CN111140551A

CN111140551A - Nozzle for fan assembly

Info

Publication number: CN111140551A
Application number: CN201911050577.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L.霍顿; J.R.卡林; S.E.皮特; R.A.休斯
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-01
Filing date: 2019-10-31
Publication date: 2020-05-12
Also published as: WO2020089580A1; GB2578616B; GB201817850D0; CN211820129U; GB2578616A

Abstract

There is provided a nozzle comprising a first air outlet and a second air outlet oriented in a converging direction, and a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets. The valve comprises one or more valve members movable through a range of positions between a first end position where the first air outlet is maximally open and the second air outlet is maximally blocked, and a second end position where the first air outlet is maximally blocked and the second air outlet is maximally open. The valve is further arranged such that a size difference between the first air outlet and the second air outlet is greater when the one or more valve members are in the first end position than when the one or more valve members are in the second end position.

Description

Nozzle for fan assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a nozzle for a fan assembly, and a fan assembly comprising such a nozzle.

Background

Conventional domestic fans typically comprise a set of blades or blades mounted for rotation about an axis, and drive means for rotating the set of blades to generate an airflow. The movement and circulation of the airflow may generate "chill" or breeze, and as a result, the user may dissipate heat through convection and evaporation, thereby obtaining a cooling effect. The blades are typically located in a cage that allows airflow through the housing while preventing a user from coming into contact with the rotating blades during use of the fan.

US 2,488,467 describes a fan that does not use shroud blades to eject air from the fan assembly. Instead, the fan assembly includes a base housing a motor-driven impeller for drawing air into the base and a series of concentric annular nozzles connected to the base, and each nozzle includes an annular outlet at the front of the nozzle for emitting an air stream from the fan. Each nozzle extends about an orifice axis to define an orifice about which the nozzle extends.

Each nozzle is in the shape of an airfoil and may thus be considered to have a leading edge aft of the nozzle, a trailing edge forward of the nozzle, and a chord line extending between the leading and trailing edges. In US 2,488,467, the chord line of each nozzle is parallel to the nozzle bore axis. The air outlet is located on the chord line and is arranged to emit an air stream in a direction extending away from the nozzle and along the chord line.

Another fan assembly which does not use shroud blades to eject air from the fan assembly is described in WO 2010/100451. The fan assembly comprises a cylindrical base which also houses a motor impeller for drawing a primary air flow into the base, and a single annular nozzle connected to the base and comprising an annular mouth/outlet through which the primary air flow is emitted from the fan. The nozzle defines an opening through which air in the local environment of the fan assembly is drawn by the primary airflow emitted from the mouth, thereby amplifying the primary airflow. The nozzle includes a coanda surface on which a mouth is disposed to direct the primary air flow. The coanda surfaces extend symmetrically about the central axis of the opening so that the airflow generated by the fan assembly is in the form of an annular jet having a cylindrical or frustoconical profile.

The user can change the direction of the air flow emitted from the nozzle in one of two ways. The base includes an oscillating mechanism that can be actuated to oscillate the nozzle and a portion of the base about a vertical axis passing through the center of the base to sweep the airflow generated by the fan assembly about an arc of approximately 180 degrees. The base further comprises a tilting mechanism to allow the nozzle and the upper part of the base to be tilted relative to the lower part of the base by an angle of at most 10 ° relative to the horizontal.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, a nozzle for a fan assembly is provided. The nozzle includes an air inlet; a first air outlet for emitting an air flow and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first and second air outlets being oriented in a converging direction; and a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets. The valve includes one or more valve members movable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjust the size of the second air outlet. The one or more valve members are movable through a range of positions between a first end position at which the first air outlet is maximally open and the second air outlet is maximally blocked, and a second end position at which the first air outlet is maximally blocked and the second air outlet is maximally open. The valve is further arranged such that a size difference between the first air outlet and the second air outlet is greater when the one or more valve members are in the first end position than when the one or more valve members are in the second end position. The first and second air outlets are discrete. In other words, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are physically separated from each other.

In other words, the valve is arranged such that the size of the first air outlet is largest when the one or more valve members are in the first end position and smallest when the one or more valve members are in the second end position, the size of the second air outlet is largest when the one or more valve members are in the second end position and smallest when the one or more valve members are in the first end position. The valve is then further arranged such that the size of the first air outlet is larger when the one or more valve members are in the first end position than when the one or more valve members are in the second end position, and the size of the first air outlet is larger when the one or more valve members are in the second end position than when the one or more valve members are in the first end position.

The present invention provides a nozzle that is capable of receiving an input of a single air stream, such as from a single air supply source, and manipulating the air stream so that the direction of the air stream emitted from the nozzle can be changed without tilting the fan assembly in which the nozzle is mounted. The first air outlet emits a first air flow and the second air outlet emits a second air flow. The total air flow (combination of the first air flow and the second air flow) emitted from the nozzle remains constant, but the profile of the air flow emitted from the nozzle can be varied by varying the proportion of the total air flow emitted through each of the first and second air outlets. Furthermore, the arrangement also provides that the extent of the direction of the airflow generated by the nozzle is offset towards the second air outlet, which is particularly advantageous when the nozzle is intended to provide a synthetic airflow to a single user, particularly when the nozzle is used with a fan assembly which is provided on an elevated surface (e.g. a table or desk) close to the user.

Preferably, the valve is arranged such that movement of the one or more valve members simultaneously adjusts the size of the first air outlet and conversely the size of the second air outlet, whilst keeping the combined size of the first and second air outlets constant. Thus, the first air outlet and the second air outlet together define the overall air outlet of the nozzle. The first and second air outlets may be provided on the face of the nozzle and are preferably oriented towards the central axis of the face of the nozzle. Preferably, the one or more valve members are movable relative to the outer housing or body of the nozzle.

Preferably, the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle is from 0 to 90 degrees, more preferably from 0 to 45 degrees, and still more preferably from 20 to 40 degrees. The angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle may be acute (i.e. greater than 0 but less than 90 degrees) such that the first air outlet is higher than the second air outlet (i.e. when the base of the nozzle is horizontal).

The valve may comprise a plurality of valve members which cooperate to adjust the size of the first air outlet relative to the size of the second air outlet, whilst maintaining the size of the overall air outlet of the nozzle constant. To this end, a plurality of valve members may be linked such that they move simultaneously.

Preferably, the valve comprises a single valve member arranged to be movable between a first end position and a second end position. Preferably, the valve member may be arranged to be movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the second air outlet, and a second end position in which the second portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the first air outlet. The first air outlet may be defined by a first portion of the body of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member, and the second air outlet may be defined by a second portion of the body of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member. The first portion of the valve member (i.e. partially defining the first air outlet) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opposing first portion of the nozzle body. In particular, the first portion of the valve member may have a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the opposing first portion of the body of the nozzle. The second portion of the valve member (i.e. partially defining the second air outlet) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opposing second portion of the nozzle body. In particular, the second portion of the valve member may have a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of an opposing second portion of the body of the nozzle.

Preferably, the body of the nozzle defines an opening at a face of the nozzle, and the valve member is disposed within the nozzle body adjacent to the opening. The first air outlet may then be defined by a first portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member adjacent the first portion of the edge, and the second air outlet may be defined by a second portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member adjacent the second portion of the edge.

Preferably, the valve member comprises an outermost/uppermost surface, at least a portion of which is exposed within the opening defined by the nozzle body, such that the outermost/uppermost surface forms an outer surface of the nozzle.

Preferably, the first and second air outlets are diametrically opposed within an opening defined by the nozzle body on a face of the nozzle such that the outermost surface extends between the first and second air outlets. Both a first portion of the valve member partially defining the first air outlet and a second portion of the valve member partially defining the second air outlet may then be provided by the outermost surface of the valve member. The outermost surface of the valve member will then define part of both the first and second air outlets. The first air outlet may then be defined by a first portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a first portion of the outermost surface of the valve member adjacent the first portion of the edge, and the second air outlet may be defined by a second portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a second portion of the outermost surface of the valve member adjacent the second portion of the edge.

Then, the first air outlet will be blocked maximally when the adjacent portion of the outermost surface of the valve member approaches or contacts a first portion of the edge of the opening, and the second air outlet will be blocked maximally when the adjacent portion of the outermost surface of the valve member approaches or contacts a second portion of the edge of the opening.

Preferably, the first and second air outlets are oriented to direct the emitted airflow onto at least a portion of the outermost surface of the valve member. The outermost surface of the valve member then provides the outer guide surface of the nozzle. The first and second air outlets may be arranged to direct the air flow emitted therefrom such that the air flow passes through at least a portion of the outer guide surface. The first and second air outlets may be arranged to direct the airflow onto a portion of the outer guide surface adjacent the respective air outlet. Preferably, the outer guide surface is outwardly facing, i.e. facing away from the centre of the nozzle. The external guide surface may span a region between the first air outlet and the second air outlet (i.e., a separate region). In other words, the outer guide surface may extend across a distance separating the first and second air outlets. For example, the first and second air outlets may be diametrically opposed on the face of the nozzle, and a portion of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member may then extend between the diametrically opposed first and second air outlets. Preferably, the outermost surface of the valve member is at least partially convex.

The nozzle may further comprise an outer casing or nozzle body defining one or more outermost surfaces of the nozzle. The nozzle body or outer housing may then substantially define the external shape or form of the nozzle. The nozzle body or outer housing may define an opening at a face of the nozzle, and then the outer guide surface may be exposed within the opening. Thus, the face of the nozzle may comprise an external guide surface. Thus, the outer guide surface may extend at least partially across the face of the nozzle. The face of the nozzle may then further comprise a portion of the nozzle body that extends around or around the periphery of the outer guide surface (i.e. the edge of the opening in which the outer guide surface is exposed).

The nozzle body may have an overall shape of a truncated oval, with a first truncation defining a face of the nozzle body and a second truncation defining a base of the nozzle body. The air inlet may be provided at the base of the nozzle body. The first air outlet and the second air outlet may be provided at a face of the nozzle body. The nozzle body may define an opening at a face of the nozzle body, and then the outer guide surface may be disposed within the opening. The first air outlet and the second air outlet may be disposed around a periphery of the outer guide surface.

Preferably, the valve is arranged such that, in a direction perpendicular to the opening defined by the nozzle body, the maximum distance between the edge of the opening and the outermost surface of the valve member is greater at the first air outlet than at the second air outlet. The maximum distance at the first air outlet is the distance between a first portion of the edge of the opening and a first portion of the outermost surface of the valve member when the valve member is in the first end position, and the maximum distance at the second air outlet is the distance between a second portion of the edge of the opening and a second portion of the outermost surface of the valve member when the valve member is in the second end position.

Preferably, the angle defined between the first portion of the valve member and a plane parallel to the opening at the face of the nozzle body is approximately equal to the angle defined between the second portion of the valve member and a plane parallel to the opening at the face of the nozzle body.

Preferably, the outermost surface of the valve member has an asymmetric profile. The outermost surface of the valve member may then have a profile in which the minimum depth of the first portion is less than the minimum depth of the second portion such that the first portion is further from the first edge than the second portion is from the second edge. Preferably, the valve member is arranged to move translationally (i.e. without rotation) relative to the opening, and preferably moves linearly (i.e. along a straight line) relative to the opening (i.e. in a plane parallel to the opening).

The shape of the nozzle may be generally cylindrical, elliptical or ellipsoidal and preferably has the general shape of a right angle cylinder or a truncated sphere. Preferably, the nozzle has an overall shape of a truncated ellipsoid or sphere, the first truncation forming a face of the nozzle and the second truncation forming at least a part of the base of the nozzle. The nozzle may then have an elliptical face and preferably a circular face.

