Source: http://www.patentsencyclopedia.com/app/20120282117
Timestamp: 2018-04-20 17:29:52
Document Index: 616781532

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 8', 'Application No. 3797993', 'Application No. 2009', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'arts 12', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 21', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'arts 42', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'art 42', 'art 52', 'arts 12', 'art 42', 'art 42']

AIR BLOWING FAN, CIRCULATOR, MICRO-PARTICLE DIFFUSION DEVICE, AND AIR CIRCULATION METHOD - Patent application
Patent application title: AIR BLOWING FAN, CIRCULATOR, MICRO-PARTICLE DIFFUSION DEVICE, AND AIR CIRCULATION METHOD
Inventors: Masaya Takahashi (Osaka-Shi, JP) Masaki Ohtsuka (Osaka-Shi, JP) Masaki Ohtsuka (Osaka-Shi, JP) Yasukata Takeda (Osaka-Shi, JP)
Patent application number: 20120282117
An air blowing fan, comprising a crossflow-type impeller, and a first casing and a second casing for covering the impeller and for forming an air flow route, the first casing and the second casing being disposed next to each other in an axial direction of the impeller; and an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the first casing and an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the second casing being different from each other.
1. An air blowing fan, comprising a crossflow-type impeller, and a first casing and a second casing for covering the impeller and for forming an air flow route, the first casing and the second casing being disposed next to each other in an axial direction of the impeller; and an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the first casing and an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the second casing being different from each other.
2. The air blowing fan according to claim 1, the first casing having one end where a first intake-side opening part from which the impeller projects is opened, and extending toward an exhaust side of the impeller; the second casing having one end where a second intake-side opening part from which the impeller projects is opened, and extending toward the exhaust side of the impeller; and an opening surface of the first intake-side opening part and an opening surface of the second intake-side opening part being disposed at different angles relative to a circumferential direction of the impeller.
3. The air blowing fan according to claim 2, a predetermined range of the first casing relative to the first intake-side opening part matching a shape where a predetermined range of the second casing relative to the second intake-side opening part has been rotatingly moved around the center of rotation of the impeller when seen from the axial direction of the impeller.
4. The air blowing fan according to claim 2, the outgoing direction of the air flow flowing through the first casing, and the outgoing direction of the air flow flowing through the second casing differing by 90.degree. or more from each other.
5. An air blowing fan, comprising: a first impeller and a second impeller disposed on a single shaft; a motor for rotatingly driving the first impeller and the second impeller; a first casing for covering the first impeller, the first casing having a first cylindrical part where a first air-intaking port is opened in an axial direction as well as a first outgoing passage extending from a circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part in a circumferentially tangential direction and having a distal end where a first outlet is opened; and a second casing for covering the second impeller, the second casing having a second cylindrical part where a second air-intaking port is opened in an axial direction as well as a second outgoing passage extending from a circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part in a circumferential tangential direction and having a distal end where a second outlet is opened; the direction in which the first outgoing passage extends from the first cylindrical part and the direction in which the second outgoing passage extends from the second cylindrical part being different from each other in the circumferential direction, and an outgoing direction of the air flow blown out from the first outlet and an outgoing direction of the air flow blown out from the second outlet being different from each other.
6. The air blowing fan according to claim 5, an opening area of the first outlet being smaller than an opening area of the second outlet.
7. The air blowing fan according to claim 6, a width of the first outlet in a direction perpendicular to the shaft being smaller than a width of the second outlet in a direction perpendicular to the shaft.
8. The air blowing fan according to claim 6, the first outgoing passage having an upstream part where the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to the shaft, and, downstream of the upstream part, a downstream part where the flow route is kept constant or is gradually constricted in a direction perpendicular to the shaft until the first outlet; and the second outgoing passage having a flow route gradually expanding in a direction perpendicular to the shaft between the second cylindrical part and the second outlet.
9. The air blowing fan according to claim 5, the first impeller and the second impeller having a circular plate coupled to the motor, as well as blades erected in a radiating shape on both surfaces of the circular plate; and the first air-intaking port and the second air-intaking port being provided to both surfaces, in the axial direction, of the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part, respectively.
10. A circulator for circulating air present in a room, the circulator being mounted on one side wall in the room or on a ceiling wall located close to one side wall in the room; the circulator further comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet, which outlets are disposed next to each other in a horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
11. The circulator according to claim 10, comprising an air blowing fan made of a centrifugal fan or a cross-flow fan, and an air blowing path where the air blowing fan is disposed so that a rotation shaft is disposed horizontally; the air blowing path being divided downstream of the air blowing fan; the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet having a first divided passage, a second divided passage, and a third divided passage respectively opening on a front end; and a wall surface on an inside of the first divided passage and the third divided passage being inclined with respect to the vertical plane.
12. The circulator according to claim 10, comprising a fourth outlet for delivering downward a fourth air flow flowing along the one side wall.
13. The circulator according to claim 10, comprising a fourth outlet for delivering a fourth air flow oriented downward and forward, and a flow rate of the fourth air flow is less than a flow rate of the second air flow.
14. A circulator, comprising: a chassis that opens at an inlet and an outlet; an air blowing path for coupling the inlet and the outlet, the air blowing path being provided inside the chassis; and an air blowing fan for delivering an air flow in a circumferential direction, the air blowing fan being disposed in the air blowing path; the circulator being adapted to deliver, from the outlet, air present in the room flowing from the inlet into the air blowing path and adapted to circulate the air present in the room; the air blowing path having: a perpendicular-direction-expanded part where, downstream of the air blowing fan, the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to a rotation shaft of the air blowing fan; and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, an axial-direction-expanded part where the flow route is gradually expanded in an axial direction of the rotation shaft and is kept constant or gradually constricted in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft.
15. The circulator according to claim 14, a flow route area of the axial-direction-expanded part expanding proportionately with downstream movement.
16. The circulator according to claim 14, having a plurality of divided passages coupled to the perpendicular-direction-expanded part and to the axial-direction-expanded part, the divided passages being divided in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.
17. The circulator according to claim 14, the chassis being disposed in the vicinity of the ceiling wall in the room, the rotation shaft being disposed horizontally; the outlet being formed on an upper end of the chassis; and the air flow being delivered from the outlet along the ceiling wall.
18. The circulator according to claim 14, the chassis being disposed in the vicinity of the ceiling wall in the room, the rotation shaft being disposed horizontally; the outlet being formed on a lower part of the chassis; and the air flow being delivered upward from the outlet.
19. A circulator, comprising the air blowing fan according to claim 1; an air flow being delivered in a plurality of directions into a room; and air present in the room being circulated.
20. The circulator according to claim 19, an air flow being delivered into the room by the first casing horizontally or forward and upward; and an air flow being delivered downward into the room by the second casing.
21. A circulator, the air blowing fan according to claim 5 being provided to a chassis; an air flow being delivered in a plurality of directions into a room; and the air present in the room being circulated.
22. The circulator according to claim 21, an air flow being delivered by the first casing vertically upward or backward and upward from the first outlet; and an air flow being delivered by the second casing forward and upward from the second outlet.
23. The circulator according to claim 21, an air flow being delivered by the first casing horizontally or forward and upward from the first outlet; and an air flow being delivered by the second casing forward and downward into the room from the second outlet.
24. The circulator according to claim 22, the first outlet and the second outlet being provided to one surface of the chassis; a mounting surface facing the one surface being able to abut a floor surface in the room and be mounted on the floor surface, and the mounting surface being able to abut a side wall in the room and to be mounted on the side wall.
25. The circulator according to claim 21, comprising a HEPA filter for collecting dust in the air flowing into the first casing and into the second casing.
26. A micro-particle diffusion device for delivering micro-particles into a room, the device having a micro-particle generation device for generating the micro-particles, and the device being mounted on a one side wall in the room or a ceiling wall located close to the one side wall in the room, the micro-particle diffusion device further comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
27. A micro-particle diffusion device comprising: a chassis that opens at an inlet and an outlet; an air blowing path for coupling the inlet and the outlet, the air blowing path being provided inside the chassis; an air blowing fan for delivering an air flow in a circumferential direction, the air blowing fan being disposed in the air blowing path; and a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles, the micro-particle generation device being disposed downstream of the air blowing fan; the micro-particles being introduced into air present in the room flowing into the air blowing path from the inlet, and being delivered from the outlet; and the air blowing path having: a perpendicular-direction-expanded part where, downstream of the air blowing fan, the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to a rotation shaft of the air blowing fan; and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, an axial-direction-expanded part where the flow route is gradually expanded in an axial direction of the rotation shaft and is kept constant or gradually constricted in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft.
28. A micro-particle diffusion device, comprising the air blowing fan according to claim 1, as well as a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles; an air flow that includes the micro-particles being delivered into the room in a plurality of directions; and the micro-particles being diffused into the room.
29. The micro-particle diffusion device according to claim 28, an air flow being delivered into the room by the first casing horizontally or upward; and an air flow being delivered downward into the room by the second casing.
30. A micro-particle diffusion device, comprising a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles within the circulator according to claim 21; an air flow that includes the micro-particles being delivered into the room in a plurality of directions; and the micro-particles being diffused into the room.
31. The micro-particle diffusion device according to claim 27, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device including any of ions, an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, or a disinfectant.
32. An air circulation method for causing air present in a room to circulate using a circulator mounted in a vicinity of a corner between one side wall and a ceiling wall in the room; the circulator comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
33. The circulator according to claim 23, the first outlet and the second outlet being provided to one surface of the chassis; a mounting surface facing the one surface being able to abut a floor surface in the room and be mounted on the floor surface, and the mounting surface being able to abut a side wall in the room and to be mounted on the side wall.
34. The micro-particle diffusion device according to claim 28, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device including any of ions, an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, or a disinfectant.
35. The micro-particle diffusion device according to claim 29, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device including any of ions, an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, or a disinfectant.
36. The micro-particle diffusion device according to claim 30, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device including any of ions, an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, or a disinfectant.
[0001] The present invention relates to an air blowing fan for delivering an air flow. The present invention also relates to a circulator and air circulation method for circulating air present in a room. The present invention further relates to a micro-particle diffusion device for delivering, and diffusing within a room, ions or other micro-particles.
[0002] Patent Citation 1 discloses a conventional circulator. This circulator is mounted on a floor surface in a room, and has an inlet opened in a lower part and an outlet opened in an upper surface. The driving of an air blowing fan disposed in the interior of the circulator causes air present in the room to be drawn in from the inlet along the floor surface, and causes the air to be delivered forward and upward from the outlet. This makes it possible to circulate the air present in the room.
[0003] Patent Citation 2 discloses a conventional micro-particle diffusion device. The micro-particle diffusion device is disposed on a top surface of a refrigerator or a similar surface, and has an air blowing fan provided inside a chassis having a front surface on which an outlet is opened. The air blowing fan is composed of a Sirocco fan for taking in air in the axial direction and for discharging air in the circumferential direction, and is disposed so as to have a vertical rotation shaft. Coupling between the air blowing fan and the outlet is provided by an air blowing path. Downstream of the air blowing fan, the air blowing path gradually widens in the horizontal direction and gradually narrows in the vertical direction. A micro-particle generation device for generating ions, which are micro-particles, is disposed inside the air blowing path.
[0004] The air flow generated by the air blowing fan flows through the air blowing path, and an air flow which includes the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device is delivered forward from the outlet. The air blowing path is formed so as to widen in the horizontal direction downstream of the air blowing fan, the air flow delivered from the outlet widens in the horizontal direction, and the micro-particles are diffused into the room. This makes it possible to supply the inside of the room with positive ions and negative ions, and to sterilize airborne bacteria present in the room.
