AU2016202708A1 - Evaporative cooler weather seal improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to evaporative coolers, and in particular to a 'draft seal' arrangement for a fan assembly of an evaporative cooler. In one aspect, the fan assembly comprises a fan shroud comprising a 5 flow passageway, a fan rotatably supported with respect to the shroud in the flow passageway to create a flow therein, and at least one flow passageway closure element movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow passageway, and wherein in use, the or each outlet closure element moves to its open position when the fan is in use, and returns to its closed position when the fan is not in use. 'Al 4 04,

Description

1 2016202708 28 Apr 2016

EVAPORATIVE COOLER WEATHER SEAL IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015901542 titled “EVAPORATIVE COOLER WEATHER SEAL IMPROVEMENTS” and filed on 30 April 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to evaporative coolers. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a ‘draft seal’ arrangement for an evaporative cooler.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Evaporative coolers are traditionally roof mounted by a vertically orientated sheet metal duct commonly known in the industry as a “dropper.” [0004] A filter media for evaporative coolers provides a low resistance to the passage of air as it enters the building. Similarly, when the cooler is not in use, the filter media offers little resistance to the escape of warmer air from within the building rising by convection into the cooler. In fact, the dropper and the cooler create a ‘chimney effect’ which assists the escape of this warmer air.

[0005] A number of attempts have been made to overcome this problem, but these frequently suffer from other problems.

[0006] If a weather/draft seal is to be mounted in the dropper, it has a tendency to jam on the sides of the dropper, particularly if the dropper is erected out of square. Similarly, any flashing attached to the dropper where it enters the roof is often attached using self drilling screws. These screws may catch the seal and prevent it from working.

[0007] A further issue is that the seal will require supporting structure, and this supporting structure will interfere with the airflow, affecting cooler performance.

[0008] Yet a further issue is that the seals are often made from sheet metal and are subject to corrosion due to the humid environment within the dropper duct.

[0009] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. 2 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 [0010] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fan assembly for an evaporative cooler, the fan assembly comprising a fan shroud comprising a flow passageway, a fan rotatably supported with respect to the shroud in the flow passageway to create a flow therein, and at least one flow passageway closure element movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow passageway, and wherein in use, the or each outlet closure element moves to its open position when the fan is in use, and returns to its closed position when the fan is not in use.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow passageway closure element for a fan assembly of an evaporative cooler, the fan assembly comprising a fan shroud comprising a flow passageway, and a fan rotatably supported with respect to the shroud in the flow passageway to create a flow therein, wherein the closure element is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow passageway, and wherein in use, the or each outlet closure element moves to its open position when the fan is in use, and returns to its closed position when the fan is not in use.

[0013] In one form, the fan is an axial fan.

[0014] In one form, the or each flow passageway closure element is moved from its closed position to its open position by a fluid flow generated in the flow passageway by the fan.

[0015] In one form, in an alternative, the or each flow passageway closure element is moved from its closed position to its open position by an actuator.

[0016] In one form, the or each flow passageway closure element is adapted to return to its closed position when the fan is not in use.

[0017] In one form, in an alternative, the or each flow passageway closure element is moved from its open position to its closed position by an actuator.

[0018] In one form, the or each flow passageway closure element is biased by a biasing means to return to its closed position when the fan is not in use. 3 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 [0019] In one form, the fan assembly comprises a plurality of flow passageway closure elements adapted to act cooperatively to close the air flow passageway.

[0020] In one form, the or each passageway closure element is positioned downstream of the fan.

[0021] In one form, in an alternative, the or each passageway closure element is positioned upstream of the fan. That is to say, the closure element is as otherwise described herein, but positioned upstream of the fan.

[0022] In one form, the or each passageway closure element is pivotally mounted with respect to at least the shroud.

[0023] In one form, each closure element comprises a flap.

[0024] In one form, the flow passageway comprises an outlet with an annular cross-sectional shape.

[0025] In one form, each flap is shaped like a segment of the outlet’s annular cross-sectional shape.

[0026] In one form, each flap comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a pair of sides.

[0027] In one form, each flap comprises a pivotal mount at each of its sides.

[0028] In one form, when the flaps are in their closed positions, they overlap along their leading and trailing edges.

