Patent ID: 12246842

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments. Further, components of the following embodiments include components that can be easily substituted by those skilled in the art or substantially the same components. Furthermore, components described below can be appropriately combined. Moreover, in a case where there are a plurality of embodiments, the respective embodiments can also be combined.

First Embodiment

A motor-integrated fluid machine according to a first embodiment is an axial fluid machine. The motor-integrated fluid machine is a motor-integrated fan1(hereinafter, referred to as a fan1) that generates a thrust by taking in air from a suction port and blowing out air from a blow-out port. In the first embodiment, the present invention will be applied to the motor-integrated fan1as the motor-integrated fluid machine and will be described below. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this configuration. The motor-integrated fluid machine may be applied as, for example, a motor-integrated propeller, such as a propeller which generates a thrust by taking in liquid, such as water or sea water, from a suction port and jetting the liquid from a blow-out port.

The motor-integrated fan1is provided in, for example, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, such as a helicopter or a drone. The motor-integrated fan1provided in the vertical take-off and landing aircraft generates a thrust for raising an airframe or generates a thrust for controlling the attitude of an airframe. The motor-integrated fan1may be applied to, for example, an air cushion vehicle, such as a hovercraft. Further, in a case where the motor-integrated fluid machine is applied as a motor-integrated propeller, the motor-integrated fluid machine may be applied to a ship.

The motor-integrated fan1will be described with reference toFIGS.1and2.FIG.1is a cross-sectional view of the motor-integrated fan according to the first embodiment.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a duct of the motor-integrated fan according to the first embodiment. The motor-integrated fan1is called a duct-type propeller or a ducted fan. For example, the motor-integrated fan1is used in a horizontal state where the axial direction of the motor-integrated fan1is a vertical direction, and takes in air from the upper side in the vertical direction and blows out air to the lower side in the vertical direction. The motor-integrated fan1may be used in a vertical state where the axial direction of the motor-integrated fan1is a horizontal direction.

The motor-integrated fan1is a fan in which one motor is integrally provided, and includes a shaft part11, a rotation part12, an outer peripheral part13, a motor14, a rolling bearing15, rectification plates16, aerodynamic devices17, and a control unit20.

The shaft part11is provided at the center of a rotational axis I and serves as a supporting system (fixed side). The axial direction of the rotational axis I is a vertical direction inFIG.1, and is a direction along the vertical direction. For this reason, the flow direction of air is a direction along the axial direction of the rotational axis I. The shaft part11includes a shaft-side fitting portion25that is a portion provided on the upstream side of the shaft part11in the axial direction of the rotational axis I, and a shaft body26that is a portion provided on the downstream side of the shaft-side fitting portion25.

A hub31of the rotation part12to be described later is fitted to the shaft-side fitting portion25. The shaft-side fitting portion25is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided to protrude from the upstream end face of the shaft body26in the axial direction. A columnar space is formed in the shaft-side fitting portion25on the center side of the rotational axis I. A part of the hub31of the rotation part12is inserted into this space. Further, the outer peripheral side of the shaft-side fitting portion25is surrounded by a part of the hub31of the rotation part12.

The shaft body26is formed in a substantially conical shape that is tapered toward the downstream side from the upstream side in the axial direction. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body26is formed of a surface that goes from the outside to the inside in a radial direction toward the downstream side from the upstream side in the axial direction. An internal space in which equipment can be installed is formed in the shaft body26. Examples of the equipment include a control device, a camera, and the like. Further, radially inner end portions of the rectification plates16to be described later are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body26.

The rotation part12is rotated about the shaft part11and serves as a rotating system (rotating side). The rotation part12is provided on the inflow side of the shaft part11into which air flows in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. The rotation part12includes a hub31, a plurality of blades32, and a rotation support ring33.