[0005] Patent Citation 3 discloses a circulator for circulating air present in a room, the circulator being provided with an air blowing fan having a crossflow-type impeller. This circulator is composed of an air conditioner, and has a chassis in an upper surface of which an inlet is opened and in a front surface lower part of which an outlet is opened. A heat exchanger is disposed between the inlet and the air blowing fan, which is disposed inside the chassis.
[0006] The air blowing fan is composed of a crossflow fan in which the impeller is covered with a casing. The casing has one end where an intake-side opening part from which the impeller projects is opened, the casing extending toward the exhaust side of the impeller and being coupled to the outlet. An air flow route of the exhaust side of the impeller is thereby formed by the casing. A movable louver for rendering the wind direction variable between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is provided in the vicinity of the outlet within the air flow route.
[0007] When the air blowing fan is driven, the air present in the room is taken in from the inlet into the chassis, and exchanges heat with the heat exchanger. The air having exchanged heat with the heat exchanger is guided to the exhaust side of the air blowing fan via an intake-side opening part of the casing. Then, air is delivered from the outlet to the inside of the room, air conditioning is provided for the inside of the room, and the air present in the room is circulated.
[0008] The air is delivered by the movable louver from the outlet toward a predetermined direction. This makes it possible for air to be delivered in a plurality of directions in the room and for air to be circulated to every corner of the room.
[0009] Patent Citation 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 8-270992 (pp. 2-5, FIG. 4) [0010] Patent Citation 2: Japanese Examined Patent Application No. 3797993 (pp. 4-18, FIGS. 1 and 2) [0011] Patent Citation 3: Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2009-270530 (pp. 5-8, FIG. 1)
[0012] However, according to the conventional circulator disclosed in Patent Citation 1, air delivered from the outlet is not adequately diffused in the horizontal direction inside the room. Therefore, it becomes difficult to circulate air to every corner of the room, which is a problem. When a swing mechanism for causing the air blowing fan to swing in the horizontal direction is provided, it is possible to circulate air to every corner of the room, but a problem is presented in that the structure then becomes complicated and the cost of the circulator increases in turn. A further problem is presented in that the air blown forward and upward out from the circulator directly hits a user present in a living space in the center part in the room, and the user becomes less comfortable.
[0013] According to the conventional micro-particle diffusion device disclosed in Patent Citation 2, the air flow flowing through the air blowing path widens in the horizontal direction and is delivered forward from the outlet. It is therefore possible to use a simple configuration to deliver air and/or micro-particles to a broad range inside the room in the horizontal direction.
[0014] However, the kinetic energy of the air flow delivered from the outlet is dispossessed by the air present in the room, and therefore the distance reached by the air flow is shortened. Also, the flow route is tightened in the vertical direction immediately after the air blowing fan, and therefore the kinetic energy of the air flow cannot be adequately recovered, and the static pressure inside the air blowing path is reduced. A problem is presented in that this prevents the air flow from reaching a wall surface in the room that is distant from the micro-particle diffusion device, and makes it impossible to adequately circulate the air or diffuse the micro-particles. On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the air blowing fan is increased in order to increase the distance reached by the air flow, a problem is presented in that the noise and power consumption are increased.
[0015] Further, a problem is presented in that the air blowing forward out from the micro-particle diffusion device directly hits a user present in a living space in the center part in the room, and the user becomes less comfortable.
[0016] The air blowing fan is disposed so as to have a vertical rotation shaft, and discharges air in a circumferential tangential direction, and therefore a problem is presented in that the flow rate of the air flow flowing through the air blowing path becomes uneven in the horizontal direction due to the centrifugal force of the air blowing fan.
[0017] A similar problem is also presented in a case where micro-particles of an air freshener, deodorant, insecticide, disinfectant, or the like other than ions are generated by the micro-particle generation device.
[0018] A problem is presented in that, according to the circulator disclosed in Patent Citation 3, providing the movable louver in order to deliver air in a plurality of directions in the room increases the cost because the structure becomes complicated. In the vicinity of the outlet, the air flow is sharply bent by the louver in the vicinity of the outlet. Therefore, a problem is presented in that there is a greater loss of pressure, the air blowing efficiency is degraded, and the noise is increased.
[0019] It is possible to forgo the louver and cause the air flow route on the exhaust side of the air blowing fan to branch, thus delivering the air in a plurality of directions. However, in such a case as well, the air flow is similarly sharply bent at the exhaust side of the air blowing fan, and therefore the air blowing efficiency is degraded and the noise is increased.
[0020] A similar problem is also presented for a micro-particle diffusion device for delivering and diffusing micro-particles into a room, in which the air flow route of the circulator is provided with a micro-particle generation device for generating ions or micro-particles of an air freshener, deodorant, insecticide, disinfectant, or the like.
[0021] The present invention aims to provide a circulator and air circulation method that make it possible to conserve power and to adequately circulate air present in a room. The present invention also aims to provide a micro-particle diffusion device that makes it possible to conserve power and to adequately diffuse micro-particles into a room.
[0022] The present invention further aims to provide: an air blowing fan for inexpensively improving air blowing efficiency and reducing noise, and enabling an air flow to be delivered in a plurality of directions; and a circulator and micro-particle diffusion device in which same is used.
[0023] In order to achieve the aforedescribed aims, the air blowing fan of the present invention comprises a crossflow-type impeller, and a first casing and a second casing for covering the impeller and for forming an air flow route, the first casing and the second casing being disposed next to each other in an axial direction of the impeller, an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the first casing; and an outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the second casing being different from each other.
[0024] According to such a configuration, the crossflow-type impeller is covered by the first casing and the second casing disposed next to each other in the axial direction, thus forming the air blowing fan composed of a crossflow fan. The rotation of the impeller causes air on the intake side of the air blowing fan to penetrate through the impeller, and flow through the first casing and the second casing. The air flow flowing through the first casing is blown out in a predetermined direction, and the air flow flowing through the second casing is blown out in a direction different from that of the air flow flowing through the first casing.
[0025] In a preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, the first casing has one end where a first intake-side opening part from which the impeller projects is opened, and extends toward an exhaust side of the impeller; the second casing has one end where a second intake-side opening part from which the impeller projects is opened, and extends toward the exhaust side of the impeller; and an opening surface of the first intake-side opening part and an opening surface of the second intake-side opening part are disposed at different angles relative to a circumferential direction of the impeller.
[0026] According to such a configuration, the rotation of the impeller causes the air on the intake side of the air blowing fan to penetrate through the impeller and to flow into the first casing from the first intake-side opening part as well as to flow into the second casing from the second intake-side opening part. The opening surface of the first intake-side opening part and the opening surface of the second intake-side opening part are disposed at different angles to the circumferential direction of the impeller, and the first and second casings are each formed extending in predetermined directions from the first and second intake-side opening parts.
[0027] In a preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, a predetermined range of the first casing relative to the first intake-side opening part matches a shape where a predetermined range of the second casing relative to the second intake-side opening part has been rotatingly moved around the center of rotation of the impeller when seen from the axial direction of the impeller. According to such a configuration, a wall surface of the first casing is formed with a predetermined curvature relative to the first intake-side opening part, and a wall surface of the second casing is formed with the same curvature as the first casing in a predetermined range relative to the second intake-side opening part.
[0028] In an aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, the outgoing direction of the air flow flowing through the first casing, and the outgoing direction of the air flow flowing through the second casing may differ by 90° or more from each other.
[0029] An air blowing fan of the present invention also comprises:
[0030] a first impeller and a second impeller disposed on a single shaft;
[0031] a motor for rotatingly driving the first impeller and the second impeller; a first casing for covering the first impeller, the first casing having a first cylindrical part where a first air-intaking port is opened in an axial direction as well as a first outgoing passage extending from a circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part in a circumferential tangential direction and having a distal end where a first outlet is opened; and
[0032] a second casing for covering the second impeller, the second casing having a second cylindrical part where a second air-intaking port is opened in an axial direction as well as a second outgoing passage extending from a circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part in a circumferential tangential direction and having a distal end where a second outlet is opened;
[0033] the direction in which the first outgoing passage extends from the first cylindrical part and the direction in which the second outgoing passage extends from the second cylindrical part being different from each other in the circumferential direction, and an outgoing direction of the air flow blown out from the first outlet and an outgoing direction of the air flow blown out from the second outlet being different from each other.
[0034] According to such a configuration, the first impeller and the second impeller are coupled on the rotation shaft of the motor, and the first impeller and the second impeller are covered by the first casing and the second casing, respectively. An air blowing fan composed of a multistage centrifugal fan is thereby formed. The driving of the motor causes the first impeller and the second impeller to rotate, and air is drawn in via the first air-intaking port and the second air-intaking port in the axial direction into the first casing and the second casing. The air having flowed into the first casing is discharged from the first cylindrical part in the circumferential tangential direction, is caused to flow through the first outgoing passage, and is blown out from the first outlet in a predetermined direction. The air having flowed into the second casing is discharged from the second cylindrical part in a direction different than the first outgoing passage of the circumferential tangential direction, flows through the second outgoing passage, and is blown out from the second outlet in a direction different from that of the first outlet.
[0035] In a preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, an opening area of the first outlet is smaller than an opening area of the second outlet. According to such a configuration, an air flow is delivered at high speed from the first outlet having the smaller opening area, and an air flow is delivered at low speed from the second outlet having a greater opening area than that of the first outlet.
[0036] In a preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, a width of the first outlet in a direction perpendicular to the shaft is smaller than a width of the second outlet in a direction perpendicular to the shaft.
[0037] In a preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, the first outgoing passage has an upstream part where the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to the shaft, and, downstream of the upstream part, a downstream part where the flow route is kept constant or is gradually constricted in a direction perpendicular to the shaft until the first outlet; and the second outgoing passage has a flow route gradually expanding in a direction perpendicular to the shaft between the second cylindrical part and the second outlet.
[0038] According to such a configuration, the kinetic energy of the air flow flowing through the first outgoing passage is recovered and converted to static pressure at the upstream part where the flow route is gradually expanded in the direction perpendicular to the shaft. A decrease in the flow rate of this air flow is minimized at the downstream part where the flow route is kept constant or is gradually constricted. The air flow is then delivered at high speed from the first outlet having the smaller opening area. The kinetic energy of the air flow flowing through the second outgoing passage is recovered and converted to static pressure until reaching the second opening, the flow route being gradually expanded in the direction perpendicular to the shaft. The air flow is then delivered at low speed from the second outlet having an opening area greater than that of the first outlet.
[0039] In a more preferred aspect of the aforedescribed air blowing fan of the present invention, the first impeller and the second impeller have a circular plate coupled to the motor as well as blades erected in a radiating shape on both surfaces of the circular plate, and the first air-intaking port and the second air-intaking port are provided to both surfaces, in the axial direction, of the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part, respectively.
[0040] The present invention also provides a circulator for circulating air present in a room, the circulator being mounted on one side wall in the room or on a ceiling wall located close to the one side wall in the room; the circulator further comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet, which outlets are disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
[0041] According to such a configuration, the circulator is mounted, for example, to the one side wall in the room, and the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet are provided in order from, for example, the right from the perspective of facing into the room. The first air flow having been delivered from the first outlet toward the right flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the right side wall (the first wall surface). The second air flow having been delivered from the second outlet toward the front flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the side wall facing the mounting wall (the second wall surface). The third air flow having been delivered from the third outlet toward the left flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the left side wall (the third wall surface). The air flows descending the first wall surface, the second wall surface, and the third wall surface flow across the floor surface in the room, rise along the mounting surface, and return to the circulator. The air flows are thereby circulated along the wall surfaces in the room, and the air present in the living space in the center part in the room is thereby slowly circulated. Because the first, second, and third air flows proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room can be minimized, and the distance reached by the air flows can be increased.