[0029] In one form, each of the flaps comprises a counterbalance positioned between its pivotal mounts and its leading edge, or at its leading edge.

[0030] In one form, each of the flaps comprises a means for keeping them in contact when closed, to prevent drafts passing between them. In one form, this means employs a magnetic attraction.

[0031] In one form, in an alternative where a single closure element is employed, the closure element moves from its closed position to its open position by folding, and from its open position to its closed position by unfolding. In one form, the single closure element is adapted to move to its open position by folding in half. In one form, the single closure element comprises an annular shape. In one form, the single closure element is biased to return to its closed position by a biasing element extending between its two folding halves. 4 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 [0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an evaporative cooler comprising the above described fan assembly.

[0033] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0034] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fan assembly for an evaporative cooler, when viewed from an upstream end, and with passageway closure elements in their closed position; [0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fan assembly configured as per Figure 1, when viewed from a downstream end; [0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the fan assembly configured as per Figure 1; [0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of just the closure elements from the fan assembly; [0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of just one closure element, viewed from an upstream side; [0041 ] Figure 6 is a perspective view of just one closure element, viewed from a downstream side; [0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fan assembly when viewed from a upstream end, and with passageway closure elements in their open position; 5 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 [0043] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fan assembly configured as per Figure 7, when viewed from a downstream end; [0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through the fan assembly configured as per Figure 7; and [0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view of just the shroud from the fan assembly.

[0046] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is shown a fan assembly 1 for an evaporative cooler (not illustrated), the fan assembly 1 comprising a fan shroud 2 comprising a flow passageway 4, and a fan (an axial fan in this case - not illustrated) rotatably supported with respect to the shroud 2 in the flow passageway 4.

[0048] The fan shroud 2 comprises a generally cylindrical shroud body 6 comprising an inlet 6A, an outlet 6B, and which is shaped to create a venturi effect in the flow passageway 4 (i.e. like a venturi tube).

[0049] The fan shroud 2 further comprises a hub 8, and a plurality of equi-spaced static vanes 10 bridging the shroud body 6 and the hub 8. Mounted to the hub 8 via resilient mounts 11 is an electric motor 12 (see Figure 2) comprising an output shaft 14 which is directed toward the inlet 6A of the fan shroud 2, and on which the fan will be disposed so as to be driven to rotate by the electric motor 12.

[0050] The hub 8 comprises the form of a hollow cylinder, and the motor 12 is located inside of this cylinder for compactness of assembly.

[0051] With reference to Figures 2 and 8, it can be seen that the fan assembly 1 further comprises a plurality of flow passageway closure elements 20, where each flow passageway closure element is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow passageway 4.

[0052] Each closure element 20 comprises a flap (these terms will be used interchangeably hereafter, although the term ‘closure element’ should not be construed to be so limited). Because the flow passageway 4 comprises an annular cross-sectional shape at outlet 6B, each flap 20 is shaped like a segment of the flow passageway’s 4 annular cross-sectional shape.

[0053] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that each flap 20 comprises a leading edge 22, a trailing edge 24, a pair of sides 26, and a mount 28 for a pivot pin 30 (see Figure 10) at each of its sides 6 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 26. These mounts 28 are much closer to the leading edge 22 of the flap 20 than they are the trailing edge 24, so a much greater portion of the flap’s length and area extends from the mounts 28 to the trailing edge 24 than does from the mounts 28 to the leading edge 22. That is to say, a flap trailing portion 20B is much larger area-wise than is the flap leading portion 20A.

[0054] In order to prevent the flaps 20 from being tail (i.e. trailing edge) heavy, each of the flaps 20 is counterbalanced by incorporation of additional material between its mounts 28 and its leading edge 22. That is to say, the flap leading portion 20A of each flap 20, is thicker than the flap trailing portion 20B.

[0055] With reference to Figure 5, it can be seen that each flap 20 further comprises a small magnet 27 near to its inboard trailing edge 24 corner, on its upstream side. With reference to Figure 6, it can be seen that each flap 20 further comprises a metallic insert 29 near to its outboard leading edge 22 corner, on its upstream side.