The first air outlet and the second air outlet may comprise a pair of aligned elongate slots provided in the face of the nozzle. Preferably, the first and second air outlets comprise a pair of curved slots provided on the face of the nozzle. Preferably, the curved slots are arcuate, and more preferably, the first and second air outlets comprise a pair of arcuate slots having an arc angle of 20 to 110 degrees, preferably 45 to 90 degrees, and more preferably 60 to 80 degrees. Preferably, the curved slot comprises two congruent arcuate slots diametrically opposed on the face of the nozzle body and preferably shaped as circular arcs.

The nozzle also includes an internal air passage extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the nozzle further comprises a single internal air passage extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the internal air passage extends between the air inlet of the nozzle and the opening defined by the nozzle body. The air inlet may be at least partially defined by a first end of the air channel and the opening is at least partially defined by an opposite second end of the air channel. Preferably, the internal air passage is at least partially defined by an internal surface of the nozzle. The inner surface of the nozzle defining the internal air passage may be curved. Preferably, the air channel widens in the vicinity of the air inlet and narrows in the vicinity of the air outlet or outlets. The valve member may comprise an innermost/lowermost surface, at least a portion of which is arranged to direct airflow within the internal air passage towards the first and second air outlets.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a fan assembly comprising an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to generate an airflow, and a nozzle according to the first aspect, the nozzle being arranged to receive the airflow.

Preferably, the fan assembly includes a base supporting the fan assembly and the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the fan assembly is fixed. The angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the fan assembly may be from 0 to 90 degrees, preferably from 0 to 45 degrees, and more preferably from 20 to 40 degrees. Preferably, the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the fan assembly is acute, such that the first air outlet is higher than the second air outlet when the base of the fan assembly is horizontal.

According to a third aspect, a nozzle for a fan assembly is provided. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, an air inlet, a first air outlet for emitting an air flow, and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first air outlet being opposite the second air outlet, the first and second air outlets being oriented in a converging direction. The nozzle further comprising a valve for controlling the first air outlet and the second air outlet, wherein the valve comprises a valve member movable within the nozzle body to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjust the size of the second air outlet; and a sliding mechanism arranged to allow the valve member to move/slide within the nozzle body through a range of positions between the first end position and the second end position. The first and second air outlets are discrete. In other words, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are physically separated from each other.

The nozzle includes first and second air outlets oriented in converging directions. In other words, the first and second air outlets are oriented such that the emitted air streams converge. Thus, the air flow ejected from the first air outlet will collide with the air flow ejected from the second air outlet.

Preferably, the air inlet is arranged to receive an incoming air flow into the nozzle body. The first air outlet is then arranged to emit a first outgoing air flow, and the second air outlet is arranged to emit a second outgoing air flow, wherein the first outgoing air flow and the second outgoing air flow each constitute at least a part of the incoming air flow.

Preferably, the valve member is arranged such that when in the first end position the first air outlet is maximally open (i.e. open to the greatest possible extent such that the size of the first outlet is the greatest) and the second air outlet is maximally obstructed (i.e. obstructed to the greatest possible extent such that the size of the second outlet is the smallest), and when in the second end position the first air outlet is maximally obstructed and the second air outlet is maximally open.

When minimal, the first and/or second air outlet may be completely blocked/closed; however, it is preferred that the first and/or second air outlets are open at least to a small extent when this is minimal, which ensures that any tolerance/error arising during manufacture does not result in gaps through which air can cause additional noise (e.g. whistling).

The sliding mechanism may comprise a plurality of rails, each rail being arranged within a respective groove/track. The plurality of guide rails may then be provided by one of the valve member and the nozzle body, while the corresponding grooves/tracks are provided by the other of the valve member and the nozzle body. Preferably, the plurality of guide rails and the respective grooves/tracks are substantially perpendicular to the first and second air outlets. The sliding mechanism may comprise no more than three guide rails, and preferably two guide rails.

Preferably, a plurality of guide rails are fixed within the nozzle body and the grooves/tracks are formed in the valve member. Alternatively, a plurality of guide rails may be provided on the valve member and then the groove/rail is fixed within the nozzle body.

The nozzle also includes an internal air passage extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the nozzle further comprises a single internal air passage extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets. A plurality of rails and corresponding grooves/rails may then be disposed within the interior air passage. Preferably, the plurality of guide rails and the corresponding grooves/rails are evenly distributed over the internal air passage (i.e. evenly distributed over the internal air passage in a direction perpendicular to the first and second air outlets). A plurality of rails and corresponding grooves/rails may extend across the interior air passage in a direction extending between the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

The first and second air outlets may be provided on a face of the nozzle and the sliding mechanism may then be arranged to allow translational movement of the valve member relative to the face of the nozzle. Preferably, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are oriented towards a central axis of the face of the nozzle. The first air outlet and the second air outlet may be oriented toward a convergence point located on a central axis of the face of the nozzle.

The angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle may be 0 to 90 degrees, more preferably 0 to 45 degrees, and still more preferably 20 to 40 degrees. Preferably, the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle is acute, and the first air outlet is higher than the second air outlet when the base of the nozzle is horizontal.

The valve member may be arranged such that a first portion of the valve member maximally blocks the second air outlet when in the first end position and a second portion of the valve member maximally blocks the first air outlet when in the second end position. The first air outlet may be defined by a first portion of the body of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member, and the second air outlet is defined by a second portion of the body of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member.

The body of the nozzle may define an opening at a face of the nozzle, and then a valve member may be disposed within the nozzle body adjacent the opening. The valve member then includes an outermost/uppermost surface, at least a portion of which is exposed within an opening defined by the nozzle body. The first and second air outlets may be diametrically opposed within an opening defined by the nozzle body on a face of the nozzle such that the outermost surface extends between the first and second air outlets. The valve member may comprise an innermost/lowermost surface disposed within the nozzle body. The innermost/lowermost surface may then be provided with a plurality of rails or corresponding grooves/rails.

The nozzle may further comprise a brake arranged to resist movement of the valve member relative to the nozzle body, thereby maintaining the position of the valve member when no external force is applied to the valve member (i.e. to resist movement of the valve member when the only applied force is gravity). The detent may be arranged such that the resistive force provided by the detent is sufficient to maintain the position of the valve member when no external force is applied, but can be easily overcome by a user applied/manual force. The brake may comprise a friction pad/member and a resilient member arranged to urge the friction pad against the braking surface. The brake may then be arranged such that the direction in which the resilient member urges the friction pad is substantially orthogonal/perpendicular to the direction in which the valve member is arranged to move within the nozzle body.

The stopper may be mounted to the nozzle body. The nozzle body may then be provided with a seat, the resilient member then being located between the seat and the friction pad/member. The braking surface may then be provided by a portion of the valve member.

Alternatively, the brake may be mounted to the valve member. The valve member may then be provided with a seat, the resilient member then being located between the seat and the friction pad/member. The braking surface may then be provided by a portion of the nozzle body. The seat may be provided by a projection extending from the valve member and through a hole or slot provided in the inner surface of the nozzle body. The resilient member may then be arranged to press the friction pad/member against the inner surface of the nozzle body, and preferably against portions of the inner surface of the nozzle body arranged on opposite sides of the slot. Preferably, the resilient member is arranged to urge the friction pad/member towards the valve member. The nozzle body may be provided with a surface/plate which is substantially parallel to the direction in which the valve member is arranged to move within the nozzle body, and this surface/plate may then provide a braking surface such that the plate is provided between the valve member and the brake.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a fan assembly comprising an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to generate an airflow, and a nozzle according to the third aspect, the nozzle being arranged to receive the airflow.

According to a fifth aspect, a nozzle for a fan assembly is provided. The nozzle includes an air inlet, a first air outlet for emitting an air flow and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first air outlet being opposite the second air outlet, the first and second air outlets being oriented in converging directions. The nozzle further comprises an internal air passage extending between the air inlet and the first and second air outlets; a valve for controlling the first air outlet and the second air outlet, wherein the valve comprises one or more valve members movable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjust the size of the second air outlet; and a plurality of vanes disposed within the interior air passage and arranged to straighten the air flow entering the nozzle through the air inlet. The first and second air outlets are discrete. In other words, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are physically separated from each other.

Preferably, the one or more valve members are movable within a range of positions between a first end position at which the first air outlet is maximally open and the second air outlet is maximally blocked and a second end position at which the first air outlet is maximally blocked and the second air outlet is maximally open. Then, the size of the first air outlet is at a maximum when the one or more valve members are in the first end position, and the size of the second air outlet is at a maximum when the one or more valve members are in the second end position.

Preferably, the plurality of vanes are substantially perpendicular to the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the plurality of vanes are flat. The plurality of vanes may extend across the interior air passage in a direction extending between the first air outlet and the second air outlet. Preferably, the plurality of vanes extend across a majority of the width of the interior air passage. More preferably, the plurality of vanes extend across a majority of the cross-sectional area of the interior air passage. Preferably, the plurality of vanes are evenly distributed within the inner air passage.

The plurality of vanes may extend at least partially along a distance between each of the first and second air outlets and the air inlet (i.e., across a depth of the interior air passage). Preferably, the plurality of vanes extend from a position adjacent the air inlet to a position adjacent each of the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the nozzle comprises no more than three vanes, and preferably two vanes, within the inner air passage.

The nozzle may further comprise an air inlet guide disposed within the internal air passage and arranged to direct an air flow entering the nozzle through the air inlet towards the first and second air outlets. Preferably, the air inlet is circular and the air inlet guide is generally conical in shape and arranged such that the tip/narrow end of the air inlet guide is concentric with and proximate to the air inlet. The outer surface of the air inlet guide may flare outwardly as the cone extends away from the air inlet.

Preferably, the valve comprises a single valve member arranged to be movable between a first end position and a second end position. Preferably, the valve member may be arranged to be movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the second air outlet, and a second end position in which the second portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the first air outlet. The first air outlet may be defined by a first portion of the body of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member, and the second air outlet may be defined by a second portion of the body of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member.

The body of the nozzle may define an opening at a face of the nozzle, and then a valve member may be disposed within the nozzle body adjacent the opening. The valve member may then be arranged to be translatably movable relative to the face of the nozzle. Preferably, the valve member includes an outermost/uppermost surface at least a portion of which is exposed within the opening defined by the nozzle body. The first and second air outlets may be diametrically opposed within an opening defined by the nozzle body on a face of the nozzle such that the outermost surface extends between the first and second air outlets.

The valve member may comprise an innermost/lowermost surface provided within the nozzle body arranged to direct airflow within the air passage towards the first and second air outlets. This innermost surface may be generally frusto-conical in shape and arranged such that the tip/narrow end of the surface is substantially concentric with the air inlet. An air inlet guide may then be provided between the air inlet of the nozzle and the innermost surface of the valve member.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a fan assembly comprising an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to generate an airflow, and a nozzle according to the fifth aspect, the nozzle being arranged to receive the airflow.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a fan assembly;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

fig. 4 shows an isometric view of the fan assembly of fig. 1 with the nozzle separated from the body.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view through the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view through the fan assembly of FIG. 1 with the nozzle separated from the body.

FIG. 7 shows a front view in section through the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of the main body of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view through the fan assembly of FIG. 1, showing the swing mechanism;

fig. 10 shows an isometric view of the main body of the fan assembly of fig. 1 with the filter assembly removed from the main body.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a filter assembly suitable for use with the fan assemblies described herein.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of a nozzle of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a nozzle of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional rear view of a nozzle of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of a lower end of a nozzle of the fan assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows an isometric front view of a valve member of the nozzle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 shows an end view of the valve member of the nozzle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional side view of a valve member of the nozzle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19A is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 12, showing the valve member in a second end position; and

FIG. 19B is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 12 showing the valve member in a first end position.