[0042] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the circulator comprises an air blowing fan made of a centrifugal fan or a cross-flow fan, and an air blowing path where the air blowing fan is disposed so that a rotation shaft is disposed horizontally; the air blowing path is divided downstream of the air blowing fan; the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet have a first divided passage, a second divided passage, and a third divided passage each of which open in a front end; and a wall surface on an inside of the first divided passage and the third divided passage is inclined with respect to the vertical plane.
[0043] According to such a configuration, the air, which is delivered in the circumferential direction from the air blowing fan disposed so as to have a horizontal rotation shaft, flows branching into the first divided passage, the second divided passage, and the third divided passage. The air flowing through the first divided passage advances guided toward, for example, the right along the side wall, which is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, and the first air flow is delivered from the first outlet. The air flowing through the second divided passage is guided forward, and the second air flow is delivered from the second outlet. The air flowing through the third divided passage advances guided toward, for example, the left along the side wall, which is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, and the third air flow is delivered from the third outlet.
[0044] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the circulator is provided with a fourth outlet for delivering downward a fourth air flow flowing along the one side wall. According to such a configuration, the fourth air flow having been delivered downward from the fourth outlet descends along the mounting surface.
[0045] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the circulator is provided with a fourth outlet for delivering a fourth air flow oriented downward and forward, and a flow rate of the fourth air flow is less than a flow rate of the second air flow. According to such a configuration, the fourth air flow having been delivered downward and forward from the fourth outlet is directly supplied to the living space in the room. At such a time, because the flow rate of the fourth air flow is less than the flow rate of the second air flow, discomfort caused by the fourth air flow directly hitting the user is minimized.
[0046] The present invention also provides a circulator comprising: a chassis opening at an inlet and an outlet; an air blowing path for coupling the inlet and the outlet, the air blowing path being provided inside the chassis; and an air blowing fan for delivering an air flow in a circumferential direction, the air blowing fan being disposed in the air blowing path; the circulator being adapted to deliver, from the outlet, air present in the room flowing from the inlet into the air blowing path and adapted to circulate the air present in the room; the air blowing path having: a perpendicular-direction-expanded part where, downstream of the air blowing fan, the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to a rotation shaft of the air blowing fan; and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, an axial-direction-expanded part where the flow route is gradually expanded in an axial direction of the rotation shaft and is kept constant or gradually constricted in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft.
[0047] According to such a configuration, the air blowing fan is composed of a centrifugal fan or a cross-flow fan, and, for example, the rotation shaft is disposed horizontally. The driving of the air blowing fan causes air present in the room to flow into the air blowing path from the inlet, and to be discharged in the circumferential direction of the air blowing fan. The perpendicular-direction-expanded part downstream of the air blowing fan gradually expands in the vertical direction, and the kinetic energy of the air flow is recovered and converted to static pressure. The axial-direction-expanded part downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part gradually widens in the horizontal direction and is constant or constricted in the vertical direction. The air flow flowing through the axial-direction-expanded part is thereby widened in the horizontal direction and any decrease in the flow speed is thereby minimized. Also, the air flow is delivered from the outlet to a broad range in the horizontal direction, and the air present in the room is circulated. The rotation shaft of the air blowing fan may be disposed with a horizontal incline or may be disposed vertically.
[0048] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, a flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part expands proportionately with downstream movement. According to such a configuration, the kinetic energy of the air flow flowing through the axial-direction-expanded part is recovered and converted to static pressure.
[0049] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the circulator has a plurality of divided passages coupled to the perpendicular-direction-expanded part and to the axial-direction-expanded part, the divided passages being divided in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. According to such a configuration, the air flows flow along the wall surfaces of the divided passages and widen smoothly in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.
[0050] In a more preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the chassis is disposed in the vicinity of the ceiling wall in the room, the rotation shaft being disposed horizontally; the outlet is formed on an upper end of the chassis; and the air flow is delivered from the outlet along the ceiling wall. According to such a configuration, the air flow delivered along the ceiling wall in the room from the outlet flows along the ceiling wall due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, and the distance reached by the air flow can be further lengthened.
[0051] In a more preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the chassis is disposed in the vicinity of the ceiling wall in the room, the rotation shaft being disposed horizontally; the outlet is formed on a lower part of the chassis, and the air flow is delivered upward from the outlet. According to such a configuration, the air flow delivered upward from the outlet reaches the ceiling wall in the room and, due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, flows along the ceiling wall, and the distance reached by the air flow can be further lengthened.
[0052] Further, the circulator of the present invention comprises the aforedescribed crossflow-type air blowing fan, an air flow being delivered in a plurality of directions into a room, and air present in the room being circulated. According to such a configuration, the air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered into the room, and the air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered in a direction different from that of the air flow flowing through the first casing. The air having been delivered into the room circulates within the room and returns to the intake side of the air blowing fan.
[0053] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, an air flow is delivered into the room by the first casing horizontally or forward and upward; and an air flow is delivered downward into the room by the second casing. According to such a configuration, the air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered into the room horizontally or forward and upward, and circulates within the room. The air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered downward into the room, and flows along the side wall to which the circulator is provided.
[0054] Further, the circulator of the present invention comprises: an air blowing fan comprising the aforedescribed multistage centrifugal being provided to a chassis; an air flow being delivered in a plurality of directions into a room; and the air present in the room being circulated. According to such a configuration, the air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered into the room, and the air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered in a direction different from that of the air flow flowing through the first casing. The air having been delivered into the room circulates within the room and returns to the intake side of the air blowing fan.
[0055] In an aspect of the circulator of the present invention, an air flow may be delivered by the first casing vertically upward or backward and upward from the first outlet; and an air flow may be delivered by the second casing forward and upward from the second outlet. According to such a configuration, when the circulator is mounted in the vicinity of a corner between the one side wall and the floor surface in the room, the air flow flowing through the first casing is blown out along the side wall from the first outlet. This air flow returns to the circulator by passing across the floor surface and the side wall facing the circulator. The air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered toward the living space in the room from the second outlet, and returns to the circulator by passing across the floor surface.
[0056] In another aspect of the circulator of the present invention, an air flow may be delivered by the first casing horizontally or forward and upward from the first outlet; and an air flow may be delivered by the second casing forward and downward into the room from the second outlet. According to such a configuration, when the circulator is mounted in the vicinity of a corner between the one side wall and the ceiling wall in the room, the air flow flowing through the first casing is blown out along the ceiling wall from the first outlet. This air flow returns to the circulator by passing across the side wall facing the circulator, across the floor surface, and across the side wall on which the circulator is disposed. The air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered toward the living space in the room from the second outlet and returns to the circulator by passing across the floor surface and across the side wall on which the circulator is disposed.
[0057] In a preferred aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the first outlet and the second outlet are provided to one surface of the chassis; a mounting surface facing the one surface is able to abut a floor surface in the room and be mounted on the floor surface, and the mounting surface is able to abut a side wall in the room and to be mounted on the side wall. According to such a configuration, the circulator can provide support for both floor surface set-up and wall mounting, in either of which cases the air present in the room can still be favorably circulated.
[0058] In an aspect of the circulator of the present invention, the circulator may be comprises a HEPA filter for collecting dust in the air flowing into the first casing and into the second casing. According to such a configuration, air from which the dust has been removed by the HEPA filter is delivered into the room. The HEPA filter increases the loss of pressure, but the air blowing fan, which has been formed from a centrifugal fan having high static pressure, prevents any decrease in the air blowing efficiency.
[0059] The present invention also provides a micro-particle diffusion device for delivering micro-particles into a room, the device having a micro-particle generation device for generating the micro-particles, and the device being mounted on one side wall in the room or a ceiling wall located close to the one side wall in the room, the micro-particle diffusion device further comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
[0060] According to such a configuration, the micro-particle diffusion device is mounted onto, for example, the one side wall in the room, and air which includes the micro-particles is delivered into the room. The first air flow having been delivered toward the right from the first outlet flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the right side wall (the first wall surface). The second air flow having been delivered forward from the second outlet flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the side wall facing the mounting surface (the second wall surface). The third air flow having been delivered toward the left from the third outlet flows along the ceiling wall, and descends along the left side wall (the third wall surface). The air flows descending the first wall surface, the second wall surface, and the third wall surface flow across the floor surface in the room, rise along the mounting surface, and return to the micro-particle diffusion device. The air flows, which include the micro-particles, are thereby circulated along the wall surfaces in the room, and the micro-particles are thereby slowly diffused into the living space in the center part in the room. Because the first, second, and third air flows proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized, and the distance reached by the air flows can be increased.
[0061] The present invention also provides a micro-particle diffusion device comprising: a chassis that opens at an inlet and an outlet; an air blowing path for coupling the inlet and the outlet, the air blowing path being provided inside the chassis; an air blowing fan for delivering an air flow in a circumferential direction, the air blowing fan being disposed in the air blowing path; and a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles, the micro-particle generation device being disposed downstream of the air blowing fan, and the micro-particles being introduced into air present in the room flowing into the air blowing path from the inlet, and being delivered from the outlet; the air blowing path having: a perpendicular-direction-expanded part where, downstream of the air blowing fan, the flow route is gradually expanded in a direction perpendicular to a rotation shaft of the air blowing fan; and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, an axial-direction-expanded part where the flow route is gradually expanded in an axial direction of the rotation shaft and is kept constant or gradually constricted in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft.
[0062] According to such a configuration, the air blowing fan is composed of a centrifugal fan or a cross-flow fan, and, for example, the rotation shaft is disposed horizontally. The driving of the air blowing fan causes air present in the room to flow into the air blowing path from the inlet, and to be discharged in the circumferential direction of the air blowing fan. The perpendicular-direction-expanded part downstream of the air blowing fan is gradually expanded in the vertical direction, and the kinetic energy of the air flow is recovered and converted to static pressure. The axial-direction-expanded part downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part gradually widens in the horizontal direction and is constant or constricted in the vertical direction. The air flow flowing through the axial-direction-expanded part is thereby widened in the horizontal direction and any decrease in the flow speed is thereby minimized. The air flow including the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device is delivered from the outlet to a broad range in the horizontal direction, and the micro-particles are diffused into the room. The rotation shaft of the air blowing fan may be disposed with a horizontal incline or may be disposed vertically.
[0063] Further, the micro-particle diffusion device of the present invention comprises the aforedescribed crossflow-type air blowing fan, as well as a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles; an air flow that includes the micro-particles being delivered into the room in a plurality of directions, and the micro-particles being diffused into the room. According to such a configuration, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device are included in the air flows flowing through the first casing and the second casing. The air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered into the room, and the air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered in a direction different from that of the air flow flowing through the first casing. The micro-particles are thereby diffused into the room.
[0064] In a preferred aspect of the micro-particle diffusion device of the present invention, an air flow is delivered into the room by the first casing horizontally or forward and upward; and an air flow is delivered downward into the room by the second casing. According to such a configuration, the air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered horizontally or forward and upward into the room, and the micro-particles are diffused into the room. The air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered downward into the room and flows along the wall surface to which the micro-particle diffusion device is provided, and the micro-particles are supplied downward.
[0065] Further, the micro-particle diffusion device of the present invention comprises a micro-particle generation device for generating micro-particles within the aforedescribed circulator having the multi-stage centrifugal fan; an air flow that includes the micro-particles being delivered into the room in a plurality of directions, and the micro-particles being diffused into the room. According to such a configuration, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device are included in the air flows flowing through the first casing and the second casing. The air flow flowing through the first casing is delivered into the room, and the air flow flowing through the second casing is delivered in a direction different from that of the air flow flowing through the first casing. The micro-particles are thereby diffused into the room.
[0066] In an aspect of the micro-particle diffusion device of the present invention, the micro-particles generated by the micro-particle generation device may include any of ions, an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, and a disinfectant.