The hub31is provided on the upstream side of the shaft part11in the axial direction, and is rotatably fitted to the shaft-side fitting portion25. The hub31includes a hub body35that is a portion provided on the upstream side in the axial direction and a hub-side fitting portion36that is a portion provided on the downstream side of the hub body35. An upstream end face of the hub body is a hemispherical surface that has a predetermined radius of curvature. The hub-side fitting portion36is formed in a shape complementary to the shaft-side fitting portion25. The hub-side fitting portion36includes a central shaft36athat is provided at the center of the rotational axis, and a cylindrical portion36bthat is formed on the outer peripheral side of the central shaft36aand has a cylindrical shape. The central shaft36ais inserted into the space that is formed in the shaft-side fitting portion25at the center of the rotational axis. The cylindrical portion36bis provided to protrude from the downstream end face of the hub body35in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion36bis disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the shaft-side fitting portion25. In this case, the rolling bearing15is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion25and the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft36aof the hub31.

Further, a surface that reaches the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body26from the end face of the hub body35via the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion36bis formed of a smooth surface without a stepped portion.

Here, the shaft part11and the hub31are adapted so that a recessed portion and a protruding portion thereof are fitted to each other as described above. That is, the shaft-side fitting portion25of the shaft part11formed in the cylindrical shape is formed as a recessed portion, the central shaft36aof the hub31is formed as a protruding portion, and the central shaft36ais inserted into the shaft-side fitting portion25, so that the shaft part11and the hub31are adapted to be fitted to each other. However, the shaft part11and the hub31are not limited to this configuration, and configuration where the recessed portion and the protruding portion are fitted to each other may be inverted. That is, the shaft-side fitting portion25of the shaft part11may be formed as a protruding portion, a recessed portion may be provided in the hub31, and the shaft-side fitting portion25may be inserted into the recessed portion of the hub31, so that the shaft part11and the hub31may be adapted to be fitted to each other. In this case, the rolling bearing15is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion25and the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion of the hub31. Configuration where the recessed portion and the protruding portion are fitted to each other will be described in detail in a third embodiment to be described later.

The plurality of blades32are provided to extend outward from the hub31in the radial direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction. Each blade32is formed in the shape of an airfoil. A plane, which is formed by inflow-side end portions of the plurality of blades32orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotational axis I during the rotation of the plurality of blades32, is a plane P of rotation. For example, the plurality of blades32may be made of a metallic material or may be made of a composite material, and are not particularly limited.

The rotation support ring33is formed in an annular shape centered on the rotational axis I. The rotation support ring33is connected to the outer peripheral side of the plurality of blades32in the radial direction of the rotational axis I. The rotation support ring33includes an inner ring portion33athat is a portion forming a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral part13to be described later, and a flange portion33bthat is a portion provided to protrude on the outside of the inner ring portion33ain the radial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion33aprovided on the inside in the radial direction forms a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral part13. Further, the radially outer end portion of each blade32is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion33aby welding or the like, or is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion33aby a bolt, a rivet, or the like. The flange portion33bis provided on the upstream side of the inner ring portion33ain the axial direction. The flange portion33bholds permanent magnets45of the motor14to be described later. The flange portion33bholds the permanent magnets45so that the permanent magnets45face the downstream side in the axial direction.

The hub31, the plurality of blades32, and the rotation support ring33of the rotation part12are integrally joined to each other, and the rotation part12is rotated about the hub31. At this time, in a case where the rotation part12is to be made of a composite material, a part or all of the rotation part12may be integrally molded. For example, in the rotation part12, the plurality of blades32and the rotation support ring33may be integrally molded using a composite material or the hub31, the plurality of blades32, and the rotation support ring33may be integrally molded using a composite material.

The outer peripheral part13is provided outside the shaft part11in the radial direction and serves as the supporting system (fixed side). The outer peripheral part13is a duct that is formed in an annular shape and generates a thrust by the rotation of the rotation part12. The upstream opening of the outer peripheral part13(hereinafter, referred to as a duct13) in the axial direction of the rotational axis I serves as a suction port38and the downstream opening thereof serves as a blow-out port39.

