner attempts to lower the indoor temperature, or in a heating mode, in which the air conditioner attempts to raise the indoor temperature, based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62. In the cooling mode, it is desirable to control the blower unit 2 to blow air toward a low position along the floor of the room, and in the heating mode, to control the blower unit 2 to blow air toward a high position in the room. This allows the effect of the circulator to be maximized during cooling or heating, improving the efficiency of cooling and heating.

It is also desirable for the blower section 2 to be configured so that it can change direction by 180 degrees. This allows the indoor air to be mixed efficiently.

It is also preferable that the blower unit 2 is equipped with a running means. This allows the indoor air to be mixed efficiently.

It is also preferable to have a remote control 25 for setting the airflow range of the air blower 2, and the control unit 50 controls the swing of the air blower 2 so that air is blown toward the airflow range set by the remote control 25. This makes it possible to reduce costs by eliminating the need for a sensor. Also, the airflow range can be set according to the user's wishes.

[Other embodiments]
As described above, although several embodiments have been described, the descriptions and drawings forming a part of the disclosure are illustrative and should not be understood as limiting. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

As such, this embodiment includes various embodiments not described here.

1 Blower 2 Blower section 17 Fan 18 DC motor 25 Remote control (setting operation means)
50: Control unit 61: Distance sensor (distance detection means)
62...Temperature sensor (wetness detection means)
M1...Stepping motor M2...Stepping motor

Claims (3)

A base portion and
A support pillar erected from the base portion;
A blower unit supported on the support pillar so as to be vertically swingable;
A motor for vertical oscillation provided in the blower;
A ratchet mechanism;
Equipped with
The ratchet mechanism includes:
a latch base attached to an output shaft of the motor and having a locking pin;
a pinion gear having an engagement recess into which the pin is pressed and facing the latch base;
The rack gear is provided on the support and meshes with the pinion gear.
The motor drives the pinion gear to cause the blower to swing up and down .
a hole is formed in the latch base to accommodate the pin and a spring that presses the pin against the locking recess;
The rack gear further includes a gear holder integral with the rack gear,
the gear holder is in contact with a surface of the pinion gear opposite to the locking recess,
The gear holder is configured so that the pinion gear is positioned between the gear holder and the rack gear, and a guide portion is formed to maintain meshing between the pinion gear and the rack gear.
Blower. A protrusion is formed at the center of the pinion gear,
The protrusion is configured to move along a groove formed in the gear holder.
The blower of claim 1 . When the motor starts to swing the blower unit up and down, the blower unit is operated upward to its upper limit, and the blower unit is stopped by the amount of manual movement, thereby eliminating the deviation caused by the manual movement of the blower unit.
The blower according to claim 1 or 2 .

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