[0056] With reference to Figures 2 and 4, it can be seen that when the flaps 20 are in their closed positions, they overlap along their leading and trailing edges 22 and 24, and the magnets 27 contact with the metallic inserts 29 to prevent the flaps from dropping out of their closed positions, but instead remain in contact to prevent drafts passing between them. In this way, the flaps substantially close off the flow passageway 4, preventing unwanted drafts and heat losses.

[0057] With reference to Figures 7 through 9, where it can be seen how in use, when the fan assembly 1 is activated, and the motor 12 drives the fan (not illustrated) to establish an air flow (represented by arrows) in the flow passageway 4, this air flow will act upon the flap trailing portion 20B to drive the flaps 20 from their closed positions, into their open positions.

[0058] When the fan assembly 1 is deactivated, and the motor 12 ceases driving the fan (not illustrated), the air flow in the flow passageway 4 will subside, and the flaps 20 will return to their closed positions under the effect of the counterbalancing, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. In this way, no additional means for driving or otherwise biasing the flaps 20 is required (although these could be incorporated).

[0059] Fouling of the flaps 20 as they move is avoided because they are not in close proximity to the dropper duct (not illustrated). The outlet 6B of the fan shroud 2 is rigid and accurately formed, and not subject to variations in the dropper duct, be they caused by manufacture or the installer.

[0060] Air flow issuing from an axial fan normally comprises a circular swirling action, and some of the energy developed by the fan is lost in the generation of this swirling flow. An additional advantage of the present invention, is that the flaps 20 of fan assembly 1 also serve to straighten out this airflow, thereby improving the efficiency of the fan, and thus allowing longer duct runs and higher duct pressures. 2016202708 28 Apr 2016 7 [0061] The flaps 20 are predominantly plastic in construction, with a metallic insert to provide the counterbalance and metallic insert 29. The metallic counterbalance material is protected from corrosion by encapsulation in the plastic material.

[0062] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0063] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. A fan assembly for an evaporative cooler, the fan assembly comprising a fan shroud comprising a flow passageway, a fan rotatably supported with respect to the shroud in the flow passageway to generate a flow therein, and at least one flow' passageway closure element movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow' passageway, and wherein in use, the or each outlet closure element moves to its open position when the fan is in use, and returns to its closed position when the fan is not in use.

2. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the or each flow passageway closure element is moved from its closed position to its open position by a fluid flow generated in the flow7 passageway by the fan.

3. The fan assembly as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the or each flow passageway closure element is adapted to return to its closed position when the fan is not in use.

4. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan assembly comprises a plurality of flow passageway closure elements adapted to act cooperatively to close the air flow' passageway.

5. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each passageway closure element is positioned downstream of the fan.

6. The fan assembly as in any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the or each passageway closure element is positioned upstream of the fan.

7. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan is an axial fan.

8. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wlierein the or each passageway closure element is pivotally mounted with respect to at least the shroud.

9. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wlierein each closure element comprises a flap.

10. The fan assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, w'herein the flow' passageway comprises an outlet with an annular cross-sectional shape.

11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein each flap is shaped like a segment of the outlet’s annular cross-sectional shape.

12. The fan assembly of claim 11, wherein each flap comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a pair of sides.

13. The fan assembly as in either of claims 11 or 12, wherein each flap comprises a pivotal mount at each of its sides.

14. The fan assembly as in any one of claims 11 through 13, wherein when the flaps are in their closed positions, they overlap along their leading and trailing edges.

15. The fan assembly as in any one of claims 11 through 14, wherein each of the flaps comprises a counterbalance positioned between its pivotal mounts and its leading edge, or at its leading edge.

16. The fan assembly as in any one of claims 11 through 15, wherein each of the flaps comprises a means for keeping them in contact when closed, to prevent drafts passing between them.

17. The fan assembly of claim. 16, wherein this means employs a magnetic attraction.

18. An evaporative cooler comprising a fan assembly, the fan assembly comprising a fan shroud comprising a flow' passageway, a fan rotatably supported with respect to the shroud in the flow passageway to generate a flow therein, and at least one flow7 passageway closure element movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the flow passageway, and wherein in use, the or each outlet closure element moves to its open position when the fan is in use, and returns to its closed position when the fan is not in use.