An annular internal space, which houses the flange portion33bof the rotation support ring33of the rotation part12and coils46of the motor14to be described later, is formed in the duct13. The duct13holds the coils46, which are provided at positions facing the permanent magnets45held by the rotation part12, therein.

As shown inFIG.2, the duct13includes an upstream portion41on an inflow side into which air flows, a downstream portion43on an outflow side out of which air flows, and a midstream portion42between the upstream portion41and the downstream portion43. That is, the duct13is partitioned into three portions formed of the upstream portion41, the midstream portion42, and the downstream portion43in the axial direction.

Each of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the duct13at the upstream portion41is formed of a curved surface having a predetermined radius r of curvature in a cross section taken along a plane orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the rotational axis I. At least the inner peripheral surface of the upstream portion41may be formed of the curved surface having the predetermined radius r of curvature. Further, each of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the duct13at the midstream portion42is formed of a surface including a linear portion in the cross section. At least the inner peripheral surface of the midstream portion42may be formed of a surface including a linear portion. The surface including the linear portion is a surface along the axial direction of the rotational axis I. Furthermore, a part of the surface including the linear portion forms the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33of the rotation part12. That is, the rotation part12is positioned at the midstream portion42of the duct13in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. Moreover, the inner peripheral surface of the duct13at the downstream portion43is formed of a surface radially spreading (tapered) from the inflow side toward the downstream side.

Here, the diameter of the rotation part12at the plane P of rotation, that is, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33is denoted by D. The diameter D of the rotation part12is larger than the length L1of the motor-integrated fan1in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. In other words, the length L1of the motor-integrated fan1in the axial direction of the rotational axis I is smaller than the diameter D of the rotation part12, and is in the range of “0.2D≤L1≤0.8D”, and specifically, in the range of “0.4D≤L1≤0.5D”. For this reason, the motor-integrated fan1is a flat fan of which the length L1is equal to or smaller than a half of the diameter D.

Further, in the axial direction of the rotational axis I, the length of the downstream portion43is longer than each of the length of the upstream portion41and the length of the midstream portion42. The predetermined radius r of curvature of the upstream portion41is in the range of, for example, “0.02D≤L1≤0.10D”, and specifically, in the range of “0.03D≤r≤0.09D”. As long as the radius r of curvature is in the above-mentioned numerical range, the radius r of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the upstream portion41may be different from that of the inner peripheral surface of the upstream portion41. The plane P of rotation of the rotation part12is positioned on the upstream side of the midstream portion42in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. Specifically, in a case where the length L2of the midstream portion42is, for example, 0.1D, a length L3between the upstream boundary of the midstream portion42and the plane P of rotation is, for example, 0.01D.

Further, the spread (taper) of the inner peripheral surface of the downstream portion43will be described. In a case where an angle between the inner peripheral surface of the downstream portion43and a direction along the inner peripheral surface of the midstream portion42(the axial direction of the rotational axis I) in a cross section taken along a plane orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the rotational axis I is defined as a diffuser angle θ, the diffuser angle θ is in the range of “0°≤θ≤30°”.

Since the duct13is formed in the above-mentioned shape, the duct13sucks air from the suction port38and blows out the sucked air from the blow-out port39by the rotation of the rotation part12to generate a thrust.

The motor14is an outer periphery drive motor that supplies power to the rotation part12from the duct13side to rotate the rotation part12. The motor14includes a rotor-side magnet that is provided on the rotation part12side and a stator-side magnet that is provided on the duct13side. In the first embodiment, the rotor-side magnet is the permanent magnets45and the stator-side magnet is the coils (electromagnets)46. Configuration related to the handling of wiring and the like around the coils46is simplified since the supporting system is provided with the coils46in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this configuration. The coils may be used as the rotor-side magnet and the permanent magnets45may be used as the stator-side magnet.

The permanent magnets45are provided to be held by the flange portion33bof the rotation support ring33, and are arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. Further, the permanent magnets45are adapted so that positive poles and negative poles are alternated at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The permanent magnets45may be arranged to form a Halbach array. The permanent magnets45are provided at positions facing the coils46in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. The length of the permanent magnet45in the radial direction of the rotational axis I is longer than the length thereof in the axial direction of the rotational axis I.