[0067] The present invention also provides an air circulation method for causing air present in a room to circulate using a circulator mounted in a vicinity of a corner between one side wall and a ceiling wall in the room; the circulator comprising, in order from a first wall surface adjacent to the one side wall in the horizontal direction, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along the first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet; a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing the one side wall being delivered from the second outlet; and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
[0068] The present invention comprises a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction; a first air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a first wall surface being delivered from the first outlet, a second air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a second wall surface facing a one side wall being delivered from the second outlet, and a third air flow which flows along the ceiling wall and descends along a third wall surface facing the first wall surface being delivered from the third outlet.
[0069] As a consequence thereof, because the first, second, and third air flows proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized, and the distance reached by the air flows can be increased. Accordingly, power can be conserved, and, because no air flow is supplied directly to the living space, the discomfort of the user can be reduced, and the air present in the room can be adequately circulated.
[0070] According to the present invention, the perpendicular-direction-expanded part has a flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan, and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, the axial-direction-expanded part has a flow route gradually expanding in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan and kept constant or gradually constricted in the perpendicular direction, wherefore it is possible to prevent an uneven flow rate caused by the centrifugal force of the air blowing fan. Additionally, in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part, the kinetic energy of the air flow is adequately converted to static pressure, thus increasing the static pressure, following which, in the axial-direction-expanded part, any decrease in the speed of the air flow is minimized and the air flow is widened in the axial direction. Thereby, power can be conserved, and also the distance reached by the air flows can be increased. Accordingly, the air present in the room can be adequately circulated.
[0071] According to the micro-particle diffusion device of the present invention, power can be conserved, and also the micro-particles can be adequately diffused into the room. Additionally, because no air flow is supplied directly to the living space, the discomfort of the user can be reduced.
[0072] According to the present invention, the first and second casings for covering the impeller of the crossflow-type air blowing fan are disposed next to each other in the axial direction of the impeller, and the outgoing directions of the air flows passing through each [of the casings] (*1) are different from each other, wherefore a simple configuration can be used to deliver air flows in a plurality of directions. Because the air flows are not bent sharply, a decrease in the loss of pressure can be prevented, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and noise can be reduced.
[0073] According to the present invention, the first and second impellers, which are disposed on the same shaft, are driven by the one motor. Also, the direction in which the first outgoing passage extends from the circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part for covering the first impeller, and the direction in which the second outgoing passage extends from the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part for covering the second impeller are different from each other in the circumferential direction; and the outgoing direction of the air flow being blown out from the first outlet, and the outgoing direction of the air flow being blown out from the second outlet are different from each other. This makes it possible to use a simple configuration to deliver air flows in a plurality of directions. Because the air flows are not bent sharply, an increase in the loss of pressure can be prevented, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and noise can be reduced.
[0074] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a first embodiment of the present invention, when seen from above;
[0075] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the first embodiment of the present invention, when seen from below;
[0076] FIG. 3 is a front view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 4 is a side surface cross-sectional view along A-A in FIG. 3;
[0078] FIG. 5 is an upper surface cross-sectional view along B-B in FIG. 3:
[0079] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a state of air flow in a room of the micro-particle diffusion device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 7 is a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 8 is a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 9 is a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, when seen from above;
[0084] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when seen from below;
[0085] FIG. 12 is a front view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 13 is a side surface cross-sectional view along D-D in FIG. 12;
[0087] FIG. 14 is a side surface cross-sectional view along E-E in FIG. 12;
[0088] FIG. 15 is an upper surface cross-sectional view along C-C in FIG. 12;
[0089] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a state of air flow in a room of the micro-particle diffusion device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 18 is a side surface cross-sectional view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 19 is a front surface cross-sectional view illustrating an air blowing fan of the micro-particle diffusion device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0093] FIG. 20 is a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a micro-particle diffusion device of an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 22 is a side surface cross-sectional view of the micro-particle diffusion device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention; and
[0096] FIG. 23 is a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] There follows a description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. A micro-particle diffusion device of a first embodiment is seen in a perspective view in FIG. 1 from above, is seen in a perspective view in FIG. 2 from below, and is seen in a front view in FIG. 3. A micro-particle diffusion device 1 is covered by a chassis 2, and is disposed in the vicinity of a corner between one side wall S and a ceiling wall T in a room (see FIG. 4). The chassis 2 may be attached onto the side wall S, or may be mounted onto the ceiling wall T in the vicinity of the side wall S.
[0098] Inlets 5 open on a lower surface of the chassis 2. A filter 6 is disposed on the inlets 5. In order from the right facing into the room, first outlets 4a, second outlets 4b, and third outlets 4c are disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction on a front surface upper part of the chassis 2. The first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are provided to an upper end of the chassis 2, and deliver air along the ceiling wall T (see FIG. 4). As shall be described in greater detail below, the first outlets 4a deliver air to the right from the chassis 2, the second outlets 4b deliver air to the front from the chassis 2, and the third outlets 4c deliver air to the left from the chassis 2.
[0099] FIGS. 4 and 5 are a side surface cross-sectional view along A-A in FIG. 3 and an upper surface cross-sectional view along B-B in FIG. 3, respectively. An air blowing path 10 for coupling the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c with the inlets 5 is provided within the chassis 2. An air blowing fan 8 is disposed within the air blowing path 10. The air blowing fan 8 is composed of a crossflow fan (a cross-flow fan) in which a rotary wing (not shown) is driven to rotate by a fan motor 8a, the rotation shaft being disposed in the horizontal direction. The driving of the fan motor 8a causes the air blowing fan 8 to draw in air from the circumferential direction of the rotary wing (not shown), and to discharge air in the circumferential direction thereof. The air blowing fan 8 may also be formed of a centrifugal fan having a rotation shaft disposed in the horizontal direction.
[0100] Pluralities of first divided passages 10a, second divided passages 10b, and third divided passages 10c, which are divided downstream of the air blowing fan 8 in the horizontal direction, are provided, in the stated order, within the air blowing path 10. The first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c each have a front end at which the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c open. A side wall 10e inside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c as well as a side wall 10f outside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c are formed of a curved surface which is inclined with respect to the vertical plane.
[0101] Each of the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c has a perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 and an axial-direction-expanded part 12 formed downstream of the air blowing fan 8. The perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 has a flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8. Downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the axial-direction-expanded part 12 has a flow route gradually expanding in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 and gradually constricted in the perpendicular direction thereof.
[0102] The flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is expanded proportionately to the downstream movement. The first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c are formed coupled to the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 and the axial-direction-expanded part 12.
[0103] Electrodes 7a, 7b of micro-particle generation devices 7 are disposed exposed on the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c. Each of the electrodes 7a, 7b is arranged partitioned by a partition wall 10d within the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c.
[0104] A voltage composed of an alternating current waveform or an impulse waveform is applied to the electrodes 7a, 7b. A positive voltage is applied to the electrode 7a, and ions generated by ionization combine with moisture present in the air, thus forming positively charged cluster ions composed primarily of Fr (H2O) m. A negative voltage is applied to the electrode 7b, and ions generated by ionization combine with moisture present in the air, thus forming negatively charged cluster ions composed primarily of O2.sup.-(H2O)n. Herein, "m" and "n" are any natural number.
[0105] The m H.sup.+(H2O) ions and the n O2.sup.-(H2O) ions aggregate on and surround surfaces of airborne bacteria and malodorous components in the air. Then, as indicated in Formulae (1) to (3), the collision causes hydroxyl radicals ([--OH]) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which are active species, to be aggregatedly created on the surface of the airborne bacteria, malodorous components, and the like, which are then destroyed. Herein, "m'" and "n'" are any natural number. Accordingly, positive ions and negative ions are generated and ejected from the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c, thereby making it possible to remove bacteria and odors present in the room.
H.sup.+(H2O)m+O2(H2O)n→.OH+1/2O2+(m+n)H2- O (1)
H.sup.+(H2O)m+H.sup.+(H2O)m'+O2.sup.-(H2O)n+O2.- sup.-(H2O)n'→2.OH+O2+(m+m'+n+n')H2O (2)
H.sup.+(H2O)m+H.sup.+(H2O)m'+O2.sup.-(H2O)n+O2.- sup.-(H2O)n'→H2O2+O2+(m+m'+n+n')H2O (3)
[0106] In the micro-particle diffusion device 1 having the above configuration, when the air blowing fan 8 and the micro-particle generation devices 7 are driven, the air present in the room is taken in from the inlets 5 into the chassis 2. Dust in the air taken into the chassis 2 is collected by the filter 6, and the air then passes through the air blowing path 10 and is guided to the air blowing fan 8.
[0107] Discharged air of the air blowing fan 8 branches into the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10e; and is guided to the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c, respectively. At such a time, when the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 is arranged so as to be vertical, the centrifugal force causes the air flow to be uneven in the horizontal direction. For this reason, the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 can be disposed so as to be horizontal, thus rendering the air flow in the horizontal direction uniform. Additionally, because the side wall 10e inside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, the air flow proceeding straight from the air blowing fan 8 in the circumferential tangential direction can be readily curved.
[0108] In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the flow route widens in the vertical direction, and in the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the flow route widens in the horizontal direction. In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, which is upstream of the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the centrifugal force of the air blowing fan 8 where air is discharged in the circumferential direction has a major influence. For this reason, the air flow proceeds in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8, and therefore a horizontal widening is not desirable. Causing the flow route to be expanded in the vertical direction in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 recovers, and converts to static pressure, the kinetic energy of the air flow, thus increasing the static pressure. This makes it possible to improve the air blowing performance of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the width in the horizontal direction of the flow route may be constant, or may be slightly constricted. At such a time, the flow route surface area is gradually expanded proportionately to the downstream movement.
[0109] In the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the flow route is expanded in the horizontal direction in a state where the centrifugal force from the air blowing fan 8 is weakened, and therefore the air flow can be smoothly curved and widened in the horizontal direction without any increase in the loss of pressure. Also, the flow route is tightened in the vertical direction, and therefore the air flow can be more smoothly widened in the horizontal direction and any decrease in the speed of the air flow can be minimized. At such a time, because the flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is expanded proportionately to the downstream movement, the kinetic energy can also be recovered and converted to static pressure in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 as well, thus increasing the static pressure. In the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the width in the vertical direction of the flow route may be kept constant, or the flow route surface area may be kept constant.
[0110] Due to the micro-particle generation devices 7, the air flows flowing through the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c include positive ions and negative ions. Air flows including the positive ions and the negative ions are thereby delivered from the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c.
[0111] FIG. 6 illustrates a state of the air flows, in a room D, being delivered from the micro-particle diffusion device 1. A first air flow A1 delivered to the right from the first outlets 4a flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along a right side wall (a first wall surface P1). A second air flow A2 delivered forward from the second outlets 4b flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along a side wall (a second wall surface P2) facing the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed. A third air flow A3 delivered to the left from the third outlets 4c flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along a left side wall (a third wall surface P3).
[0112] The air flows descending the first wall surface P1, the second wall surface P2, and the third wall surface P3 flow across a floor surface F in the room, rise along the side wall S, and return to the inlet 5 of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. This makes it possible for the air flows to be circulated along each of the wall surfaces in the room and for every corner in the room to be blanketed with ions. Further, the air flows flowing along the wall surfaces cause the ions to be slowly diffused into the living space in the center part in the room. Because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized. This makes it possible to minimize power consumption and to increase the distance reached by the air flows.
[0113] The polarities of the ions generated by the electrodes 7a, 7b may also be switched each time a predetermined period of time elapses. Specifically, positive ions are generated from the electrode 7a and negative ions are generated from the electrode 7b. When the predetermined period of time elapses, negative ions are generated from the electrode 7a and positive ions are generated from the electrode 7b. When the predetermined period of time has again elapsed, positive ions are generated from the electrode 7a and negative ions are generated from the electrode 7b, and this operation is repeated.