Detailed Description

A nozzle for a fan assembly will now be described which is capable of receiving an input of a single air flow, for example from a single air supply source, and manipulating the air flow so that the direction of the air flow emitted from the nozzle can be changed without the need to tilt the nozzle or the fan assembly in which the nozzle is mounted. As used herein, the term "fan assembly" refers to a fan assembly configured to generate and deliver an airflow for thermal comfort and/or environmental or climate control purposes. Such a fan assembly may be capable of generating one or more of a dehumidified airflow, a humidified airflow, a purified airflow, a filtered airflow, a cooled airflow, and a heated airflow. However, the fan assembly may be adapted to generate airflow for other purposes as well, such as in a hair dryer or other hair care appliance.

The nozzle includes an air inlet; a first air outlet for emitting an air flow and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first and second air outlets being discrete (i.e. physically separated from each other) and oriented in converging directions; and a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets. The valve includes one or more valve members movable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjust the size of the second air outlet. The one or more valve members are movable through a range of positions between a first end position at which the first air outlet is maximally open and the second air outlet is maximally blocked, and a second end position at which the first air outlet is maximally blocked and the second air outlet is maximally open. The valve is further arranged such that a size difference between the first air outlet and the second air outlet is greater when the one or more valve members are in the first end position than when the one or more valve members are in the second end position.

As used herein, the term "air outlet" refers to a portion of the nozzle through which the air stream escapes from the nozzle. In particular, in the embodiments described herein, each air outlet comprises a duct or conduit defined by the nozzle and through which the air stream exits the nozzle. Thus, each air outlet may alternatively be referred to as an exhaust. This is in contrast to other portions of the nozzle which are located upstream of the air outlet and which serve to direct the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet of the nozzle.

By varying the size (i.e. open area) of the first air outlet relative to the size of the second air outlet, the proportion of the airflow emitted through each of the first and second air outlets also varies, resulting in a variation in the profile of the airflow generated by the nozzle. In particular, when the first and second air outlets are oriented in converging directions, the first and second air streams will collide to form a single combined air stream directed away from the nozzle. The angle or vector at which the combined air streams project from the nozzle is strongly dependent on the relative intensities of the first and second air streams. Thus, the direction of the combined airflow may be changed by changing their individual intensity by moving one or more valve members to adjust the size of the first air outlet relative to the second air outlet. This arrangement means that the system will be subjected to a constant load as the overall size of the total air outlet remains constant. This means that the operating point of the compressor or of other devices providing the gas flow to the nozzle is also kept constant, since the gas flow emerging from the nozzle can be controlled to be directed back and forth. In addition, this can reduce the overall system pressure, making the system more energy efficient and quieter.

Preferably, the nozzle comprises an outer guide surface adjacent the air outlet. The outer guide surface comprises an outer surface of the fan assembly and may be flat or at least partially convex. The first and second air outlets may then each be oriented to direct the emitted airflow onto at least a portion of the outer guide surface. Preferably, the first and second air outlets are oriented to emit air streams in a direction substantially parallel to a portion of the outer guide surface adjacent the air outlets. Preferably, therefore, the outer guide surface is shaped such that it diverges or turns away from the direction of the air streams emitted from the first and second air outlets such that these air streams may impinge at and/or around a convergence point without interference from the outer guide surface. The ejected air stream passes over the outer guide surface to minimize disturbance as the air stream initially exits the nozzle, and then exits from the outer guide surface, then allowing separation bubbles to form between the ejected air stream and the convergence point at the outer guide surface. The formation of separation bubbles can help stabilize the synthetic jet or combined stream that is formed when two opposing streams collide.

Fig. 1, 2 and 3 are external views of an embodiment of a fan assembly 1000. Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of the fan assembly 1000, fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the fan assembly 1000, and fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the fan assembly 1000. The fan assembly 1000 comprises a body or support 1100 containing a motor-driven impeller arranged to generate an airflow through the fan assembly and a nozzle 1200, the nozzle 1200 being releasably mounted on the body 1100 and therefore detachable therefrom, the nozzle 1200 being arranged to emit the airflow from the fan assembly 1000. Accordingly, fig. 4 shows an isometric view of the fan assembly 1000 with the nozzle 1200 separated from the body 1100.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view through the fan assembly 1000, while fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view through the fan assembly 1000 with the nozzle 1200 separated from the body 1100, and fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view through the fan assembly 1000. Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of the main body of the fan assembly 1000. In the embodiment shown, the main body 1100 comprises a cylindrical outer housing/shell 1101 having side walls, a closed lower end and an open upper end, the closed lower end thereby providing a base 1102 (i.e. a lower surface) on which the fan rests/is supported, and the air inlet 1103 of the main body 1100 is provided in the side walls of the outer housing 1101. In the embodiment shown, the air inlet 1103 into the main body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 comprises an array of apertures formed in a side wall of the outer housing 1101; however, the air inlet 1103 may alternatively comprise one or more grills or meshes mounted within windows formed in the side walls.

Then, the interior of the housing 1101 is divided into a lower portion and an upper portion by a platform 1104 disposed within the housing 1101 at a lower end of the housing 1101. In particular, the platform 1104 includes a generally circular surface/floor that extends across the cross-section of the interior of the housing 1101, and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends/projects downwardly from the surface and separates the surface from the lower end of the housing 1101. The raised surface of platform 1104 thus divides the interior of housing shell 1101 into an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising the portion of the interior of housing shell 1101 that is below the surface and the upper portion comprising the portion that is above the surface.

The lower portion provides a compartment 1105 in which the various electronic components of the fan assembly 1000 are housed, and the platform 1104 forms a cover that sits over and separates the electronic components from the rest of the fan assembly. For example, these electronic components typically include control circuitry 1106, a power connection, and one or more sensors, such as infrared sensors, dust sensors, and the like. In addition, the lower portion of the body may also house one or more wireless communication modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., and any associated electronics. The lower portion may further comprise an electronic display 1107 which is visible through an opening or at least partially transparent window provided in the lower portion. In the embodiment shown, the electronic display 1107 is provided by an LCD display mounted within the lower portion and aligned with a corresponding opening provided in a side wall of the platform 1104 and a transparent window provided in a side wall of the outer housing 1101.

The upper portion then provides a separate compartment 1108 in which various components of the fan assembly 100 related to airflow generation are housed, and the platform 1104 provides a base upon which these components may be supported. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner wall 1109 is provided within the upper portion that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall of the outer housing 1101. The inner wall 1109 thus divides the upper portion into an inner compartment housing the motor-driven impeller 1110 and an outer compartment housing the filter assembly 1111. Specifically, the inner wall 1109 comprises an open-ended cylinder supported on the upper surface of a platform 1104 disposed at the lower end of the outer housing 1101, thereby defining a generally cylindrical interior compartment in which the motor-driven impeller 1110 is mounted. The inner wall 1109 is also smaller in diameter than the cylindrical outer housing 1101 and is concentrically disposed within the outer housing 1101 such that an outer compartment defined between the outer housing 1101 and the inner wall 1109 is annular and surrounds the periphery of the inner compartment. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the fan assembly 1000, with the filter assembly 1111 removed from the fan body 1100 to clearly show the exterior compartment defined between the outer housing 1101 and the interior wall 1109 of the fan body 1100.

The lower portion of the inner wall 1109 is provided with an array of apertures 1112, the apertures 1112 allowing air to flow into the interior compartment and thereby providing an air inlet into the interior compartment. The ledge/shelf 1113 then extends radially inward from the inner wall 1109 over the array of apertures 1112 from the inner wall 1109, and the motor-driven impeller 1110 is then supported by the shelf 1113 within the upper portion of the interior compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior compartment contains an impeller housing 1114 that extends around the impeller 1110 and has a first end defining an air inlet 1115 of the impeller housing 1114 and a second end opposite the first end and defining an air outlet 1116 of the impeller housing 1114. The impeller housing 1114 is aligned within the interior compartment/outer housing 1101 such that the longitudinal axis of the impeller housing 1114 is collinear with the longitudinal axis (X) of the main body 1100 of the fan assembly 100 and such that the air inlet 1115 of the impeller housing 1114 is located below the air outlet 1116. The impeller housing 1114 includes a generally frustoconical lower wall 1114a and a generally frustoconical upper wall 1114 b. A generally annular inlet member 1117 is then connected to the bottom of the lower wall 1114b of the impeller housing 1114 to direct the incoming airflow into the impeller housing 1114. Thus, the air inlet 1115 of the impeller housing 1114 is defined by an annular inlet member 1117 disposed at the open bottom end of the impeller housing 1114.

In the illustrated embodiment, the impeller 1110 is in the form of a mixed flow impeller and includes a generally conical hub, a plurality of impeller blades connected to the hub, and a generally frustoconical shroud connected to the blades so as to surround the hub and blades. The impeller 1110 is connected to a rotating shaft 1118 that extends outwardly from a motor 1119, and the motor 1119 is housed within a motor housing 1120 disposed within an impeller housing 1114. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 1119 is a DC brushless motor whose speed may be changed by the control circuit 1106 in response to user-provided control inputs.

The motor housing 1120 includes a generally frustoconical lower portion 1120a that supports the motor 1119 and a generally frustoconical upper portion 1120b connected to the lower portion 1120 a. The shaft 1118 protrudes through a hole formed in the lower portion 1120a of the motor housing 1120 to allow the impeller 1110 to be connected to the shaft 1118. The upper portion 1120b of the motor housing 1120 also includes an annular diffuser 1120c in the form of curved blades that protrude from the outer surface of the upper portion 1120b of the motor housing 1120. The walls of the impeller housing 1114 surround the motor housing 1120 and are spaced apart from the motor housing 1120 such that the impeller housing 1114 and the motor housing 1120 define an annular air flow path therebetween that extends through the impeller housing 1114. The air outlet 1116 of the impeller housing 1114, through which the airflow generated by the motor-driven impeller 1110 is discharged, is then defined by the upper portion 1120b of the motor housing 1120 and the upper wall 1114b of the impeller housing 1114.

The nozzle mount/mounting platform 1121 is then positioned within the upper end of the interior compartment above the impeller housing 1114. The nozzle holder 1121 has a circular cross-section and includes a lower portion 1121a connected to an upper portion 1121b, the lower portion 1121a being fitted around an upper wall 1114b of the impeller housing 1114. The center of the nozzle carrier 1121 includes a bearing 1122, the bearing 1122 forming part of a sliding/radial bearing assembly that will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 1122 includes a hollow cylindrical body 1122a that houses a self-lubricating bushing or sleeve bearing 1122 b. For example, such a self-lubricating liner may comprise an at least partially porous tubular member impregnated with a lubricant, and preferably having a lubricant content of 12 to 20%. At the upper open end of the bushing 1122b, the inner edge is chamfered to provide a surface that slopes radially inward toward the hollow interior of the bushing 1122 b.

The nozzle carrier 1121 then also includes an annular air vent/opening 1123 that surrounds the central bearing 1122 and is aligned with the air outlet 1116 of the impeller housing 1114 such that the air flow exiting the impeller housing 1114 exits the body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 through the annular air vent 1123 of the nozzle carrier 1121. Specifically, the annular air vent 1123 of the nozzle holder 1121 is defined by a plurality of curved vanes 1124 that protrude from the outer surface of the central bearing 1122 and connect the central bearing 1122 to the outer annular portion of the nozzle holder 1121. The curved vanes 1124 of the nozzle seat 1121 are preferably aligned with the curved vanes of the annular diffuser 1120c disposed at the outlet 1116 of the impeller housing 1114.