A plurality of coils46are provided to be held in the duct13, are provided to face the respective poles of the permanent magnets45, and are arranged in the circumferential direction. The coils46are provided at positions facing the permanent magnets45, which are held by the rotation part12, in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. That is, axial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the axial direction of the rotational axis I is made.

The rolling bearing15is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion25of the shaft part11and the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft36aof the hub31of the rotation part12. The rolling bearing15connects the shaft part11to the rotation part12while allowing the rotation of the rotation part12with respect to the shaft part11. The rolling bearing15is, for example, a ball bearing or the like.

The rectification plates16are provided to connect the shaft part11to the duct13. The rectification plates16are provided on the downstream side of the rotation part12in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. That is, the rectification plates16are provided at the position of a downstream portion43of the duct13in the axial direction. A plurality of rectification plates16are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotational axis I. Further, the rectification plates16are formed in a streamlined shape, such as the shape of an airfoil, rectify air flowing in from the rotation part12, and generate a thrust. The shape of the rectification plate16is not limited to the shape of an airfoil and may be the shape of a flat plate.

The aerodynamic devices17are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the duct13on the downstream side of the rotation part12. The aerodynamic devices17suppress the separation of air flowing along the inner peripheral surface of the duct13. Examples of the aerodynamic device17include a plasma actuator, a synthetic jet, and the like. In the first embodiment, a device for giving a flow, which is toward the downstream side, to air so that the flow of air along the inner peripheral surface of the duct13is changed to the flow of air toward the downstream side is applied as the aerodynamic device17. Specifically, a plasma actuator is applied as the aerodynamic device17.

The aerodynamic devices17are provided along a boundary between the midstream portion42and the downstream portion43of the duct13in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. Specifically, the aerodynamic devices are provided on the boundary side of at least the midstream portion42. The aerodynamic devices17may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the downstream portion43and are appropriately provided at portions where the separation of air may occur.

The control unit20is connected to each part of the motor-integrated fan1and controls the motor-integrated fan1by controlling each part. The control unit20is connected to the coils46. The control unit20controls the rotation of the rotation part12by controlling the magnetic fields of the coils46. Further, the control unit20is connected to the aerodynamic devices17. The control unit20controls the operation of the aerodynamic devices17. Further, since a rotation speed detection sensor (not shown) is connected to the control unit20, the control unit20acquires the rotation speed of the rotation part12.

The control unit20controls the operation of the aerodynamic devices17on the basis of the rotation speed of the rotation part12that is detected by the rotation speed detection sensor. Specifically, the control unit20causes the aerodynamic devices17to operate until the rotation part12reaches a predetermined rotation speed. That is, the control unit20causes the aerodynamic devices to operate in a low-speed rotation range where the rotation part12does not yet reach the predetermined rotation speed. On the other hand, the control unit20stops the operation of the aerodynamic devices17in a rotation range where the rotation part12reaches a rotation speed equal to or higher than the predetermined rotation speed. Examples of the predetermined rotation speed include a normal rotation speed to be usually used, a rated rotation speed in a rated operating state, and the like.

The motor-integrated fan1supplies power, which is caused by the magnetic fields, to the rotation part12from the duct13side by the motor14, so that the rotation part12is rotated. In a case where the rotation part12is rotated, the motor-integrated fan1sucks air from the suction port38and blows out air to the blow-out port39. The air blown out of the rotation part12generates a thrust by flowing along the inner peripheral surface of the duct13. In this case, the separation of air caused by the inner peripheral surface of the duct13is suppressed by the aerodynamic devices17and the flow of air is rectified by the rectification plates16, so that a thrust is generated by even the rectification plates16.