[0114] The positive ions and the negative ions are thereby alternatingly delivered to the left end and the right end of the air flows being delivered with the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c widening left and right. Accordingly, the positive ions and the negative ions can be distributed at high concentrations over a broad range in the horizontal direction within the living room.
[0115] According to the present embodiment, which comprises the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction, the first air flow A1 which flows along the ceiling wall T and descends along the first wall surface P1 is delivered from the first outlets 4a; the second air flow A2 which flows along the ceiling wall T and descends along the second wall surface P2 facing the side wall S is delivered from the second outlets, and the third air flow A3 which flows along the ceiling wall T and descends along the third wall surface P3 facing the first wall surface P1 is delivered from the third outlets 4c.
[0116] Because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is thereby minimized. Specifically, in a case where an air flow does not run along the ceiling wall T, the upper side of the air flow pulls in peripheral air (air present between the ceiling wall T and the air flow) and kinetic energy is lost, dispossessed by the peripheral air. In the case where the air flows run along the ceiling wall T, while the frictional resistance of the wall surface does cause kinetic energy to be lost, this is generally much smaller than the kinetic energy lost in a case where the air flow does not run along the ceiling wall T. In the conventional air conditioner recited in the aforementioned Patent Citation 2, the air flow is not made to run along the ceiling wall T; therefore, kinetic energy is dispossessed by the peripheral air, and the distance reached by the air flow is proportionately shortened.
[0117] For this reason, in the present embodiment, the distance reached by the air flows can be increased and every corner in the room can be blanketed with ions. Accordingly, power can be conserved, and, because no air flow is supplied directly to the living space, the discomfort of the user can be reduced, and the ions can be adequately diffused into the room.
[0118] Because the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 composed of a centrifugal fan or cross-flow fan is disposed so as to be horizontal; because the air blowing path 10 has the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c, which are divided downstream of the air blowing fan; and because the side walls 10e inside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c are inclined with respect to the vertical plane, the air flows can be rendered even in the horizontal direction, and the air flow proceeding directly in the circumferential tangential direction can be readily curved.
[0119] The perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 the flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8, and, downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the axial-direction-expanded part 12 has a flow route gradually expanding in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 and gradually constricting in the perpendicular direction thereof. This makes it possible to prevent unevenness of the flow rate caused by the centrifugal force of the air blowing fan 8, and possible to widen the air flow in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8.
[0120] Additionally, because the flow route surface area is not tightened in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 immediately after the air blowing fan 8, the kinetic energy of the air flow is adequately recovered, thus increasing the static pressure. Thereafter, any decrease in the speed of the air flow in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is minimized, and the air flow is widened in the axial direction. This makes it possible to increase the distance reached by the air flow without increasing the rotational speed of the air blowing fan 8. Accordingly, power conservation and noise reduction in the micro-particle diffusion device 1 are possible, and the ions can be adequately diffused into the room.
[0121] The centrifugal force of the air blowing fan 8 has a major effect in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, and even though the width in the horizontal direction of the flow route is gradually widened, there exists the possibility not only that the effect of the horizontal widening of the flow route may be decreased, but rather that even the performance of the air blowing fan 8 may be decreased. For this reason, in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the width in the horizontal direction of the flow route may be kept constant or may be slightly constricted. In the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the width in the vertical direction of the flow route may also be kept constant.
[0122] Because the flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is expanded proportionately to the downstream movement, it is possible even in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 to recover kinetic energy for conversion to static pressure, thus further increasing the static pressure. The flow route surface area in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 may also be kept constant. At such a time, the recovery of kinetic energy in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is decreased, but the recovery of kinetic energy in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 is able to provide an unprecedented increase in static pressure.
[0123] Because there are pluralities of the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c coupled to the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 and axial-direction-expanded part 12 and divided in the axial direction of the air blowing fan 8, the air flows flow along the wall surfaces of the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c, and the air flows can be smoothly widened in the axial direction of the air blowing fan 8.
[0124] The rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 8 is disposed so as to be horizontal, and the chassis 2 is disposed in the vicinity of the ceiling wall T in the room; the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are formed on the upper end of the chassis 2, and the air flows are delivered along the ceiling wall T. The air flows delivered along the ceiling wall T are thereby made to flow along the ceiling wall T, due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. Accordingly, the distance reached by the air flows can be further lengthened.
[0125] Next, FIG. 7 illustrates a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a second embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been assigned like reference numerals. In the present embodiment, the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c, which, similarly with respect to the first embodiment, are disposed horizontally next to each other, are opened in the lower part front surface of the chassis 2. Also, the inlet 5 is opened in the upper surface of the chassis 2. Other portions are similar with respect to the first embodiment.
[0126] The chassis 2 of the micro-particle diffusion device 1 has a predetermined gap H from the ceiling wall T, and is attached onto the one side wall S in the room. The first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c (see FIG. 4) are inclined upward by predetermined angles with respect to the horizontal direction. The first air flow A1, the second air flow A2, and the third air flow A3 are thereby made to reach the ceiling wall T and thereafter flow along the ceiling wall T.
[0127] The first air flow A1 having been delivered to the right from the first outlets 4a flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the right side wall (the first wall surface P1 (see FIG. 6)). The second air flow A2 having been delivered forward from the second outlets 4b flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the side wall (the second wall surface P2 (see FIG. 6)) facing the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed. The third air flow A3 having been delivered to the left from the third outlets 4c flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the left side wall (the third wall surface P3 (see FIG. 6)). The air flows descending the first wall surface P1, the second wall surface P2, and the third wall surface P3 flow along the floor surface F in the room, rise along the side wall S, and return to the inlets 5 from the sides of the micro-particle diffusion device 1.
[0128] According to the present embodiment, similarly with respect to the first embodiment, because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized. For this reason, the distance reached by the air flows can be increased and every corner in the room can be blanketed with ions. Accordingly, power can be conserved, and, because no air flow is supplied directly to the living space, the discomfort of the user can be reduced, and the ions can be adequately diffused into the room.
[0129] The micro-particle diffusion device 1 of the first embodiment may also be given the predetermined gap H from the ceiling wall T and attached on the side wall S. Also, similarly with respect to the present embodiment, the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c are made to be inclined upward by predetermined angles with respect to the horizontal direction. This makes it possible to cause the first air flow A1, the second air flow A2, and the third air flow A3 to reach the ceiling wall T and thereafter flow along the ceiling wall T.
[0130] However, kinetic energy is dispossessed up until the first air flow A1, the second air flow A2, and the third air flow A3 reach the ceiling wall T. For this reason, in order to shorten the distance to the ceiling wall T, the gap H is preferably set to be at most 30 cm, and the predetermined angle is preferably made to be at most 20° such that the air flows run smoothly along the ceiling wall T. Further, more preferably, the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are formed along the ceiling wall T, as in the first embodiment.
[0131] Next, FIG. 8 illustrates a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a third embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been assigned like reference numerals. The present embodiment is provided with a downward passage 13 in which air is discharged downward from the air blowing fan 8. Other portions are similar with respect to the first embodiment.
[0132] With respect to the downward passage 13, a part of a housing of the air blowing fan 8 extends downward at both end parts in the axial direction, and a fourth outlet 4d is opened in the lower surface of the chassis 2. A fourth air flow A4, which is delivered from the fourth outlet 4d, descends along the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed. At such a time, the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, and is, for example, about 10% of the flow rate of the second air flow A2.
[0133] The fourth air flow A4 delivered from the fourth outlet 4d descends along the side wall S. At such a time, the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, and is, for example, about 10% or less of the flow rate of the second air flow A2. Because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 flow across the entirety of the room and return to the inlet 5, in some cases there may be a deficit of ions in the vicinity of the side wall S. For this reason, the fourth air flow A4 descends the side wall S and replenishes the ions in the vicinity of the side wall, and returns to the inlet 5 together with the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 rising along the side wall S.
[0134] Because, the present embodiment comprises the fourth outlet 4d for delivering the fourth air flow A4 along the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed, it is possible to replenish the ions in the vicinity of the side wall S. At such a time, the fourth air flow A4 may resist the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 returning to the inlet 5. However, because the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, the resistance caused by the fourth air flow A4 can be minimized. The fourth outlet 4d may also be provided to the aforedescribed second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0135] Next, FIG. 9 illustrates a side surface cross-sectional view of a micro-particle diffusion device of a fourth embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been assigned like reference numerals. The present embodiment has the second divided passages 10b further branching at a front end. Other portions are similar with respect to the first embodiment.
[0136] A wedge-shaped partition plate 13, which widens at the front, is provided to the front end of the second divided passages 10b. Thereby, the second outlets 4b are formed above the partition plate 13, and the fourth outlets 4d are formed therebelow. The second air flow A2, which is delivered from the second outlets 4b, flows similarly with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment.
[0137] The fourth air flow A4, which is delivered from the fourth outlet 4d, is delivered forward and downward into the living space in the center part in the room. At such a time, the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, and is, for example, about 10% or less of the flow rate of the second air flow A2. The fourth air flow A4 replenishes the ions in the living space in the room, merges with the second air flow A2 on the floor surface F, and returns to the inlet 5.
[0138] Because, the present embodiment comprises the fourth outlets 4d for delivering the forward and downward fourth air flow A4, the ions in the living space in the center part in the room can be replenished. At such a time, there exists the possibility that the fourth air flow A4 may directly hit the user, but because the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, the discomfort of the user can be minimized. The fourth outlets 4d may also be provided to the aforedescribed second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0139] A micro-particle diffusion device of a fifth embodiment is seen in a perspective view in FIG. 10 from above, is seen in a perspective view in FIG. 11 from below, and is seen in a front view in FIG. 12. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been assigned like reference numerals.
[0140] The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is covered by the chassis 2, and is mounted on the side wall S in the vicinity of the corner between the one side wall S and the ceiling wall T (see FIG. 4) in the room. The predetermined gap H (see FIG. 13) is provided between the chassis 2 and the ceiling wall T (see FIG. 13).
[0141] A first inlet 5a is opened in the lower surface of the chassis 2, and second inlets 5b are opened in both side parts of the upper surface. The filter 6 is disposed at each of the first inlet 5a and the second inlets 5b. In order from the right facing into the room, the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are disposed next to each other in the horizontal direction on the front surface upper part of the chassis 2. The fourth outlets 4d are opened in the two side parts of the lower surface of the chassis 2.
[0142] The first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are provided to the upper end of the chassis 2, and deliver air flowing along the ceiling wall T (see FIG. 13). As shall be described in greater detail below, the first outlets 4a deliver air to the right from the chassis 2, the second outlets 4b deliver air forward from the chassis 2, and the third outlets 4c deliver air to the left from the chassis 2. The fourth outlets 4d deliver air downward.
[0143] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a side surface cross-sectional view along D-D in FIG. 12 and a side surface cross-sectional view along E-E in FIG. 12. An air blowing fan 30 composed of a crossflow fan (cross-flow fan) is disposed inside the chassis 2. The air blowing fan 30 is formed such that a crossflow-type impeller 33 is covered by a first casing 31 and a second casing 32.
[0144] The impeller 33 is driven to rotate by a fan motor 33a (see FIG. 10), and the rotation shaft is disposed so as to be horizontal. The driving of the fan motor 33a causes the air blowing fan 30 to draw in air from the circumferential direction of the impeller 33 and to discharge air in the circumferential direction thereof. The first casing 31 and the second casing 32 are disposed next to each other in the axial direction of the impeller 33, the second casing 32 being disposed on both sides of the first casing 31.