Then, the nozzle holder 1121 further includes a body outlet sealing member 1125 disposed around the periphery of the annular vent 1123, the body outlet sealing member 1125 contacting and forming a seal against the bottom of the nozzle 1200 when the nozzle 1200 is mounted on the body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 to prevent air leakage at the interface between the air outlet 1123 of the body 1100 and the air inlet of the nozzle 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet seal member 1125 is annular and is retained within a corresponding groove or slot provided in the nozzle seat 1121 and may be conveniently formed of a resilient material such as rubber. Then, the nozzle holder 1121 further includes an annular nozzle alignment surface 1126 disposed around the periphery of the outlet seal member 1125, the annular nozzle alignment surface 1126 sloping downward toward the outlet seal member 1125 and thus being arranged to assist in directing the air inlet of the nozzle 1200 into alignment with the air outlet 1123 of the body 1100.

Then, the nozzle seat 1121 further includes a circular arcuate recess 1127, the circular arcuate recess 1127 surrounding a majority of the annular air vent 1123 and being disposed around the periphery of the nozzle alignment surface 1126 and thus radially outward relative to the annular air vent 1123 and the outlet seal member 1126. The outer wall of the arcuate recess 1127 is provided with a radially inwardly projecting ledge/lip 1128 to partially overhang the arcuate recess.

The nozzle holder 1121 further includes a driving portion of a swing mechanism for swinging at least a portion of the nozzle 1200 with respect to the fan body 1100, wherein the driving portion includes a swing motor 1129 and a driving member 1130 arranged to be driven by the swing motor 1129. In the illustrated embodiment, the swing motor 1129 is provided in/under a protruding portion of the nozzle holder 1121 between both ends of the arcuate recess 1127, and a shaft of the swing motor 1129 protrudes through a hole in the raised portion of the nozzle holder 1121. Then, the driving member is provided by a pinion gear 1130, the pinion gear 1130 being mounted on the protruding portion of the shaft above the elevated portion of the nozzle holder 1121. Therefore, the pinion gear 1130 is located above the uppermost surface of the nozzle holder 1121.

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view through the fan assembly 1000, illustrating the swing mechanism. In this embodiment, the pinion gear 1130 comprises a spur gear having radially projecting teeth that are straight and aligned parallel to the axis of rotation, but the upper portion of the gear is chamfered. Specifically, the roots and teeth of the upper portion of the gear are chamfered, wherein the root angle (θ) of the chamfered portion is preferably about 45 degrees. In other words, the pinion gear 1130 includes a spur gear having a cylindrical lower portion and a conical/frustoconical upper portion such that the upper portion has the form of a spur gear.

In addition, the nozzle holder 1121 further includes a photo interrupter 1131 as a part of a mechanism for detecting the orientation of the nozzle 1200 when mounted on the main body 1100. In this regard, the photointerrupter is a light sensor that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element aligned facing each other across a gap defined therebetween. The photo interrupter then operates by detecting when a target object reaches between two elements and preventing light from the light emitting element from reaching the receiving element. Generally, an infrared emitter is generally used as a light emitting element, and an infrared detector is used as a receiving element. In the illustrated embodiment, the photointerrupter 1131 is arranged such that the gap between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is aligned with the arcuate recess 1127, with the light emitting element on one side of the gap and the light receiver on the other side, at about the midpoint of the arcuate recess 1127.

As described above, the external compartment of the upper portion of the body 1100 provides a space in which the filter assembly 1111 may be disposed, such that the filter assembly 1111 is then located downstream of the air inlet 1103 of the body 1100 and upstream of the motor-driven impeller 1110. Accordingly, the air drawn into the interior of the main body 1100 by the impeller 1110 is filtered before passing through the impeller 1110. This serves to remove any particles that may potentially damage the fan assembly 1000, and also ensures that the air ejected from the nozzle 1200 is free of particles. Additionally, the filter assembly 1100 preferably further includes at least one chemical filter media to remove various chemicals from the air stream that may potentially be hazardous to health, thereby purifying the air emitted from the nozzle.

Fig. 10 shows an isometric view of the body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 with the filter assembly 1111 removed from the body 1100. In the embodiment shown, an annular outer compartment defined by an inner wall 1109 surrounds the periphery of the inner compartment and has an open upper end that allows filter assembly 1111 to be inserted into or removed from the outer compartment. Thus, filter assembly 1111 has the shape of a hollow cylinder, arranged to fit concentrically over inner wall 1109 within the annular outer compartment, such that filter assembly 1111 surrounds the entire periphery of inner wall 1109. Specifically, filter assembly 1111 includes one or

more filter media

1132, 1133 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, with two opposing ends of the one or more filter media then being covered by

filter end caps

1135, 1136, respectively.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view through a filter assembly 1111 adapted for use with the fan assembly 1000 described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 1111 includes a chemical filter media layer 1132, a particulate filter media layer 1133 disposed above an outer surface of the chemical filter media layer 1132, and thus upstream of the chemical filter media layer 1132, and an outer mesh layer 1134 disposed above an outer surface of the particulate filter media layer 1133, and thus upstream of the particulate filter media layer 1133. A first end cap 1135 is then disposed on a first end of each of the particulate filter media layer 1133, the chemical filter media layer 1132 and the outer mesh layer 1134, while a second end cap 1136 is disposed on a second end of each of the particulate filter media layer 1133, the chemical filter media layer 1132 and the outer mesh layer 1134. For example, particulate filter media 1133 may comprise a pleated Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or glass microfiber nonwoven fabric, while chemical filter media 1132 may comprise an activated carbon filter media, such as a carbon cloth. The

filter end caps

1135, 1136 may then be molded from a plastic material and attached/adhered to the ends of the filter media using an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, one of the filter end caps 11336 further includes one or more protrusions 1137 that project longitudinally away from the filter end cap 1136 and thus can be grasped by a user to help lift the filter assembly 1111 out of the annular outer compartment.

The portion of the surface of the platform 1104 that extends beyond the inner wall 1109 of the upper portion to the inner surface of the outer housing 1101 then provides a filter base 1138 upon which the filter assembly 1118 may be supported. A lower filter sealing element 1139 is then provided around the periphery of the lower end of the inner wall 1109, which lower end of the inner wall 1109 is received within a recess formed in the upper surface of the platform 1104. Thus, when filter assembly 1111 is supported on filter base 1138, lower filter sealing element 1139 contacts and forms a seal with bottom end cap 1135 of filter assembly 1111 to prevent air from leaking around the bottom of filter assembly 1111. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower filter sealing element 1139 is annular and may be conveniently formed from a rubber material. The upper inner wall 1109 is then also provided with a plurality of ribs/segments 1140 that project radially outwardly from the lower end of the inner wall 1109 above the lower filter seal element 1139, each of these projecting segments 1140 having a tapered/sloped outer surface to facilitate concentric alignment of the filter assembly 1111 about the inner wall 1109.

When the filter assembly 1111 is disposed in the external compartment of the main body 1100, air drawn into the main body 1100 by the impeller 1110 first passes through the air inlet 1103 of the main body 1100 before passing through the filter assembly 1111, the air inlet 1103 being provided by an aperture in the side wall of the outer case 1101. This filtered air is then drawn through the air inlet 1112 of the interior compartment provided by the apertures provided in the lower portion of the inner wall 1109 and then into the annular air flow path of the impeller housing 1114 through the air inlet 1115 provided at the bottom of the impeller housing 1114. The air then exits the impeller housing 1114 through an air outlet 1116 disposed at the top of the impeller housing 1114 and is then exhausted from the main body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 through an air vent 1123 provided by a nozzle seat 1121.

As described above, and as shown in fig. 4 and 6, the nozzle 1200 is arranged to be releasably attached to the fan body 1100. Thus, fig. 12-15 illustrate an embodiment of a nozzle 1200 that may be releasably attached to the fan body 1100 described above. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle 1200, FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the nozzle 1200, FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional rear view of the nozzle 1200, and FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of a lower end of the nozzle 1200. The nozzle 1200 includes: a nozzle body 1201 at least partially defining an air inlet 1202 arranged to receive an air flow from the fan body 1100; a first flow direction air outlet 1203 for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle 1200; and a second flow guide air outlet 1204 for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle 1200. The nozzle 1200 further comprises a nozzle retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the nozzle 1200 on the fan body 1100 and a driven portion of the oscillating mechanism, wherein the driven portion comprises a driven member 1205 arranged to be driven by a driving member 1130 to rotate the nozzle body 1201 about the oscillation axis (X).

The first flow guide air outlet 1203 and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 are oriented in a converging direction so that the ejected air converges. In other words, the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 are oriented such that a first outward flow of air ejected from the first flow directing air outlet 1203 will collide with a second outward flow of air ejected from the second flow directing air outlet 1204. The nozzle 1200 also includes an internal air passage 1206, the internal air passage 1206 extending between the air inlet 1202 and both the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204. The first outward airflow emitted from the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and the second outward airflow emitted from the second flow directing air outlet will therefore each comprise a portion of the inward airflow entering the nozzle 1200 through the air inlet 1202. The nozzle 1200 then further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of air from the air inlet 1202 to the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204, the valve comprising a valve member 1207, the valve member 1207 being movable relative to the nozzle body 1201 to simultaneously adjust the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and counter-adjust the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204.

By varying the size (i.e., open area) of the first flow guide air outlet relative to the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204, the proportion of the air flow ejected through each of the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 also varies, resulting in a variation in the profile of the air flow produced by the nozzle 1200. In particular, when the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 are oriented in converging directions, the air streams emitted from the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 will collide to form a single combined air stream directed away from the nozzle 1200. The angle or vector at which the combined gas stream projects from the nozzle 1200 is strongly dependent on the relative intensities of the first and second gas streams. Thus, the direction of the combined airflow may be changed by changing their individual intensity by moving the valve member 1207 to adjust the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 relative to the second flow directing air outlet 1204. This arrangement means that the system will be subjected to a constant load as the overall size of the total air outlet remains constant. This means that the operating point of the compressor or other device providing the airflow to the nozzle 1200 is also kept constant, as the airflow emitted from the nozzle 1200 can be controlled to be directed back and forth. In addition, this can reduce the overall system pressure, making the system more energy efficient and quieter.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 1201 has the general shape of a truncated sphere, with a first truncated end forming a circular surface 1208 of the nozzle 1200 and a second truncated end forming a circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 the air inlet 1202 of the nozzle 1200 is disposed at the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 and the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 are diametrically opposed on a face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 and are generally oriented toward the central axis (Y) of the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200. the angle (α) of the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 relative to the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 is acute and fixed such that on the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200, the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is higher than the second flow guide air outlet 1204. in the illustrated embodiment, the angle (α) is about 35 degrees; however, the angle of the face 1208 relative to the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 may be any angle from 0 to 90 degrees, more preferably from 0 to 45 degrees, and still more preferably from 20 to 40 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 1201 includes an outer housing 1010, and the outer housing 1210 defines a frusto-spherical shape. The outer housing 1210 then defines a circular opening 1211 on the circular face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 and a circular opening 1212 on the circular base 1208 of the nozzle 1208. In particular, the nozzle body 1201 includes a lip 1213, the lip 1213 extending inwardly from an edge of the outer housing 1210 forming a first frustum. The lip 1213 is generally frustoconical in shape and tapers inwardly toward the center of the circular face 1208.

The nozzle body 1201 also includes an inner housing 1214, the inner housing 1214 being disposed within and secured to the outer housing 1210 and defining a single internal air passage 1206 of the nozzle 1200. The inner housing 1214 has a circular opening at its lower end that is located concentrically within the circular opening of the outer housing at the base 1208 of the nozzle 1200, the lower circular opening of the inner housing 1214 providing an air inlet 1202 for receiving an air flow from the body 1100. The inner housing 1214 also has a circular opening at its upper end that is positioned concentrically with the circular opening 1211 of the outer housing 1210 at the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200. The inwardly curved upper end of the inner housing 1214 then meets/abuts a lip 1213 that tapers inwardly from the outer housing 1210 to define a circular opening 1211 at the circular face 1208 of the nozzle 1200.