According to the first embodiment, as described above, the rotation part12can be rotated while being rotatably supported by at least the shaft part11. For this reason, since the movement of the rotation part12in the axial direction of the rotational axis I caused by the influence of vibration or the like generated during the rotation of the rotation part12can be suppressed, the rotation part12can be suitably rotated. Further, since the rotation part12can be simply adapted to include the plurality of blades32and the rotation support ring33, the rotation part12can have compact configuration.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the rotation part12can be rotated by the motor14of which the outer periphery is driven. Moreover, since the motor14can be provided on the outer peripheral side of the rotation support ring33, the configuration of the shaft part11can be simplified.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the permanent magnets45and the coils46can be arranged over a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotational axis I. For this reason, since the installation area of the permanent magnets45and the coils46can be increased, the rotation output of the motor14can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the rotation part12can be disposed on the upstream side of the shaft part11, the length of a flow channel for air flowing into the rotation part12can be reduced and the length of a flow channel for air flowing out of the rotation part12can be increased. For this reason, in a case where a thrust is generated by air, air is easily sucked since the flow channel for air flowing into the rotation part12is short and air can be appropriately blown out since the flow channel for air flowing out of the rotation part12is long. Accordingly, a thrust can be made high.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, since air can be caused to flow along the inner peripheral surface of the duct13, a thrust can be appropriately generated by the duct13.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the separation of air on the inner peripheral surface of the duct13can be suppressed by the aerodynamic devices17, a reduction in thrust can be suppressed.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the flow of air along the inner peripheral surface of the duct is slowed until the rotation part12reaches a predetermined rotation speed, but air can flow along the inner peripheral surface of the duct13since the separation of air from the inner peripheral surface can be suppressed by the operation of the aerodynamic devices17.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the plane P of rotation is positioned on the upstream side of the midstream portion42, so that the rotation part12can be rotated at the midstream portion42. For this reason, since air sucked at the upstream portion41can be blown out at the downstream portion43, a thrust can be appropriately generated.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the rolling bearing15is provided, the rotation part12and the shaft part11are rotatably connected to each other. Accordingly, the rotation part12can be smoothly rotated while the movement of the rotation part12in the axial direction is restricted.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the rectification plates16are provided, air from the rotation part12can be rectified and blown out of the blow-out port39.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, since the compact motor-integrated fan1is mounted on the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, weight can be reduced and an appropriate thrust can be generated by the motor-integrated fan1.

Axial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the axial direction of the rotational axis I is made in the first embodiment, but a modification example shown inFIG.3may be made.FIG.3is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification example of the motor-integrated fan according to the first embodiment. Radial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the rotational axis I is made in the modification example shown inFIG.3.

The rotation support ring33holding the permanent magnets45is adapted so that the flange portion33bis omitted, and holds the permanent magnets45on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring portion33a.

The permanent magnets45are provided to be held on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33, and are arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. The permanent magnets45are provided at positions facing the coils46in the radial direction of the rotational axis I.

A plurality of coils46are provided to be held in the duct13, are provided to face the respective poles of the permanent magnets45, and are arranged in the circumferential direction. The coils46are provided at positions facing the permanent magnets45, which are held by the rotation part12, in the radial direction of the rotational axis I. Radial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the rotational axis I as described above may be made.

In the modification example shown inFIG.3, the permanent magnets45of the rotation support ring33are provided on the inside in the radial direction of the rotational axis I and the coils46provided in the duct13are provided on the outside in the radial direction of the rotational axis I. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The permanent magnets45of the rotation support ring33may be provided on the outside in the radial direction of the rotational axis I and the coils46provided in the duct13may be provided on the inside in the radial direction of the rotational axis I.

Second Embodiment

Next, a motor-integrated fan50according to a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.4. In the second embodiment, in order to avoid repeated description, portions different from those of the first embodiment will be described and portions having the same configuration as the configuration of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the reference numerals of the first embodiment and will be described.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of the motor-integrated fan according to the second embodiment.

The motor-integrated fan50according to the second embodiment further includes rolling bearings51between the rotation part12and the duct13in addition to the configuration of the motor-integrated fan1according to the first embodiment. The rolling bearings51are provided on both sides of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. For this reason, the rotation part12of the motor-integrated fan50is rotatably supported by the shaft part11and the duct13.