[0145] The inside of the chassis 2 is provided with a first air blowing path 10, in which air flowing in from the first inlet 5a flows, and with a second air blowing path 20 in which air flowing in from the second inlets 5b flows. An air flow route of the first air blowing path 10, the air flow route being downstream of the impeller 33, is formed by the first casing 31, and an air flow route of the second air blowing path 20, the air flow route being downstream of the impeller 33, is formed by the second casing 32.
[0146] The first casing 31 has one end where a first intake-side opening part 31a is opened; about half the circumference of the impeller 33 is disposed so as to project from the first intake-side opening part 31a. A gap between the impeller 33 and the first casing 31 is minimally formed in the vicinity of the first intake-side opening part 31a. Upstream of the impeller 33, the flow route surface area of the first air blowing path 10 is greater than that of the first intake-side opening part 31a. A wall surface of the first casing 31 is curved at a predetermined curvature, and has a distal end where the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c are opened. The first air blowing path 10, which couples the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c with the first inlet 5a, is thereby formed.
[0147] The second casing 32 has one end where a second intake-side opening part 32a is opened; about half the circumference of the impeller 33 is disposed so as to project from the second intake-side opening part 32a. A gap between the impeller 33 and the second casing 32 is minimally formed in the vicinity of the second intake-side opening part 32a. Upstream of the impeller 33, the flow route surface area of the second air blowing path 20 is greater than that of the second intake-side opening part 32a. A wall surface of the second casing 32 is curved at a predetermined curvature, and has a distal end where the fourth outlet 4d is opened. The second air blowing path 20, which couples the fourth outlets 4d with the second inlets 5b, is thereby formed.
[0148] The vicinity of the first intake-side opening part 31a of the first casing 31 matches a shape where a predetermined range of the second casing 32 relative to the second intake-side opening part 32a has been rotatingly moved by a predetermined angle δ around the center of rotation when seen from the axial direction. An opening surface of the first intake-side opening part 31a and an opening surface of the second intake-side opening part 32a are thereby disposed at different angles in the circumferential direction.
[0149] For this reason, the first casing 31 and the second casing 32 can be formed in a shape that is optimal for the air blowing fan 30 composed of a crossflow fan, and an exhaust-side flow route of the first air blowing path 10 and the second air blowing path 20 can be formed. This makes it possible to reduce the loss of pressure, improve the air blowing efficiency, and reduce noise, without sharply bending the air flows flowing through the first air blowing path 10 and through the second air blowing path 20.
[0150] FIG. 15 illustrates an upper surface cross-sectional view along C-C in FIG. 12. The pluralities of the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c, which are divided in the horizontal direction, are provided in the stated order downstream of the air blowing fan 30 within the first air blowing path 10. The first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c each have a front end at which the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c respectively open. A side wall 10e inside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c as well as a side wall 10f outside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c are formed of a curved surface which is inclined with respect to the vertical plane.
[0151] The perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 and the axial-direction-expanded part 12 (see FIG. 14) are formed downstream of the air blowing fan 30 within each of the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c. The perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 has the flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 30. Downstream of the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the axial-direction-expanded part 12 has a flow route gradually expanding in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 30 and gradually constricting in the perpendicular direction thereof. The axial-direction-expanded part 12 is inclined upward by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.
[0152] The flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is expanded proportionately to the downstream movement. The first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c are formed coupled to the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 and the axial-direction-expanded part 12.
[0153] Electrodes 7a, 7b of the micro-particle generation devices 7, similarly with respect to the above description, are disposed in an exposed manner on the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c. Each of the electrode 7a and the electrode 7b is arranged partitioned by the partition wall 10d within the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c. As illustrated in the aforedescribed FIG. 13, the second air blowing path 20, too, has a similar micro-particle generation devices 7 disposed with the electrodes 7a, 7b exposed.
[0154] In the micro-particle diffusion device 1 having the aforedescribed configuration, when the air blowing fan 30 and the micro-particle generation devices 7 are driven, the air present in the room is taken in from the first inlet 5a and the second inlets 5b into the chassis 2. Dust in the air taken into the chassis 2 is collected by the filter 6, and the air then passes through the first air blowing path 10 and the second air blowing path 20 and is guided to the air blowing fan 30.
[0155] The air flow flowing through the second casing 20(*2) of the second air blowing path 20 is blown out downward and backward from the fourth outlet 4d. The air flow then descends along the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is attached.
[0156] The air flow flowing through the first casing 31 of the first air blowing path 10 branches into the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c. Each of the air flows is then guided to the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, and the third outlets 4c. At such a time, when the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 30 is arranged so as to be vertical, the centrifugal force causes the air flow to be uneven in the horizontal direction. For this reason, the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 30 can be disposed so as to be horizontal, thus rendering the air flow in the horizontal direction uniform. Additionally, because the side wall 10e inside the first divided passages 10a and the third divided passages 10c is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, the air flow proceeding straight in the circumferential tangential direction from the air blowing fan 30 can be readily curved.
[0157] In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the flow route widens in the vertical direction, and in the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the flow route widens in the horizontal direction. In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, which is upstream of the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the centrifugal force of the air blowing fan 30 where air is discharged in the circumferential direction has a major influence. For this reason, the air flow proceeds in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the air blowing fan 30, and therefore a horizontal widening is not desirable. Causing the flow route to be expanded in the vertical direction in the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11 recovers, and converts to static pressure, the kinetic energy of the air flow, thus increasing the static pressure. This makes it possible to improve the air blowing performance of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. In the perpendicular-direction-expanded part 11, the width in the horizontal direction of the flow route may be constant, or may be slightly constricted. At such a time, the flow route surface area is gradually expanded proportionately to the downstream movement.
[0158] In the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the flow route is expanded in the horizontal direction in a state where the centrifugal force from the air blowing fan 30 is weakened, and therefore the air flow can be smoothly curved and widened in the horizontal direction without any increase in the loss of pressure. Also, the flow route is tightened in the vertical direction, and therefore the air flow can be more smoothly widened in the horizontal direction and any decrease in the speed of the air flow can be minimized. At such a time, because the flow route surface area of the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is expanded proportionately to the downstream movement, the kinetic energy can also be recovered and converted to static pressure in the axial-direction-expanded part 12 as well, thus increasing the static pressure. In the axial-direction-expanded part 12, the width in the vertical direction of the flow route may be kept constant, and/or the flow route surface area may be kept constant.
[0159] The micro-particle generation devices 7 cause the air flows flowing through the first air blowing path 10 and the second air blowing path 20 to include positive ions and negative ions. Air flows which include positive ions and negative ions are thereby delivered from the first outlets 4a, the second outlets 4b, the third outlets 4c, and the fourth outlets 4d.
[0160] FIG. 16 illustrates a state of the air flows, in the room D, being delivered from the micro-particle diffusion device 1. The first air flow A1, which is delivered to the right from the first outlets 4a, flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the right side wall (the first wall surface P1). The second air flow A2, which is delivered forward from the second outlets 4b, flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the side wall (the second wall surface P2) facing the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed. The third air flow A3, which is delivered to the left from the third outlets 4c, flows along the ceiling wall T, and descends along the left side wall (the third wall surface P3).
[0161] The fourth air flow A4, which is delivered from the fourth outlets 4d, descends along the side wall S on which the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed. At such a time, the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, and is, for example, about 10% of the flow rate of the second air flow A2.
[0162] The air flows descending the first wall surface P1, the second wall surface P2, and the third wall surface P3 flow across the floor surface F in the room, rise along the side wall S, and return to the first inlet 5a of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. A part of the air present in the room also returns to the second inlets 5b from above the micro-particle diffusion device 1. This makes it possible for the air flows to be circulated along each of the wall surfaces in the room and for every corner in the room to be blanketed with ions. Further, the air flows flowing along the wall surfaces cause the ions to be slowly diffused into the living space in the center part in the room. Because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized.
[0163] Specifically, in a case where an air flow does not run along the ceiling wall T, the upper side of the air flow pulls in peripheral air (air present between the ceiling wall T and the air flow) and kinetic energy is lost, dispossessed by the peripheral air. In the case where an air flow runs along the ceiling wall T, while the frictional resistance of the wall surface does cause kinetic energy to be lost, this is generally much smaller than the kinetic energy lost in a case where the air flow does not run along the ceiling wall T. This makes it possible to minimize power consumption and to increase the distance reached by the air flows.
[0164] Because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 flow across the entirety of the room and return to the first inlet 5a, in some cases there may be a deficit of ions in the vicinity of the side wall S. For this reason, the fourth air flow A4 can descend the side wall S and replenish the ions in the vicinity of the side wall. At such a time, because the flow rate of the fourth air flow A4 is less than the flow rate of the second air flow A2, the resistance caused by the fourth air flow A4 can be minimized.
[0165] Because the axial-direction-expanded part 12 of the first air blowing path 10 is inclined upward by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction, the first air flow A1, the second air flow A2, and the third air flow A3 can be made to reach the ceiling wall T and thereafter flow along the ceiling wall T. However, kinetic energy is dispossessed until the first air flow A1, the second air flow A2, and the third air flow A3 reach the ceiling wall T. For this reason, in order to shorten the distance to the ceiling wall T, the gap H is preferably set to be at most 30 cm, and the angle of incline of the air flow flowing through the axial-direction-expanded part 12 is preferably made to be at most 20° such that the air flow runs smoothly along the ceiling wall T.
[0166] The polarities of the ions generated by the electrodes 7a, 7b may also be switched each time a predetermined period of time elapses. Specifically, positive ions are generated from the electrode 7a and negative ions are generated from the electrode 7b. When the predetermined period of time elapses, negative ions are generated from the electrode 7a and positive ions are generated from the electrode 7b. When the predetermined period of time has again elapsed, positive ions are generated from the electrode 7a and negative ions are generated from the electrode 7b, and this operation is repeated.
[0167] The positive ions and the negative ions are thereby alternatingly delivered to the left end and the right end of the air flows being delivered with the first divided passages 10a, the second divided passages 10b, and the third divided passages 10c widening left and right.
[0168] Accordingly, the positive ions and the negative ions can be distributed at high concentrations over a broad range in the horizontal direction within the living room. According to the present embodiment, because the first and second casings 31, 32 for covering the impeller 33 of the air blowing fan 30 are disposed next to each other in the axial direction of the impeller 33, and the outgoing directions of the air flows passing through each one are different from each other, a simple configuration can be used to deliver air flows in a plurality of directions. Accordingly, every corner in the room can be readily blanketed with ions. Because the air flows are not bent sharply, a decrease (*3) in the loss of pressure can be prevented, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and noise can be reduced.
[0169] The first casing 31, which has one end where the first intake-side opening part 31a from which the impeller 33 projects is opened, extends to the exhaust side of the impeller 33, and the second casing 32, which has one end where the second intake-side opening part 32a from which the impeller 33 projects is opened, extends to the exhaust side of the impeller 33. An opening surface of the first intake-side opening part 31a and an opening surface of the second intake-side opening part 32a are disposed at different angles to the circumferential direction of the impeller 33. This makes it possible to form the first and second casings 31, 32 in a simple manner in a shape of low pressure loss optimal for the air blowing fan 30. The outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the first casing 31 (forward and upward) and the outgoing direction of the air flow passing through the second casing 32 (downward and backward) can be readily formed so as to differ by 90° or more.
[0170] Because a predetermined range of the first casing 31 relative to the first intake-side opening part 31a matches a shape where a predetermined range of the second casing 32 relative to the second intake-side opening part 32a has been rotatingly moved around the center of rotation of the impeller 33 when seen from the axial direction of the impeller 33, the optimally shaped first and second casings 31, 32 can be formed in a more simple manner.