A rear portion 1214a of the inner housing 1214 then extends between the air inlet 1202 and the first flow directing air outlet 1203, while an opposite front portion 1214b of the inner housing 1214 extends between the air inlet 1202 and the second flow directing air outlet 1204. The rear 1214a and front 1214b of the inner housing 1214 are curved such that the cross-sectional area of the internal air passage 1206 in a plane parallel to the face 1208 or base 1209 of the nozzle body 1201 varies between the air inlet 1202 and the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204. In particular, the rear and

front portions

1214a, 1214b of the inner housing 1214 widen or flare outwardly away from each other near the air inlet 1202 and then narrow toward each other near the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the air passage 1206 increases as the air passage 1206 extends from the air inlet 1202 until it reaches a maximum between the air inlet 1202 and the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204, and then decreases as the internal air passage 1206 approaches the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204. Thus, the rear and

front portions

1214a, 1214b of the inner housing 1214 generally conform to the shape of the nozzle body 1201 to optimize the use of space within the outer housing 1210 and generally curve to provide a smooth transition for the airflow as it travels from the air inlet 1202 to the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204. As used herein, the term "curved" refers to a surface that gradually deviates from planarity in a smooth, continuous manner.

The inner housing 1214 is then provided with opposing first and second stepped

sides

1214c, 1214d (i.e., those portions generally perpendicular to the front and

rear portions

1214a, 1214 b), each including a side wall and an upwardly facing wall. Thus, the first and second side walls of the inner housing 1214 form the side walls of the inner air passage 1206, which are generally flat and generally parallel to a plane bisecting the first and

second air outlets

1203, 1204. The first and second upwardly facing walls of the inner housing 1214 then form ledges that extend from opposite sides of the interior air passage 1206 toward adjacent portions of the outer housing 1210 such that the upper end of the inner housing 1214 defines a generally disc-shaped cavity below the inwardly curved upper end of the inner housing 1214. The first and second upper facing walls are substantially flat and substantially parallel to the circular opening 1211 disposed at the upper end of the inner housing 1214.

Then, the first stepped side 1214c of the inner housing 1214 further includes a first side conduit 1215 extending radially outwardly away from the inner air passage 1206, and the second stepped side 1214d of the inner housing 1214 further includes a second side conduit 1216 extending radially outwardly in an opposite direction from the inner air passage 1206. Thus, the first side conduit 1215 and the second side conduit 1216 are diametrically opposed to each other and perpendicular to a plane bisecting the first and

second air outlets

1203, 1204. Specifically, first and

second side conduits

1215, 1216 each include an inlet opening disposed in the respective side wall, a channel inclined upwardly toward the disc-shaped cavity below a circular opening 1211 disposed at face 1208 of nozzle 1200, and an outlet opening or

lateral air outlet

1217, 1218 disposed in the respective upwardly facing wall below the inwardly curved upper end of inner housing 1214.

The inner housing 1214 also includes a pair of vanes 1219 disposed within the internal air passage 1206 and arranged to straighten the airflow entering the nozzle 1200 through the air inlet 1202 of the nozzle body 1201. The vanes 1219 are flat, generally parallel to a plane bisecting the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204, and extend between the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204, through the interior air passage 1206 and from a position adjacent the air inlet 1202 to a position adjacent each of the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204. In other words, the vanes 1219 extend across the width of the inner air passage 1206 and across the majority of the depth of the inner air passage 1206, such that the vanes then extend across a majority of the cross-section of the inner air passage 1206.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner housing 1214 further includes a mandrel 1220, the mandrel 1220 forming another portion of the sliding/radial bearing assembly described above. Specifically, the spindle 1220 is disposed in the center of the lower circular opening 1212 of the inner housing 1214 (i.e., in the center of the air inlet 1202 of the nozzle 1200), and is thus aligned with the axis of oscillation (X) of the nozzle 1200. The spindle 1220 is arranged to fit and rotate within a bearing 1122 provided at the center of the nozzle holder 1121. In the illustrated embodiment, the mandrel 1220 includes a preferably knurled shaft or stem 1220a protruding from the inner housing 1214 and a bearing sleeve 1220b disposed on the shaft 1220a and retained on the shaft 1220 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 1201 further comprises an air inlet guide member 1221 disposed within the inner air passage 1206, which is arranged to direct an air flow entering the nozzle 1200 through the air inlet 1202 towards the

air outlets

1203, 1204, 1217, 1218 of the nozzle 1200. Specifically, the air inlet guide member 1221 has a generally conical shape and is arranged such that the narrow end or apex of the air inlet guide member 1221 is proximate to the air inlet 1202. The surface of the air inlet guide member 1221 is then shaped to generally follow the shape of the opposing portion of the inner housing 1214, such that the air flow entering the nozzle 1200 through the air inlet 1202 is directed along the periphery of the internal air passage 1206. In the illustrated embodiment, the mandrel 1220 of the inner housing 1214 protrudes through an aperture at the narrow end of the air inlet guide member 1221.

The valve member 1207 is then disposed within the nozzle body 1201 proximate the circular opening 1211 at the circular face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 (i.e., defined by the upper circular opening of the outer housing 1210 and the upper circular opening of the inner housing 1214). Specifically, the valve member 1207 is disposed within a cavity defined by an upper end of the inner housing 1214. The valve member 1207 is then arranged to move translationally (i.e. without rotation) within the nozzle body 1201 between a first end position and a second end position. In particular, the valve member 1207 is arranged to move linearly (i.e. in a straight line) between a first end position and a second end position. In particular, the valve member 1207 is arranged to move transversely (i.e. laterally, from side to side) relative to the nozzle body 1201 between a first end position and a second end position. The valve member 1207 then has a first end portion 1207a and an opposite second end portion 1207b, the first end portion 1207a maximally obstructing the first air outlet 1203 when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position, the second end portion 1207b maximally obstructing the second air outlet 1204 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position. Distal edges of the first and

second end portions

1207a, 1207b of the valve member 1207 are each arcuate to correspond with the shape of the opposing surface of the nozzle body 1201. In particular, the radius of curvature of the distal edges of the first and

second end portions

1207a, 1207b of the valve member 1207 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the opposing surfaces of the nozzle body 1201.

Fig. 16, 17, and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a valve member 1207 suitable for use with the nozzle 1200 described herein. Fig. 16 shows an isometric front view of the valve member 1207, fig. 17 shows an end view of the valve member 1207, and fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional side view of the valve member 1207. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 1207 has a generally circular front cross-section and includes an upper portion 1222 and a lower portion 1223. The outermost/uppermost surface of upper portion 1222 is generally convex (i.e., projects outwardly) and is exposed within an opening 1211 disposed at face 1208 of nozzle 1200. As used herein, the term "convex" refers to an outwardly convex surface and thus may have a curved convex shape or have the shape of a convex polygon that is at least partially composed of straight lines. Thus, the outermost/uppermost surface of the upper portion 1222 forms the outer surface of the nozzle body 1201. The innermost/lowermost surface of the lower portion 1223 is also generally convex and is disposed within the nozzle body 1201 such that the innermost/lowermost surface faces the interior air passage 1206. Thus, the innermost/lowermost surface of the lower portion 1223 forms the inner surface of the nozzle body 1201, the convexity of the innermost/lowermost surface helping to direct the air flow within the internal air passage 1206 towards the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 provided at the periphery of the valve member 1207.

A pair of grooves/rails 1224 are then provided in the innermost/lowermost surface of the lower portion 1223, which form part of a sliding mechanism that allows the valve member 1207 to slide within (i.e. move smoothly along) the nozzle body 1201, sliding laterally (i.e. laterally, from side to side) relative to (i.e. moving in a plane parallel to) the opening 1211 provided at the face 1208 of the nozzle body 1201, through a range of positions between the first end position and the second end position. These grooves/rails 1224 are arranged such that they fit over the upper portion of the air straightening vanes 1219 when the valve member 1207 is arranged within the nozzle body 1201. Thus, the upper portion of the air straightening vane 1219 provides a rail disposed within the groove/track 1224 (the groove/track 1224 is disposed in the innermost/lowermost surface of the valve member 1207) and thus provides another part of the sliding mechanism. Thus, the vanes/rails 1219 and corresponding grooves/rails 1224 are both parallel to a plane bisecting the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 and extend across the interior air passage 1206 in a direction extending between the first and second air directing

air outlets

1203, 1204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding mechanism of the nozzle 1200 also includes a pair of detents 1225 arranged to resist movement of the valve member 1207 relative to the nozzle body 1201, thereby maintaining the position of the valve member 1207 when no external force is applied to the valve member 1207 (i.e., to resist movement of the valve member 1207 when the only applied force is gravity). Thus, the resistive force provided by the brake 1225 is sufficient to maintain the position of the valve member 1207 when no external force is applied, but can be easily overcome by a user-applied/manual force. For example, the resistance force may be easily overcome by a user placing a hand on the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 and pushing or pulling the valve member 1207 toward the rear or front of the nozzle body 1201. Each brake 1225 includes a friction pad/member 1225a and a resilient member 1225b (e.g., a compression spring), the resilient member 1225b being arranged to urge the friction pad 1225a against the braking surface 1225 c. Specifically, each stopper 1225 is arranged such that the direction in which the elastic member 1225b pushes the friction pad 1225a is substantially orthogonal/perpendicular to the direction in which the valve member 1207 is arranged to move within the nozzle body 1207. In the illustrated embodiment, each detent 1225 is mounted to the valve member 1207, and the detent surface 1225c is provided by a portion of the inner housing 1214. Thus, the valve member 1207 is provided with a pair of brake seats 1225d, and then the resilient member 1225b of each brake 1225 is located between the corresponding seat 1225d and friction pad/member 1225a, and arranged to urge the friction pad/member 1225a towards the valve member 1207. Each detent seat 1225d is provided by a protrusion that extends out of the valve member 1207 and through a corresponding hole/slot provided in one of the upward facing walls of the inner housing 1214. Thus, for each detent 1225, the resilient member 1225b urges the friction pad/member 1225a against the portion of the lower surface of the upper facing wall of the inner housing 1214 disposed on the opposite side of the chute.

Then, a first flow guide air outlet 1203 is defined by a first portion of the edge 1211a of the circular opening 1211 at the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 and a first portion 1207a of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 adjacent to the first portion of the edge 1211a, and a second flow guide air outlet 1204 is defined by a second portion of the edge 1211b of the opening 1211 at the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 and a second portion 1207b of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 adjacent to the second portion of the edge 1211 b. A first portion 1207a of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 has a shape corresponding to the shape of an opposing first portion of the edge 1211a of the circular opening 1211. In particular, a radius of curvature of a first portion 1207a of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 is substantially equal to a radius of curvature of an opposing first portion of the edge 1211a of the circular opening 1211. Then, a second portion 1207b of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 has a shape corresponding to the shape of an opposing second portion of the edge 1211b of the opening 1211. In particular, a second portion 1207b of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 has a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of an opposing second portion of the edge 1211b of the opening 1211. Thus, the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 comprise a pair of curved slots diametrically opposed within a circular opening 1211 defined by the nozzle body 1201 at a face 1208 of the nozzle 1200, and an outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 extends between the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 comprise a pair of congruent circular arc shaped slots, each slot having an arc angle (β) (i.e., the diagonal of the arc at the center of the circular face 1208) of approximately 60 degrees, however, they may each have any arc angle of 20 to 110 degrees, preferably 45 to 90 degrees, and more preferably 60 to 80 degrees.