According to the second embodiment, since the rolling bearing15and the rolling bearings51are provided as described above, the rotation part12and the shaft part11are rotatably connected to each other and the rotation part12and the duct13are rotatably connected to each other. Accordingly, the rotation part12can be smoothly rotated while the movement of the rotation part12in the axial direction is restricted. In a case where the rolling bearings51are provided between the rotation part12and the duct13in the motor-integrated fan50according to the second embodiment, the rolling bearing15provided between the rotation part12and the shaft part11may be omitted.

Third Embodiment

Next, a motor-integrated fan60according to a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.5. Even in the third embodiment, in order to avoid repeated description, portions different from those of the first and second embodiments will be described and portions having the same configuration as the configuration of the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the reference numerals of the first and second embodiments and will be described.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of the motor-integrated fan according to the third embodiment.

The motor14of the motor-integrated fan1according to the first embodiment is a motor of which the outer periphery is driven, but a motor64of the motor-integrated fan60according to the third embodiment is a motor of which the inner periphery is driven.

The motor-integrated fan60according to the third embodiment includes a shaft part61, a rotation part62, a duct63, a motor64, a rolling bearing65, rectification plates66, aerodynamic devices67, and a control unit70. Since the rolling bearing65, the rectification plates66, the aerodynamic devices67, and the control unit70are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The shaft part61is provided at the center of a rotational axis I and serves as a supporting system (fixed side). The shaft part61includes a shaft-side fitting portion75that is a portion provided on the upstream side of the shaft part61in an axial direction of the rotational axis I, and a shaft body76that is a portion provided on the downstream side of the shaft-side fitting portion75.

A rotation support ring83of the rotation part62to be described later is fitted to the shaft-side fitting portion75. The shaft-side fitting portion75is formed in a columnar shape, and is provided on the upstream end face of the shaft body76so as to protrude from the center of the rotational axis I to the upstream side in the axial direction. The outer peripheral side of the shaft-side fitting portion75is surrounded by the rotation support ring83of the rotation part62.

The shaft body76is formed in a hemispherical shape that is convex toward the downstream side from the upstream side in the axial direction. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body76is formed of a surface that goes from the outside to the inside in a radial direction toward the downstream side from the upstream side in the axial direction. Further, the shaft body76holds the coils46on the upstream end face thereof in the axial direction at positions on the outer peripheral side of the shaft-side fitting portion75. An internal space in which equipment can be installed may be formed in the shaft body76as in the first embodiment.

The rotation part62is rotated about the shaft part61and serves as a rotating system (rotating side). The rotation part62is provided on the inflow side of the shaft part61into which air flows in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. The rotation part62includes a hub81, a plurality of blades82, and a rotation support ring83.

The hub81is provided on the upstream side of the shaft part61in the axial direction. The upstream end face of the hub81is formed as a spherical surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

The rotation support ring83is provided on the downstream side of the hub81in the axial direction and is integrated with the hub81. The rotation support ring83is rotatably fitted to the shaft-side fitting portion75. The rotation support ring83is formed in an annular shape centered on the rotational axis I. The rotation support ring83includes an outer ring portion83athat is provided on the outside in the radial direction, a flange portion83bthat is a portion provided to protrude on the inside of the outer ring portion83ain the radial direction, and an inner ring portion83cthat is a portion provided on the inside of the flange portion83bin the radial direction. The outer ring portion83ais formed in a cylindrical shape, and includes a smooth outer peripheral surface without a stepped portion with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft part61. The radially inner end portion of each blade82is joined to the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion83aby welding or the like, or is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion83aby a bolt, a rivet, or the like. The flange portion83bis provided on the upstream side of the outer ring portion83ain the axial direction. The flange portion83bholds permanent magnets45of the motor64to be described later. The flange portion83bholds the permanent magnets45so that the permanent magnets45face the downstream side in the axial direction. The inner ring portion83cis formed in a cylindrical shape, and is provided so as to surround the shaft-side fitting portion75. The inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion83cfaces the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion75. In this case, the rolling bearing65is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion75of the shaft part61and the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion83cof the rotation support ring83.