[0171] Because an air flow is delivered forward and upward into the room by the first casing 31 and an air flow is delivered downward into the room by the second casing 32, every corner in the room can be readily blanketed with ions. In a case where the gap H is small, the first casing 31 may cause the air flow to blow out in the horizontal direction.
[0172] Further, because an air flow is delivered forward and upward into the room by the first casing 31 and an air flow is delivered downward into the room by the second casing 32, the air present in the room can be readily circulated to every corner. In a case where the gap H is small, the first casing 31 may cause the air flow to blow out in the horizontal direction.
[0173] The first to fifth embodiments may also be made to be a circulator in which the micro-particle generation devices 7 are omitted, the circulator being adapted for using the first, second, third, and fourth air flows A1, A2, A3, A4 to circulate air flows in a room. At such a time, because the first, second, and third air flows A1, A2, A3 proceed along the wall surfaces due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized, and the distance reached by the air flows can be increased. Accordingly, power can be conserved, and, because no air flow is supplied directly to the living space, the discomfort of the user can be reduced, and the air present in the room can be adequately circulated.
[0174] FIGS. 17 and 18 are a perspective view and a side surface cross-sectional view illustrating a micro-particle diffusion device of a sixth embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 have been assigned like reference numerals. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is covered by the chassis 2, which is formed of a resin molding product. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is floor surface-mounted onto the floor surface F in the room, a bottom surface of the chassis 2 serving as the mounting surface against the floor surface F. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the corner between the one side wall S and the floor surface F.
[0175] Inlets 5 for taking in the air present in the room into the chassis 2 are opened in a lower part of a back surface and the front surface of the chassis 2. A first outlet 43 and a second outlet 53 for blowing out air flows are opened in the upper surface facing the mounting surface of the chassis 2. As shall be described in greater detail below, the opening area of the first outlet 43, which is disposed at a rear part, is formed so as to be smaller than the opening area of the second outlet 53, which is disposed at a front part.
[0176] An air blowing fan 40 is disposed within the chassis 2. FIG. 19 illustrates a front surface cross-sectional view of the air blowing fan 40. The air blowing fan 40 is provided with a motor 9 having a rotation shaft 9a which extends in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of first and second impellers 41, 51 is attached onto the rotation shaft 9a. Thereby, the first and second impellers 41, 51 are disposed on the same shaft, and are driven to rotate by the motor 9.
[0177] The first impeller 41 has a circular plate 41a coupled to the rotation shaft 9a, as well as a plurality of blades 41b erected in a radiating shape on both surfaces of the circular plate 41a. Similarly, the second impeller 51 has a circular plate 51a coupled to the rotation shaft 9a, as well as a plurality of blades 51b erected in a radiating shape on both surfaces of the circular plate 51a.
[0178] The first impeller 41 and the second impeller 51 are disposed within a first casing 42 and a first (*4) casing 52, each forming air flow routes. A predetermined gap, through which air having flowed into the chassis 2 from the inlets 5 (see FIG. 17) flows, is formed between the first and second casings 42, 52 and the chassis 2, as well as between the first and second casings 42, 52.
[0179] The first casing 42 has a first cylindrical part 42a and a first outgoing passage 42c. The first cylindrical part 42a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape for covering the first impeller 41, and a first air-intaking port 42b is opened in both end surfaces in the axial direction thereof. The first outgoing passage 42c extends upward in the circumferential tangential direction from the circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part 42a, and has a distal end at which the first outlet 43 (see FIG. 18) is opened. Similarly, the first casing 52 (*5) has a second cylindrical part 52a and a second outgoing passage 52c. The second cylindrical part 52a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape for covering the second impeller 11(*6), and a second air-intaking port 52b is opened in both end surfaces in the axial direction thereof. The second outgoing passage 52c extends upward in the circumferential tangential direction from the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part 52a, and has a distal end at which the second outlet 53 (see FIG. 18) is opened.
[0180] The air blowing fan 40 thereby constitutes a multistage centrifugal fan (a Sirocco fan or a turbo fan), and the rotation of the first and second impellers 41, 51 causes air to be drawn in from the first and second air-intaking ports 42b, 52b in the axial direction and air to be discharged in the circumferential direction.
[0181] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the first cylindrical part 42a and the second cylindrical part 52a are disposed so as to be substantially in alignment when viewed from the side. Also, the direction in which the first outgoing passage 42c extends from the first cylindrical part 42a, and the direction in which the second outgoing passage 52c extends from the second cylindrical part 52a are different from each other in the circumferential direction. The directions of the air flows blown out from the first and second outlets 43, 53 are thereby made to be different. Specifically, an air flow is delivered vertically upward or backward and upward, slightly backward from vertically upward, from the first outlet 43, as illustrated by the arrow B1, and an air flow is delivered forward and upward from the second outlet 53 as illustrated by the arrow B2.
[0182] The first outgoing passage 42c has an upstream part 42d, directly after the first cylindrical part 42a, where the flow route is gradually expanded in the direction perpendicular to the shaft. In a downstream part 42e, which is downstream of the upstream part 42d, the flow route is gradually constricted in the direction perpendicular to the shaft up until the first outlet 43. The second outgoing passage 52c has the flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the shaft between the second cylindrical part 52a and the second outlet 53. The width of the first outlet 43 in the direction perpendicular to the shaft is thereby rendered smaller than the width of the second outlet 53 in the direction perpendicular to the shaft, and the opening area of the first outlet 43 is thereby rendered smaller than the opening area of the second outlet 53.
[0183] A plurality of electrodes (not shown) of the micro-particle generation devices 7, similarly with respect to the above description, is disposed in an exposed manner within the first and second outgoing passages 42c, 52c.
[0184] In the micro-particle diffusion device 1 having the aforedescribed configuration, when the motor 9 of the air blowing fan 40 and the micro-particle generation devices 7 are driven, the air present in the room is taken in from the inlets 5 into the chassis 2. The air taken into the chassis 2 flows into the first and second casings 42, 52 via the first and second air-intaking ports 42b, 52b. The air having flowed into the first and second casings 42, 52 is discharged in the circumferential direction from the first and second cylindrical parts 12a, 22a (*7), and flows through the first and second outgoing passages 42c, 52c. The air flowing through the first and second outgoing passages 42c, 52c includes ions, and is blown out in the directions of the arrows B1, B2 from the first and second outlets 43, 53, respectively.
[0185] At such a time, because the flow routes are widened in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 9a in the upstream part 42d of the first outgoing passage 42c, the kinetic energy of the air flows can be recovered and converted to static pressure, thus increasing the static pressure. This makes it possible to improve the air blowing performance of the air blowing fan 40. Further, because the flow route is tightened in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 9a in the downstream part 42e, any decrease in the speed of the air flow can be minimized. This makes it possible for a high-speed air flow to be blown out from the first outlet 43, which has a small opening area.
[0186] Accordingly, the air blown out vertically upward or backward and upward from the first outlet 43 rises along the side wall S in the vicinity of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. The air then passes across the ceiling wall, the side wall facing the micro-particle diffusion device 1, and floor surface F, and returns to the micro-particle diffusion device 1. Further, the air flows flowing along the wall surfaces cause the ions to be slowly diffused into the living space in the center part in the room. This makes it possible for the air flows to be circulated along each of the wall surfaces in the room and for every corner in the room to be blanketed with ions.
[0187] Because the air flow having been blown out from the first outlet 43 proceeds along the wall surface due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized. Specifically, in a case where an air flow does not run along the wall surface, the wall surface side of the air flow pulls in peripheral air (air present between the wall surface and the air flow) and kinetic energy is lost, dispossessed by the peripheral air. In the case where the air flows run along the wall surface, while the frictional resistance of the wall surface does cause kinetic energy to be lost, this is generally much smaller than the kinetic energy lost in a case where the air flow does not run along the wall surface. This makes it possible to minimize power consumption and to increase the distance reached by the air flows. The width of the flow route in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 9a may be kept constant in the downstream part 42e of the first outgoing passage 42c.
[0188] The second outgoing passage 52c has the flow route widening in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 9a from the second cylindrical part 52a to the second outlet 53. For this reason, the kinetic energy of the air flow is recovered and converted to static pressure, thus increasing the static pressure. This makes it possible to further improve the air blowing performance of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. A low-speed air flow is blown out from the second outlet 53, which has a large opening area.
[0189] The air having been blown out forward and upward from the second outlet 53 replenishes the ions in the living space in the center part in the room. Because of the low speed of the air flow being blown out from the second outlet 53, it is possible to prevent the discomfort caused by wind hitting the user in the living space.
[0190] The polarities of the ions generated by each of the electrodes of the micro-particle generation devices 7 may also be switched each time a predetermined period of time elapses. Specifically, positive ions are generated from one electrode, and negative ions are generated from the other electrode. When the predetermined period of time elapses, negative ions are generated from the one electrode, and positive ions are generated from the other electrode. When the predetermined period of time has again elapsed, positive ions are generated from the one electrode, and negative ions are generated from the other electrode, and this operation is repeated.
[0191] The positive ions and the negative ions are thereby alternatingly delivered to the left end and the right end of the air flow. Accordingly, the positive ions and the negative ions can be distributed at high concentrations over a broad range in the horizontal direction within the living room.
[0192] According to the present embodiment, the first and second impellers 41, 51, which are disposed on the same shaft, are driven by the one motor 9. Also, the direction in which the first outgoing passage 42c extends from the circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part 42a for covering the first impeller 41, and the direction in which the second outgoing passage 52c extends from the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part 21a (*8) for covering the second impeller 51 are different from each other in the circumferential direction; and the outgoing direction (B1) of the air flow being blown out from the first outlet 43, and the outgoing direction (B2) of the air flow being blown out from the second outlet 53 are different from each other. This makes it possible to use a simple configuration to deliver air flows in a plurality of directions. Because the air flows are not bent sharply, an increase in the loss of pressure can be prevented, the air blowing efficiency can be improved, and noise can be reduced.
[0193] Because the opening area of the first outlet 43 is smaller than the opening area of the second outlet 53, the wind speed of the first outlet 43 can be rendered faster than the wind speed of the second outlet 53. This makes it possible to increase the distance reached by the air flow being blown out from the first outlet 43. It is also possible to prevent the discomfort of the user occurring when the air flow blown out from the second outlet 53 is delivered to the living space in the room.
[0194] Because the width of the first outlet 43 in the direction perpendicular to the shaft is smaller than the width of the second outlet 53 in the direction perpendicular to the shaft, the wind speed of the first outlet 43 can be rendered faster than the wind speed of the second outlet 53 in a simple manner.
[0195] The upstream part 42d of the first outgoing passage 42c has the flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the shaft, and the downstream part 42e has the flow route kept constant or gradually constricted in the direction perpendicular to the shaft. Thereby, because the flow route surface area is not tightened in the upstream part 42c immediately after the first impeller 41, the kinetic energy of the air flow can be adequately recovered, thus increasing the static pressure, and the air blowing efficiency can be improved. Thereafter, any decrease in the speed of the air flow is minimized in the downstream part 42e, and an air flow is blown out from the first outlet 43, which has a smaller opening area than that of the second outlet 53. This makes it possible to further increase the distance reached by the air flow being blown out from the first outlet 43 without increasing the rotational speed of the air blowing fan 40.
[0196] Additionally, the second outgoing passage 52c has a flow route gradually expanding in the direction perpendicular to the shaft, and an air flow is blown out from the second outlet 53, which has a large opening area. This makes it possible to adequately recover the kinetic energy of the air flow, thus increasing the static pressure, and to improve the air blowing efficiency, and also makes it possible to readily cause an air flow having a lower speed than that of the first outlet 43 to be blown out from the second outlet 53.