As described above, the sliding mechanism of the valve allows the valve member 1207 to slide laterally within the nozzle body 1201 over a range of positions between the first and second end positions. The valve is then arranged within the nozzle body 1201 such that movement of the valve member 1207 adjusts the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203, while reversing the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204. In particular, the valve member 1207 is arranged within the nozzle body 1207 such that, when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position, the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is maximally open (i.e. to the greatest extent possible, such that the size of the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is maximized) and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is maximally blocked (i.e. to the greatest extent possible, such that the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is minimized), and, when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position, the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is maximally blocked, and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is maximally open. In other words, the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is largest when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position, and the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is smallest when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position, and the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is smallest when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position, and the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is largest when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position. In particular, when in the first end position, the second portion 1207b of the valve member 1207 (i.e., partially defining the second flow guide air outlet 1204) maximally blocks the second flow guide air outlet 1204, and when in the second end position, the first portion 1207a of the valve member 1207 (i.e., partially defining the first air outlet 1203) maximally blocks the first flow guide air outlet 1203.

Additionally, to maintain the overall/combined size of the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 constant as the valve member 1207 moves between the first and second end positions, the angle defined between the first portion 1207a of the valve member 1207 (i.e., which partially defines the first flow directing air outlet 1203) and a plane parallel to the opening 1211 at the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200 is approximately equal to the angle defined between the second portion 1207b of the valve member 1207 (i.e., which partially defines the second flow directing air outlet 1204) and a plane parallel to the opening 1211 at the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200. In this regard, the first and

second portions

1207a, 1207b of the valve member 1207 may be flat or slightly curved. If curved, the angles defined by the first portion 1207a and the second portion 1207b are each the angle of a chord of the curve, where a chord is a line segment connecting two points on the curve. The mating angle ensures that the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 open and close at the same rate as the valve member 1207 moves laterally, so that the overall size of the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 remains substantially constant regardless of the position of the valve member 1207.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 1207 is arranged such that the difference in size between the first flow guide air outlet 1203 and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is greater when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position than when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position. In particular, the size of the first flow guide air outlet 1203 when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position (i.e., when the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is maximally open) is larger than the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position (i.e., when the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is maximally open), and the size of the first flow guide air outlet 1203 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position (i.e., when the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is maximally blocked) is larger than the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204 when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position (i.e., when the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is maximally blocked).

This arrangement provides for the range of guidance of the airflow generated by the nozzle 1200 to be biased towards the second flow guide air outlet 1204 disposed towards the front of the nozzle 1200, which is particularly advantageous when the fan assembly 1000 is intended to provide a resultant airflow to a single user, particularly when the fan assembly 1000 is disposed on an elevated surface (e.g., a table or desk) beside the user. To obtain a portion of this offset, the valve member 1207 is provided with valve end stops 1226, 1227, the valve end stops 1226, 1227 being arranged to limit movement of the valve member 1207 beyond a suitable end position. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 1207 is provided with a first pair of valve end stops 1226 that protrude from a first portion 1207a of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 (i.e., partially defining the first flow guide air outlet 1203); and a second pair of valve end stops 1227 protruding from a second portion 1207b of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 (i.e., partially defining the second flow directing air outlets 1204). A first pair of valve end stops 1226 is disposed against a portion of the inner housing 1214 adjacent the first flow directing air outlet 1203 when in the second end position, and a second pair of valve end stops 1227 is disposed against a portion of the inner housing 1214 adjacent the second flow directing air outlet 1204 when in the first position. The first pair of valve end stops 1226 extends a distance from the valve member 1207 that is less than the distance the second pair of valve end stops 1227 extends from the valve member 1207 such that the size of the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is greater when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position than the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second pairs of valve end stops 1226, 1227 are each provided by pairs of planar protrusions extending away from an edge of the valve member 1207 at opposite ends of the valve member 1207. Thus, these planar protrusions may also act as baffles to help direct air ejected from the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 in a converging direction onto the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 also has an asymmetric profile/cross-section. In particular, the valve member 1207 has a profile in which the depth (Da) of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 at the first portion 1207a (i.e., partially defining the first flow directing air outlet 1203) is less than the depth (Db) of the outermost/uppermost surface at the second portion 1207b (i.e., partially defining the second flow directing air outlet 1204). Thus, the valve is arranged such that, in a direction perpendicular to the opening 1211 and perpendicular to the lateral movement of the valve member 1207, the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 1211 and the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member is greater at the first flow guide air outlet 1203 than at the second flow guide air outlet 1204. In this regard, the minimum distance at the first flow guide air outlets 1203 is the distance between a first portion of the edge 1211a of the opening 1211 and the first portion 1207a of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position, and the minimum distance at the second flow guide air outlets 1204 is the distance between a second portion of the edge 1211b of the opening 1211 and the second portion 1207b of the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position. This asymmetry biases the range of direction of the airflow generated by the nozzle 1200 towards the second airflow directing air outlet 1204 disposed towards the front of the nozzle 1200, as the minimum airflow emitted from the first flow directing air outlet 1203 will be greater than the minimum airflow emitted from the second flow directing air outlet 1204. In addition, this asymmetry allows the range of lateral movement of the valve member 1207 to be maximized for a desired change in the size of the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204, thereby increasing the granularity of control available to a user. A suitable asymmetric profile may be obtained by taking a symmetric profile and trimming only one end of the profile, as doing so may ensure that while one portion of the valve member 1207 is shorter than the other, the angle of the two portions with respect to the opening 1211 (and the direction of movement of the valve member 1207) remains equal, so that the sum/or combined size of the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 is constant as the valve member 1204 moves between the first and second end positions.

As described above, the inner housing 1214 includes a first side conduit 1215 and a diametrically opposed second side conduit 1216, the first side conduit 1215 and the second side conduit 1216 extending radially outward from the inner air passage 1206 and being angled upward toward the circular opening at the face 1211 of the nozzle 1200. Thus, these

side ducts

1215, 1216 direct a portion of the airflow from within the inner air passage 1206 to their respective exit openings or

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218, which face a generally disc-shaped cavity defined by the upper end of the inner housing 1214. The nozzle 1200 is then configured to direct any air streams ejected from these

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 towards a point where the air streams ejected from the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 converge. In this regard, these

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 are configured to eject only a relatively small portion of the airflow generated by the code-driven impeller 1210. The relatively small flow of air ejected from the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 then supports impingement of the air flow ejected from the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204, thereby increasing the velocity of the syngas flow produced by the nozzle 1200 without significantly reducing the flow rate of air through the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 1200 is configured such that approximately 12.5% of the total airflow generated by the motor-driven impeller 1210 may be ejected from the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218, while the remaining airflow is ejected from the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 of the nozzle 1200 for variable control of the direction of the syngas flow. Thus, the area of each

lateral air outlet

1217, 1218 is about 6.25% of the total area of the outlets provided by the nozzle 1200, where the total area is the combined area of the two

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 and the total area of the

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 of the nozzle 1200. However, the area of each

lateral air outlet

1217, 1218 may be greater or less than this. For example, the area of each

lateral air outlet

1217, 1218 may be 12.5% to 4% of the total area of the outlets provided by the nozzle 1200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 1207 is further provided with diametrically opposed first and

second flange portions

1228, 1229 that project radially outward from the peripheral edge of the valve member 1207. These first and

second flange portions

1228, 1229 each comprise a slot or

aperture

1230, 1231, the slot or

aperture

1230, 1231 being arranged to overlap/align with the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 of the

respective side ducts

1215, 1216 when the valve member 1206 is positioned at a position where the air flows emitted from the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 are substantially equal, and to be displaced from the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 of the

respective side ducts

1215, 1216 when the valve member 1207 is moved away from that position. Thus, the size of the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 depends on the position of the valve member 1207, and movement of the valve member 1207 simultaneously adjusts the size of the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218. In particular, the first and

second flange portions

1228, 1229 are arranged such that the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 are maximally open when the size of the first air outlet 1203 is approximately equal to the size of the second air outlet 1204, and maximally blocked/closed when the size difference between the first and second flow

guide air outlets

1203, 1204 is maximal. As will be described in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the size of the first air outlet 1203 is approximately equal to the size of the second air outlet 1204 when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position, and the difference in size between the first flow guide air outlet 1203 and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 is greatest when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position. The valve member 1207 then also includes, for each

slot

1230, 1231, a pair of side baffles 1232, 1233, the pair of side baffles 1232, 1233 being arranged to assist in directing air ejected from the respective

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 in a converging direction to the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207.

As described above, the nozzle 1200 is releasably mounted on the fan body 1100, and thus is detachable from the fan body 1100. Thus, the nozzle 1200 includes a nozzle retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the nozzle 1200 on the fan body 1100. The nozzle holding mechanism has a first configuration in which the nozzle 1200 is to be held on the fan main body 1100, and a second configuration in which the nozzle 1200 is released to be removed from the fan main body 1100. The nozzle retaining mechanism is also arranged to be biased towards the first configuration such that it retains the nozzle 1200 on the fan body 1100 unless a user retains it in the second configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 1200 includes a pair of

nozzle retention mechanisms

1234, 1235 that are diametrically opposed within the nozzle body 1201. These

nozzle holding mechanisms

1234, 1235 are disposed in a space defined between the inner housing 1214 of the nozzle body 1201 and the side of the outer housing 1210. Each of these

nozzle retaining mechanisms

1234, 1235 includes a snap-fit form of retaining

element

1234a, 1235a that is movable between first and second configurations relative to the nozzle 1200 and the fan body 1100. Each of these nozzle retention mechanisms then also includes a manually

actuatable member

1234b, 1235b to effect movement of the retaining

elements

1234a, 1235a from the first configuration to the second configuration. In particular, each manually

actuatable member

1234b, 1235b is in the form of a depressible button that protrudes into a corresponding aperture provided in the outer housing 1210 of the nozzle body 1201 such that a user can access the depressible buttons to actuate the

movable catches

1234a, 1235a to release the nozzle 1200 from the fan body 1100.

Specifically, for each nozzle retention mechanism, the

depressible buttons

1234b, 1235b and the

movable catches

1234a, 1235a are formed as a single component latch that is pivotally mounted within the outer housing 1210 of the nozzle body 1201, with the

depressible buttons

1234b, 1235b disposed at one end and the

catches

1234a, 1235a disposed at the other end.

Biasing members

1234c, 1235c in the form of compression springs are then disposed between the rear surfaces of the

depressible buttons

1234b, 1235b and the interior of the nozzle body 1201, which bias the latch toward the outer housing 1214 in the first configuration. Accordingly, pressure on the

depressible buttons

1234b, 1235b against the force of the compression springs 1234c, 1235c causes the latches to pivot such that the

catches

1234a, 1235a move to the second configuration to remove the nozzle 1200 from the fan body 1100. As described above, the nozzle holder 1121 of the fan body 1100 has the ledge/lip 1128 protruding radially inward so as to partially overhang the arcuate recess 1127. Accordingly, the nozzle retention mechanism is arranged such that, when the nozzle 1200 is disposed on the fan body 1100 with the nozzle retention mechanism in the first configuration, the

catches

1234a, 1235a are blocked by the ledge 1128, thereby preventing separation of the nozzle 1200 from the body 1100, and such that, when the nozzle 1200 is disposed on the fan body 1100 with the nozzle retention mechanism in the second configuration, the

catches

1234a, 1235a are clear of the ledge 1128, thereby allowing separation of the nozzle 1200 from the body 1100.