Here, the shaft part61and the rotation support ring83integrated with the hub81are adapted so that a recessed portion and a protruding portion thereof are fitted to each other as described above. That is, the inner ring portion83cof the rotation support ring83formed in the cylindrical shape is formed as a recessed portion, the shaft-side fitting portion75of the shaft part61is formed as a protruding portion, and the shaft-side fitting portion75is inserted into the inner ring portion83c, so that the shaft part61and the rotation support ring83are adapted to be fitted to each other. However, the shaft part61and the rotation support ring83are not limited to this configuration, and configuration where the recessed portion and the protruding portion are fitted to each other may be inverted. That is, the shaft-side fitting portion75of the shaft part61may be formed as a recessed portion, a protruding portion may be provided on the rotation support ring83, and the protruding portion of the rotation support ring83may be inserted into the shaft-side fitting portion75of the shaft part61, so that the shaft part61and the hub81may be adapted to be fitted to each other. In this case, the rolling bearing65is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the shaft-side fitting portion75and the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion of the rotation support ring83. Configuration where the recessed portion and the protruding portion are fitted to each other is substantially the same as that described in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

The plurality of blades82are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support ring83. The plurality of blades82are provided to extend outward from the rotation support ring83in the radial direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction. Each blade82is formed in the shape of an airfoil. Further, the radially inner end portion of each blade82is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support ring83, and the radially outer end portion thereof is a free end. For example, the plurality of blades82may be made of a metallic material or may be made of a composite material, and are not particularly limited.

The hub81, the plurality of blades82, and the rotation support ring83of the rotation part62are integrally joined to each other, and the rotation part62is rotated about the hub81. At this time, in a case where the rotation part62is to be made of a composite material, a part or all of the rotation part62may be integrally molded. For example, in the rotation part62, the plurality of blades82and the rotation support ring83may be integrally molded using a composite material or the hub81, the plurality of blades82, and the rotation support ring83may be integrally molded using a composite material.

The duct63is provided outside the shaft part61in the radial direction and serves as the supporting system (fixed side). The duct63is a duct that is formed in an annular shape and generates a thrust by the rotation of the rotation part62. The upstream opening of the duct63in the axial direction of the rotational axis I serves as a suction port38and the downstream opening thereof serves as a blow-out port39. The shape of the duct63is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The motor64is an inner periphery drive motor that supplies power to the rotation part62from the shaft part side to rotate the rotation part62. The motor64includes a rotor-side magnet that is provided on the rotation part62side and a stator-side magnet that is provided on the shaft part61side. In the third embodiment, the rotor-side magnet is the permanent magnets45and the stator-side magnet is the coils (electromagnets)46. Configuration related to the handling of wiring and the like around the coils46is simplified since the supporting system is provided with the coils46in the third embodiment. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this configuration. The coils may be used as the rotor-side magnet and the permanent magnets45may be used as the stator-side magnet.

The permanent magnets45are provided to be held by the flange portion83bof the rotation support ring83, and are arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. Since other configurations of the permanent magnets45are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

A plurality of coils46are provided to be held on the upstream end face of the shaft body76of the shaft part61, are provided to face the respective poles of the permanent magnets45, and are arranged in the circumferential direction. Since other configurations of the coils46are also the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The motor-integrated fan60supplies power, which is caused by the magnetic fields, to the rotation part62from the shaft part61side by the motor64, so that the rotation part62is rotated. In a case where the rotation part62is rotated, the motor-integrated fan60sucks air from the suction port38and blows out air to the blow-out port39. The air blown out of the rotation part62generates a thrust by flowing along the inner peripheral surface of the duct63.