[0197] An air flow is delivered vertically upward or backward and upward from the first outlet 43 by the first casing 42, and an air flow is delivered forward and upward from the second outlet 53 by the first casing 52 (*9). For this reason, when the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is mounted in the vicinity of the corner between the one side wall S and the floor surface F in the room, the high-speed air flow blown out from the first outlet 43 passes across the side wall S, the ceiling wall, the opposite-facing side wall, and the floor surface F. Accordingly, the ions can be adequately diffused into the room. Additionally, the low-speed air flow is blown out from the second outlet 53 into the living space in the room, and it is possible to replenish the ions in the living space, and also possible to prevent the discomfort of the user.
[0198] Because the first and second impellers 41, 51 have the blades 41b, 21b(*10) on the both surfaces of the circular plates 41a, 21a(*11), and because the first and second air-intaking ports 42b, 52b are provided to both surfaces in the axial direction of the first and second cylindrical parts 42a, 52a, respectively, it is possible to readily realize the air blowing fan 40, which is of small size and has a high wind rate.
[0199] FIG. 20 illustrates a side surface cross-sectional view of the micro-particle diffusion device 1 of a seventh embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20 have been assigned like reference numerals. The present embodiment is provided with HEPA filters 60 within the chassis 2, facing the inlets 5. Other portions are similar with respect to the sixth embodiment.
[0200] The HEPA filters 60 collect dust present in the air flowing into the chassis 2 from the inlets 5. Clean air from which dust has been removed is thereby delivered into the room.
[0201] According to the present embodiment, an effect similar to that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained. Additionally, despite the provision of the HEPA filters 60, which cause a dramatic loss of pressure to the flow route, having the air blowing fan 40 be a centrifugal fan having high static pressure allows any decrease in the air blowing efficiency to be prevented.
[0202] FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a side surface cross-sectional view illustrating a micro-particle diffusion device of an eighth embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed sixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 have been assigned like reference numerals. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is covered by the chassis 2, which is formed of a resin molding product. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is wall-mounted to the side wall S, the back surface of the chassis 2 serving as the mounting surface against the one side wall S in the room. The micro-particle diffusion device 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the corner between the side wall S and the ceiling wall T. The predetermined gap H is provided between the chassis 2 and the ceiling wall T.
[0203] The inlet 5 for taking in the air present in the room into the chassis 2 is opened in the upper surface of the chassis 2. The first outlet 43 and the second outlet 53 for blowing out air flows are opened in the front surface, facing the mounting surface, of the chassis 2. The opening area of the first outlet 43, which is disposed on the upper part, is formed so as to be smaller than the opening area of the second outlet 53, which is disposed on the lower part.
[0204] The aforedescribed air blowing fan 40 similar to FIG. 19 is disposed within the chassis 2. The first outgoing passage 42c of the first casing 42 for covering the first impeller 41 extends forward in the circumferential tangential direction from the circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part 42a, and has a distal end where the first outlet 43 is opened. The second outgoing passage 52c of the second casing 52 for covering the second impeller 51 extends forward in the circumferential tangential direction from the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical part 52a, and has a distal end where the second outlet 53 is opened.
[0205] The first cylindrical part 42a and the second cylindrical part 52a are disposed so as to be substantially in alignment when viewed from the side. Also, the direction in which the first outgoing passage 42c extends from the first cylindrical part 42a, and the direction in which the second outgoing passage 52c extends from the second cylindrical part 52a are different from each other in the circumferential direction. The directions of the air flows blown out from the first and second outlets 43, 53 are thereby made to be different. Specifically, an air flow is delivered horizontally or forward and upward, slightly upward from the horizontal direction, from the first outlet 43, as illustrated by the arrow B3, and an air flow is delivered forward and downward from the second outlet 53 as illustrated by the arrow B4.
[0206] The micro-particle generation devices 7, similarly with respect to the above description, are disposed in the first and second outgoing passages 42c, 52c.
[0207] In the micro-particle diffusion device 1 having the aforedescribed configuration, when the motor 9 of the air blowing fan 40 and the micro-particle generation devices 7 are driven, the air present in the room is taken in from the inlets 5 into the chassis 2. The air taken into the chassis 2 flows into the first and second casings 42, 52 via the first and second air-intaking ports 42b, 52b. The air having flowed into the first and second casings 42, 52 is discharged in the circumferential direction from the first and second cylindrical parts 12a, 22a(*12), and flows through the first and second outgoing passages 42c, 52c.
[0208] The air flowing through the first outgoing passage 42c includes ions, and the kinetic energy of the air flow is recovered in the upstream part 42d and converted to static pressure, thus increasing the static pressure. Any decrease in the speed of the air flow is minimized in the downstream part 42e, and a high-speed air flow is blown out in the direction of the arrow B3 from the first outlet 43, which has a small opening area.
[0209] The air having been blown out horizontally or forward and upward from the first outlet 43 flows along the ceiling wall T. Then, the air passes across the side wall facing the micro-particle diffusion device 1 as well as across the floor surface F, and returns to the micro-particle diffusion device 1. Further, the air flows flowing along the wall surfaces cause the ions to be slowly diffused into the living space in the center part in the room. This makes it possible for the air flows to be circulated along each of the wall surfaces in the room and for every corner in the room to be blanketed with ions.
[0210] The second outgoing passage 52c has air which includes ions, and the kinetic energy of the air flow is recovered and converted to static pressure, thus increasing the static pressure. This makes it possible to further improve the air blowing performance of the micro-particle diffusion device 1. A low-speed air flow is blown out in the direction of the arrow B4 from the second outlet 53, which has a large opening area.
[0211] The air having been blown out forward and downward from the second outlet 53 replenishes the ions in the living space in the center part in the room. Because of the low speed of the air flow being blown out from the second outlet 53, it is possible to prevent the discomfort caused by wind hitting the user in the living space.
[0212] According to the present embodiment, an effect similar to that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained. An air flow is delivered horizontally or forward and upward from the first outlet 43 by the first casing 42, and an air flow is delivered forward and downward from the second outlet 53 by the first casing 52 (*13). For this reason, when the micro-particle diffusion device 1 is mounted in the vicinity of the corner between the one side wall S and the ceiling wall T in the room, the high-speed air flow being blown out from the first outlet 43 passes across the ceiling wall T, the opposite-facing side wall, and across the floor surface F. Accordingly, the ions can be adequately diffused into the room. Additionally, the low-speed air flow is blown out from the second outlet 53 into the living space in the room, and it is possible to replenish the ions in the living space while avoiding discomfort to the user.
[0213] Next, FIG. 23 illustrates a side surface cross-sectional view of the micro-particle diffusion device 1 of a ninth embodiment. For convenience, portions which are similar with respect to the aforedescribed eighth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 have been assigned like reference numerals. The present embodiment is provided with the HEPA filter 60 within the chassis 2, facing the inlet 5. Other portions are similar with respect to the eighth embodiment.
[0214] The HEPA filter 60 collects dust present in the air flowing into the chassis 2 from the inlet 5. Clean air from which dust has been removed is thereby delivered into the room. According to the present embodiment, an effect similar to that of the eighth embodiment can be obtained. Additionally, even despite the provision of the HEPA filter 60, which causes dramatic loss of pressure to the flow route, having the air blowing fan 40 be a centrifugal fan having high static pressure enables any decrease in the air blowing efficiency to be prevented.
[0215] The sixth to ninth embodiments may also be made to be a circulator in which the micro-particle generation devices 7 are omitted, the circulator being adapted to blow out air from the first and second outlets 43, 53 and to circulate air flows in a room. This makes it possible to blow out air flows in a plurality of directions and to adequately circulate the air present in the room. At such a time, it is possible to prevent an increase in the loss of pressure, improve the air blowing efficiency, and reduce the noise.
[0216] Because the high-speed air flow being blown out from the first outlet 43 proceeds along the wall surface due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect, the kinetic energy dispossessed by the air present in the room is minimized, and the distance reached by the air flow can be increased. Further, the air flow being blown out from the second outlet 53 is delivered at low speed into the living space, and it is possible to prevent the discomfort of the user.
[0217] The air blowing fan 40, though constituted of the two-stage centrifugal fan, may also be constituted of a centrifugal fan of three or more stages. Also, the rotation shaft 9a of the motor 9 of the air blowing fan 40, though formed on two shafts extending in two directions, may also be formed on a single shaft extending in a single direction.
[0218] The micro-particle diffusion device 1 may also be wall-mounted, the mounting surface of the micro-particle diffusion device 1 of the sixth and seventh embodiments being against the side wall S in the room. A micro-particle diffusion device 1 similar to the eighth and ninth embodiments is thereby obtained. Accordingly, support is provided for both floor surface mounting and wall mounting, in either of which cases the air present in the room can still be favorably circulated and the micro-particle diffusion device 1 for diffusing the micro-particles into every corner in the room can still be realized.
[0219] The micro-particle diffusion device 1 may also be floor surface-mounted, the mounting surface of the micro-particle diffusion device 1 of the eighth and ninth embodiments being against the floor surface. A micro-particle diffusion device 1 similar to the sixth and seventh embodiments is thereby obtained. Accordingly, support is provided for both floor surface mounting and wall mounting, in either of which cases the air present in the room can still be favorably circulated and the micro-particle diffusion device 1 for diffusing the micro-particles into every corner in the room can still be realized.
[0220] In the first to ninth embodiments, the micro-particle diffusion device 1 delivers both positive ions and negative ions generated by the micro-particle generation devices 7, thus sterilizing the room. The micro-particle generation devices 7 may also generate only negative ions, thus achieving a micro-particle diffusion device 1 for obtaining a relaxation effect within the room. The micro-particle generation devices 7 may also generate an air freshener, deodorant, insecticide, disinfectant, or the like, thus achieving a micro-particle diffusion device 1 for deodorizing, killing insects, sterilizing, and the like within the room.
[0221] The present invention can be used as a circulator circulating air present in a room. The present invention can also be used as a micro-particle diffusion device for delivering, and diffusing within a room, ions or micro-particles of an air freshener, a deodorant, an insecticide, a disinfectant, or the like.
[0222] 1 Micro-particle diffusion device [0223] 2 Chassis [0224] 4a, 43 First outlet [0225] 4b, 53 Second outlet [0226] 4c Third outlet [0227] 4d Fourth outlet [0228] 5 Inlet [0229] 5a First inlet [0230] 5b Second inlet [0231] 6 Filter [0232] 7 Micro-particle generation device [0233] 8, 30, 40 Air blowing fan [0234] 10 Air blowing path [0235] 10a First divided passage [0236] 10b Second divided passage [0237] 10c Third divided passage [0238] 11 Perpendicular-direction-expanded part [0239] 12 Axial-direction-expanded part [0240] 13 Downward passage [0241] 14 Partition plate [0242] 20 Second air blowing path [0243] 31 First casing [0244] 32 Second casing [0245] 33 Impeller [0246] 41 First impeller [0247] 41a, 51a Circular plate [0248] 41b, 51b Blades [0249] 42 First casing [0250] 42a First cylindrical part [0251] 42b First air-intaking port [0252] 42c First outgoing passage [0253] 42d Upstream part [0254] 42e Downstream part [0255] 51 Second impeller [0256] 52 Second casing [0257] 52a Second cylindrical part [0258] 52b Second air-intaking port [0259] 52c Second outgoing passage [0260] 60 HEPA filter [0261] A1 First air flow [0262] A2 Second air flow [0263] A3 Third air flow [0264] A4 Fourth air flow [0265] F Floor surface [0266] P1 First wall surface [0267] P2 Second wall surface [0268] P3 Third wall surface [0269] S Side wall [0270] T Ceiling wall
Patent applications by Masaya Takahashi, Osaka-Shi JP
Patent applications by Yasukata Takeda, Osaka-Shi JP
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