As mentioned above, the nozzle 1200 further comprises a driven part of the swing mechanism, wherein the driven part comprises a driven member 1205, the driven member 1205 being arranged to be driven by the driving member 1130 to rotate the nozzle body 1201 about the swing axis (X). In the illustrated embodiment, the driven member 1205 comprises a rack that is at least partially circular or arcuate in shape, arranged such that, when the nozzle 1200 is disposed on the fan body 1100, the rack engages with a pinion gear 1130 on the fan body 1100 that provides the drive member of the oscillating mechanism. Specifically, the rack 1205 includes a set of teeth positioned to mesh with teeth provided on the pinion gear 1130 when the nozzle 1200 is disposed on the fan body 1100. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the rack 1205 comprises a spur rack having a plurality of radially projecting teeth that are straight and aligned parallel to the axis of rotation (X), but the edge of the lower portion of the rack 1205 is chamfered. Specifically, the root and teeth of the lower portion of the rack 1205 are chamfered, with the root angle of the chamfer preferably being about 45 degrees. Accordingly, when the nozzle 1200 is placed onto the fan body 1100 by confirming that the rack 1205 and the pinion 1130 are properly engaged, the chamfered upper portion of the pinion 1130 and the chamfered lower portion of the rack 1205 facilitate the engagement of the rack 1205 and the pinion 1130 while also minimizing the risk that tooth impact may cause damage.

As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, the pinion gear 1130 is disposed radially outward relative to the annular air port 1123 of the fan body 1100. Thus, the splines 1205 are disposed radially outward relative to the air outlet 1202 of the nozzle body 1201. Specifically, a rack 1205 is attached on the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 1214, toward the lower end of the inner housing (i.e., adjacent the air inlet into the internal air passage), with the teeth of the rack disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the rack and projecting radially outward.

Then, the nozzle 1200 further includes a pair of

nozzle stoppers

1236, 1237 provided on the nozzle body 1201, which are respectively arranged to prevent the nozzle body 1201 from rotating beyond the end of the swing range of the nozzle body 1201. In particular, the first nozzle stop 1237 is arranged to prevent the nozzle body 1201 from rotating beyond a first end of the nozzle body 1201 swing range, and the second nozzle stop 1237 is arranged to prevent the nozzle body 1201 from rotating beyond an opposite second end of the nozzle body 1201 swing range. In the illustrated embodiment, the first nozzle stop 1236 is provided by a first protrusion that extends radially outward from the inner housing 1214 of the nozzle 1200 and is arranged to contact/abut a corresponding portion of the fan body 1100 when the nozzle body 1201 reaches the first end of the swing range. The second nozzle stop 1237 is provided by a second protrusion that extends radially outward from the inner housing 1214 of the nozzle 1200 and is arranged to contact/abut a corresponding portion of the fan body 1100 when the nozzle body 1201 reaches the second end of the range of oscillation. Specifically, the first nozzle stopper 1236 is arranged to abut a first side of the elevated portion of the nozzle holder 1121 when the nozzle body 1201 reaches the first end of the range of vibration, and the second nozzle stopper 1237 is arranged to abut an opposite second side of the elevated portion of the nozzle holder 1121 when the nozzle body 1201 reaches the second end of the range of oscillation.

The first and second nozzle stops 1236, 1237 are also arranged to prevent the nozzle 1200 from being mounted on the fan body 1100 when the orientation of the nozzle body 1201 with respect to the fan body 1100 is outside the swing range of the nozzle body 1201. For this reason, the first nozzle stopper 1236 and the second nozzle stopper 1237 are arranged to contact the upper surface of the raised portion of the nozzle holder 1121 if the nozzle 1200 is lowered toward the fan body 1100 while the orientation of the nozzle body 1201 with respect to the fan body 1100 is out of the range of vibration, thereby preventing the nozzle 1200 from being sufficiently close to the fan body 1100 to engage the

nozzle holding mechanisms

1234, 1235 with the fan body 1100. Specifically, the first nozzle stopper 1236 is arranged to contact the upper surface of the elevated portion of the nozzle holder 1121 if the nozzle 1200 is lowered toward the fan main body 1100 with the orientation of the nozzle main body 1201 with respect to the fan main body 1100 exceeding the first end of the range of vibration, and the second nozzle stopper 1237 is arranged to contact the upper surface of the elevated portion of the nozzle holder 1121 if the nozzle 1200 is lowered toward the fan main body 1100 with the orientation of the nozzle main body 1201 with respect to the fan main body 1100 exceeding the second end of the range of vibration.

The nozzle 1200 then also includes a complementary portion of the orientation detection mechanism. As described above, the fan main body 1100 is provided with the photo interrupter 1131 as a part of a mechanism for detecting the orientation of the nozzle main body 1201 when the nozzle 1200 is mounted on the fan main body 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the complementary part of the orientation detection mechanism provided on the nozzle body 1201 comprises an at least partially circular/arcuate screen/shutter 1238 depending/protruding from the nozzle body 1201 and arranged to be detected by the photo-interrupter 1131 when the nozzle body 1201 is in one of the two halves of the swing range. Specifically, the shroud 1238 is disposed to seat within the arcuate recess 1127 of the nozzle seat 1121 when the nozzle 1200 is attached to the fan body 1100. Therefore, when the nozzle body 1201 is in the first half of the two halves of the swing range, the shutter 1238 will be located in the gap between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the photointerrupter 1131, thereby preventing light from reaching the light receiving element from the light emitting element. When the nozzle body 1201 is in the second half of the two halves of the swing range, the shutter 1238 will be away from the gap so that light from the light emitting element will reach the light receiving element.

The photo interrupter 1131 is arranged to provide its output as an input to the control circuit 1106. Then, the control circuit 1106 is configured to control the swing motor 1129 using an input from the photo interrupter 1131. In particular, an input initially received from the photo-interrupter 1131 will indicate that the gap is occluded and the nozzle body 1201 is therefore in the first half of the two halves of the swing range, or that the gap is not occluded and the nozzle body 1201 is therefore in the second half of the two halves of the swing range. Then, the control circuit 1106 is configured to operate the swing motor 1129 so that the nozzle body 1201 rotates toward the midpoint of the swing range. Upon reaching the midpoint, the edge of shutter 1238 will pass through the gap so that the photointerrupter 1131 will transition between blocked and unblocked, and the control circuitry 1106 will thereby determine that the nozzle body 1206 is at the midpoint of the range of oscillation. The control circuitry 1106 will then be configured to apply one or both of a limit of rotational distance (e.g., defined by the number of steps taken by the stepper motor) and a time limit to control the swing motor 1129 to limit the rotation of the nozzle body 1201 to within the swing range.

The nozzle 1200 also includes a base member 1239 arranged to contact the fan body 1100 when the nozzle 1200 is mounted on the fan body 1100. The nozzle body 1200 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the base member 1239 such that when the nozzle 1200 is attached to the fan body 1100, the base member 1239 can remain stationary relative to the fan body 1100 while the nozzle body 1201 rotates relative to both the fan body 1100 and the base member 1239 of the nozzle 1200. Then, the base member 1209 includes an upper filter sealing element 1239a arranged such that, when the nozzle 1200 is attached to the fan body 1100, the upper filter sealing element 1239a contacts both the upper surface of the filter assembly 1111 and the inner surface of the fan assembly 1100 to prevent air from leaking around the tips of the filter assembly 1111.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 1239 also includes an annular plate 1239 b. Upper filter sealing element 1239a is then also annular and is attached to the lower surface of annular plate 1239 b. The upper filter seal element 1239a includes two separate flap seal portions, a first seal portion projecting radially inward and a second seal portion extending downward and radially outward. Thus, the upper filter seal element 1239a is arranged such that, when the nozzle 1200 is attached to the fan body 1100, the first seal portion contacts and forms a seal against the upper portion of the inner wall 1109 of the fan body 1100, while the second seal portion contacts and forms a seal against the upper end cap 1136 of the filter assembly 1111. The upper filter sealing element 1239a may conveniently be formed of a rubber material.

The nozzle body 1201 then further includes a plurality of flow channels 1240 that are attached towards the base 1209 of the nozzle body 1201 and arranged to hold the base member 1239 while allowing the base member 1239 to rotate relative to the nozzle body 1201. As used herein, the term "flow channel" refers to a mechanical component intended to guide movement. In the illustrated embodiment, each flow passage 1240 includes a groove arranged to receive a portion of base member 1239. The base member 1239 then further includes a flange/track 1239c, the flange/track 1239c being disposed and arranged to slide within each of the plurality of flow channels 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange/rail 1239c is provided on the upper surface of the annular plate 1239b and projects radially with respect to the oscillation axis (X) of the nozzle body 1201.

To utilize the fan assembly 1000, a user first removes the nozzle 1200 from the nozzle body 1100. To do so, the user depresses the

depressible buttons

1234b, 1235b of the nozzle retention mechanism accessible through the outer housing 1210 of the nozzle body 1201, thereby pivoting the latches such that the

respective latches

1234a, 1235b move to the second configuration. Then, the user lifts the nozzle 1200 away from the fan main body 1100 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the fan assembly 1000 to expose the upper end of the fan main body 1100, including the nozzle holder 1121 and the open upper end of the outer compartment. The user then lowers filter assembly 1111 into the exterior compartment until bottom end-cap 1135 rests on filter base 1139, while filter assembly 1111 surrounds the entire periphery of interior wall 1109 of fan body 1100.

Then, the user reattaches the nozzle 1200 to the fan body 1100. To this end, the user approximately aligns the nozzle 1200 with the upper end of the fan body 1100 and lowers the nozzle 1200 toward the fan body 1100. The circular opening 1212 defined by the outer housing 1210 at the circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 is arranged to fit closely over the upper end of the fan body 1100, such that when the nozzle 1200 is moved towards the fan body 1100, the upper end of the fan body 1100 enters the circular opening 1212 first. Thus, if there is significant misalignment between the nozzle 1200 and the fan body 1100, the edge of the circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 will collide with the edge of the upper end of the fan body 1100, indicating to the user that they need to reposition the nozzle 1200 relative to the fan body 1100. When the upper end of the fan body 1100 moves into the circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200, the spindle 1220 provided on the nozzle 1200, which forms part of a sliding bearing assembly, enters the cavity of the bearing 1122 provided at the center of the nozzle seat 1121. The chamfered inner edge of bearing 1122 helps guide spindle 1220 into bearing 1122 should there be any misalignment between nozzle 1200 and fan body 1100.

As the circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 moves further over the upper end of the fan body 1100, the upper filter sealing element 1239a, which is attached to the lower surface of the annular plate 1239b, contacts the fan body 1100 and the filter assembly 1111. Specifically, the first sealing portion of the upper filter sealing element 1239a contacts the upper portion of the inner wall 1109 of the fan body 1100, thereby forming a seal between the nozzle 1200 and the inner wall 1109 of the fan body 1100. The second sealing portion of upper filter sealing element 1239a then contacts upper endcap 1139 of filter assembly 1111 disposed within the outer compartment, thereby forming a seal between nozzle 1200 and filter assembly 1100. Then, the driving member 1130 of the swing mechanism engages with the driven member 1205 of the swing mechanism. Specifically, the rack 1205 provided on the nozzle 1200 then meshes with the pinion 1130 provided on the fan body 1100, and the chamfering of both the lower edge of the rack 1205 and the upper edge of the pinion 1130 facilitates alignment of the teeth of the rack 1205 with the teeth of the pinion 1130.

As the circular base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 moves further over the upper end of the fan body 1100, the

catches

1234a, 1235a of the retention mechanism contact the ledge 1128 provided on the nozzle seat 1121. This contact causes

latches

1234, 1235 to pivot against the force of the

respective compression springs

1234c, 1235c, thereby moving

catches

1234a, 1235a over ledge 1128. Once the

catches

1234a, 1235a clear the ledge 1128, the force of the compression springs 1234c, 1235c pivot the

latches

1234, 1235 back to the first configuration, thereby retaining the nozzle 1200 on the fan body 1100. The air inlet 1202 of the nozzle body 1201 also contacts a body outlet seal member 1125 disposed around the periphery of the annular vent 1123 on the nozzle body 1100, forming a seal between the fan body 1100 and the interior air passage 1206 of the nozzle 1200, and a nozzle alignment surface 1126 disposed around the periphery of the body outlet seal member 1125 directs the air inlet 1202 of the nozzle 1200 into alignment with the air outlet 1123 of the body 1100.