According to the third embodiment, as described above, the rotation part62can be rotated while being rotatably supported by at least the shaft part61. For this reason, since the movement of the rotation part62in the axial direction of the rotational axis I caused by the influence of vibration or the like generated during the rotation of the rotation part62can be suppressed, the rotation part62can be suitably rotated. Further, since the rotation part62can be simply adapted to include the plurality of blades82and the rotation support ring83, the rotation part62can have compact configuration.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the rotation part62can be rotated by the motor64of which the inner periphery is driven. Moreover, since the motor64can be provided on the inner peripheral side of the rotation support ring83, the configuration of the duct63can be simplified.

Axial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the axial direction of the rotational axis I is made in the third embodiment, but a modification example shown inFIG.6may be made.FIG.6is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification example of the motor-integrated fan according to the third embodiment. Radial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the rotational axis I is made in the modification example shown inFIG.6.

The permanent magnets45are provided to be held on the outer peripheral side of the inner ring portion83cof the rotation support ring83, and are arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. The permanent magnets45are provided at positions facing the coils46in the radial direction of the rotational axis I.

A plurality of coils46are provided to be held in the shaft part61, are provided to face the respective poles of the permanent magnets45, and are arranged in the circumferential direction. The coils46are provided at positions facing the permanent magnets45, which are held by the rotation part62, in the radial direction of the rotational axis I. Radial arrangement where the permanent magnets45and the coils46are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the rotational axis I as described above may be made.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a motor-integrated fan90according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.7. Even in the fourth embodiment, in order to avoid repeated description, portions different from those of the first to third embodiments will be described and portions having the same configuration as the configuration of the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the reference numerals of the first to third embodiments and will be described.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of the motor-integrated fan according to the fourth embodiment.

The motor-integrated fan90according to the fourth embodiment includes a magnetic bearing91instead of the rolling bearings51provided in the motor-integrated fan50according to the second embodiment.

The magnetic bearing91includes a pair of rotating-side magnets95that is provided on both sides of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33in the axial direction, and a pair of fixed-side magnets96that is provided in the duct13so as to face the pair of rotating-side magnets95. The rotating-side magnets95are permanent magnets and the fixed-side magnets96are coils. The rotating-side magnets95and the fixed-side magnets96are provided to face each other in the axial direction of the rotational axis I. Coils may be used as the rotating-side magnets95and permanent magnets may be used as the fixed-side magnets96. In a case where the magnetic field of the magnetic bearing91is controlled so that the rotating-side magnets95and the fixed-side magnets96repel each other, the rotation support ring33is rotatably supported by the magnetic bearing91in a state where the rotation support ring33is not in contact with the duct13.

Further, in a case where the magnetic bearing91is provided, the permanent magnets45of the motor14are provided on the outside of the inner ring portion33aof the rotation support ring33in the radial direction and the coils46are provided in the duct13so as to face the permanent magnets45in the radial direction of the rotational axis.

According to the fourth embodiment, the rotation part12can be smoothly rotated in a state where the rotation part12and the duct13are not connected to each other as described above. For this reason, the transfer of a load, which is applied to the rotation part12, to the duct13can be suppressed.

In the fourth embodiment, the magnetic bearing91is used instead of the rolling bearings51provided in the motor-integrated fan50according to the second embodiment. However, the magnetic bearing91may be used instead of the rolling bearing15provided in the motor-integrated fan1according to the first embodiment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: motor-integrated fan11: shaft part12: rotation part13: duct14: motor15: rolling bearing16: rectification plate17: aerodynamic device20: control unit31: hub32: blade33: rotation support ring38: suction port39: blow-out port41: upstream portion42: midstream portion43: downstream portion45: permanent magnet46: coil50: motor-integrated fan (second embodiment)51: rolling bearing60: motor-integrated fan (third embodiment)61: shaft part62: rotation part63: duct64: motor65: rolling bearing66: rectification plate67: aerodynamic device70: control unit81: hub82: blade83: rotation support ring90: motor-integrated fan (fourth embodiment)91: magnetic bearing95: rotating-side magnet96: fixed-side magnet