The user then interacts with the fan assembly 1100 (e.g., using a remote control) to provide control inputs that are received by the control circuitry 1106. In response to these inputs, the control circuitry 1106 may activate the motor 1119 to rotate the impeller 1110 and generate an airflow through the fan assembly 1000. Specifically, rotation of the impeller 1110 draws air through the air inlet 1103 of the fan body 1100 (which is provided by an aperture in the side wall of the outer housing 1101) and then through the filter assembly 1111. The resulting filtered air is then drawn through the air inlet 1112 of the interior compartment provided by the apertures provided in the lower portion of the inner wall 1109 and then enters the impeller housing 1114 through the air inlet 1115 provided at the bottom of the impeller housing 1114. The air then exits the impeller housing 1114 through an air outlet 1116 provided at the top of the impeller housing 1114, then exits the main body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000 through a vent 1123 provided by the nozzle mount 1121 and enters the internal passage 1206 of the nozzle 1200 through an air inlet 1202 provided by a lower circular opening of an inner housing 1214 of the nozzle body 1201.

Once within the internal passage 1206 of the nozzle 1200, the air inlet guide member 1221 directs the air flow entering the nozzle 1200 towards the periphery of the internal air passage 1206, while the vanes 1219 disposed within the internal air passage 1206 also straighten the air flow towards the

air outlets

1203, 1204 of the nozzle 1200. The lower innermost/lowermost surface of the valve member 1207 then also helps to direct the airflow within the internal air passage 1206 of the nozzle 1200 towards the first and second air

flow guide outlets

1203, 1204 disposed at the periphery of the valve member 1207.

Then, the first flow guide air outlet 1203, the second flow guide air outlet 1204, and the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 are arranged so that the air streams ejected from the first flow guide air outlet 1203 and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 are guided on portions of the

outermost surfaces

1207a, 1207b of the valve member 1207 adjacent to the

respective air outlets

1203, 1204. In particular, the flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 are arranged to emit an air flow in a direction substantially parallel to portions of the

outermost surfaces

1207a, 1207b of the valve member 1207 adjacent to the

air outlets

1203, 1204. Then, the convex shape of the outermost surface of the valve member 1207 is such that the air streams ejected from the first flow guide air outlet 1203 and the second flow guide air outlet 1204 will leave the outermost surface of the valve member 1207 when they approach each other, so that these air streams can collide without interference from the outermost surface of the valve member 1207. When the ejected air streams collide, separation bubbles are formed, which may help stabilize the final jet or combined air stream formed when the two opposing air streams collide.

As described above, the valve is then arranged to control the direction of the airflow generated by the nozzle 1200 by simultaneously adjusting the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and conversely adjusting the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding mechanism of the valve allows the valve member 1207 to slide laterally within the nozzle body 1201 through a range of positions between a first end position, in which the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is maximally open, the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is maximally blocked, and a second contrast position, in which the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is maximally blocked, the second air outlet 1204 is maximally open. Thus, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate two potential syngas streams that may be achieved by varying the size of the first flow directing air outlet 1203 relative to the size of the second flow directing air outlet 1204.

In fig. 19A, the valve is arranged with the valve member 1207 in a second end position in which the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is maximally blocked and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is maximally open. As described above, the guide range of the air flow generated by the nozzle 1200 is biased towards the second flow guide air outlet 1204 disposed towards the front of the nozzle 1200 by the valve end stops 1226, 1227 arranged to limit movement of the valve member 1207 beyond a suitable end position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19A, the first pair of valve end stops 1226 are arranged to abut a portion of the inner housing 1214 adjacent the first flow guide air outlet 1203 when the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is approximately equal in size to the second flow guide air outlet 1203. Thus, when in the second end position, the amount of airflow emitted from both the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 are approximately equal, such that the resultant airflow resulting from their impingement will be directed generally upward (i.e., substantially perpendicular relative to the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200), as indicated by arrow AA.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and

second flange portions

1228, 1229 of the valve member 1207 are arranged such that the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 are maximally open when the valve member 1207 is in the second end position (i.e., when the size of the first flow guide air outlet 1203 is approximately equal to the size of the second flow guide air outlet 1204). Thus, a relatively small portion of the total airflow generated by the motor-driven impeller 1110 will thus be ejected from the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 and directed on the outermost/uppermost surface of the valve member 1207 to the point where the airflows ejected from the first and second flow directing

air outlets

1203, 1204 converge.

In fig. 19B, the valve is arranged with the valve member 1207 in a first end position in which the first flow directing air outlet 1203 is maximally open and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is maximally blocked. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19B, the second pair of end stops 1227 is disposed against a portion of the inner housing 1214 adjacent the second flow directing air outlet 1203 when the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is at a maximum but not fully occluded. Thus, the amount of airflow ejected from the first flow guide air outlet 1203 will be much greater than the amount of airflow ejected from the second flow guide air outlet 1204, such that the resultant airflow resulting from their collision will be directed generally downward (i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow ejected from the first flow guide air outlet 1203) from the face 1208 of the nozzle 1200, as indicated by arrow BB.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and

second flange portions

1228, 1229 of the valve member 1207 are arranged such that the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218 are maximally blocked/closed when the valve member 1207 is in the first end position (i.e. when the size difference between the first flow directing air outlet 1203 and the second flow directing air outlet 1204 is maximal). Thus, no air flow generated by the motor-driven impeller 1110 is ejected from the

lateral air outlets

1217, 1218.

It will be readily appreciated that the examples of FIGS. 19A and 19B are merely representative and actually represent extreme conditions, for example, by sliding the valve member 1207 to a position between the first and second end positions, a variety of syngas flows may be achieved in the illustrated embodiment, the range in which the syngas flow produced by the nozzle 1200 may vary is approximately 44 degrees, specifically, where the angle (α) of the face 1208 relative to the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 is approximately 35 degrees, the bias of flow towards the front of the nozzle 1200 of the illustrated embodiment may vary the direction (γ) of the syngas flow between the first and second extremes, 37.5 degrees relative to the first extreme of the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200 and-6.5 degrees relative to the second extreme of the base 1209 of the nozzle 1200. the direction of the syngas flow may then be further varied by controlling the swing motor 9 to adjust the angular position of the nozzle body 1201 relative to the body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000.

It should be understood that each item described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and items mentioned in the same paragraphs as each other or in the same drawings as each other can be used in combination with each other. In addition, the expression "device" may be replaced by a desired actuator or system or device. Additionally, any reference to "comprising" or "consisting" is not intended to be limiting in any way, and the reader is to interpret the description and claims accordingly.

Furthermore, while the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only. In view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and substitutions that are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described invention may be equally applicable to other types of environmentally controlled fan assemblies, not just stand alone fan assemblies. Such a fan assembly may be, for example, any of a stand alone fan assembly, a ceiling or wall mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. In addition, the above invention is equally applicable to other types of airflow generating devices or blowers, such as hair dryers or other hair care appliances.

As a further example, although the valve mechanism described above comprises a single linearly moveable valve member, the valve mechanism could equally comprise a plurality of valve members which cooperate to adjust the size of the first flow guide air outlet relative to the size of the second flow guide air outlet. To this end, a plurality of valve members may be linked such that they move simultaneously. Additionally, while the above-described embodiments utilize a manual mechanism to drive movement of the valve member, the nozzles described herein may alternatively include a valve motor that drives movement of the valve member in response to commands received from a control circuit.

Also, the nozzle and the outlet may have a different shape from the above-described shape. For example, the slits providing the first and second flow directing air outlets are not of a general shape having a circular arc, but may be elongated or may be elliptical arcs, respectively. Similarly, instead of having a spherical overall shape, the nozzle may have an overall shape that is cubic, elliptical, or ellipsoidal. The surface of the nozzle may not be circular but square, rectangular or oval.

As yet another example, although in the above described embodiments the valve member is provided with an asymmetric end stop and an asymmetric profile in order to bias the direction of the syngas flow towards the front of the nozzle, these features may be used independently of each other. In particular, a degree of bias may be achieved using an asymmetric end stop or asymmetric profile of the valve member.

Claims

1. A nozzle for a fan assembly, the nozzle comprising:

an air inlet;

a first air outlet for emitting an air flow and a second air outlet for emitting an air flow, the first and second air outlets being oriented in a converging direction; and

a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets,

wherein the valve comprises one or more valve members movable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjust the size of the second air outlet;

wherein the one or more valve members are movable through a range of positions between a first end position at which the first air outlet is maximally open and the second air outlet is maximally blocked, and a second end position at which the first air outlet is maximally blocked and the second air outlet is maximally open; and is

Wherein the valve is further arranged such that the difference in size between the first air outlet and the second air outlet is greater when the one or more valve members are in the first end position than when the one or more valve members are in the second end position.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the valve is arranged such that movement of the one or more valve members simultaneously adjusts the size of the first air outlet and conversely adjusts the size of the second air outlet, while keeping the overall size of the first and second air outlets constant.

3. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet are disposed on a face of the nozzle.

4. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle is from 0 to 90 degrees.

5. The nozzle of claim 4, wherein the angle of the face of the nozzle relative to the base of the nozzle is an acute angle, and the first air outlet is higher than the second air outlet.

6. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a single valve member arranged to be movable between a first end position and a second end position.

7. The nozzle of claim 6, wherein the valve member is arranged to be movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the second air outlet, and a second end position in which the second portion of the valve member maximally obstructs the first air outlet.

8. The nozzle of claim 7, wherein the first air outlet is defined by a first portion of the body of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member, and the second air outlet is defined by a second portion of the body of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member.

9. The nozzle of claim 6 wherein the body of the nozzle defines an opening at a face of the nozzle and the valve member is disposed within the nozzle body adjacent the opening.

10. The nozzle of claim 9, wherein the first air outlet is defined by a first portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a first portion of the valve member adjacent the first portion of the edge, and the second air outlet is defined by a second portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a second portion of the valve member adjacent the second portion of the edge.

11. The nozzle of claim 9 wherein the valve member includes an outermost surface, at least a portion of the outermost surface being exposed within the opening defined by the nozzle body.

12. The nozzle of claim 11, wherein the first and second air outlets are diametrically opposed on a surface of the nozzle such that the outermost surface extends between the first and second air outlets.

13. The nozzle of claim 11 wherein both the first portion of the valve member partially defining the first air outlet and the second portion of the valve member partially defining the second air outlet are provided by outermost surfaces of the valve member.

14. The nozzle of claim 11 wherein the first air outlet is defined by a first portion of an edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a first portion of the outermost surface of the valve member adjacent the first portion of the edge, and the second air outlet is defined by a second portion of the edge of the opening at the face of the nozzle and a second portion of the outermost surface of the valve member adjacent the second portion of the edge.

15. The nozzle of claim 11, wherein the first and second air outlets are oriented to direct the emitted airflow onto at least a portion of an outermost surface of the valve member.

16. The nozzle of claim 11 wherein an outermost surface of the valve member is at least partially convex.

17. A nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the valve is arranged such that, in a direction perpendicular to the opening, the maximum distance between an edge of the opening and the outermost surface of the valve member is greater at the first air outlet than at the second air outlet.

18. The nozzle of claim 17 wherein an angle defined between the first portion of the outermost surface of the valve member and the opening at the face of the nozzle is approximately equal to an angle defined between the second portion of the outermost surface of the valve member and the opening at the face of the nozzle.

19. The nozzle of claim 11 wherein the outermost surface of the valve member has an asymmetric profile.

20. The nozzle of claim 19 wherein the outermost surface of the valve member has a profile wherein the minimum depth of the first portion is less than the minimum depth of the second portion.

21. The nozzle of claim 6, wherein the valve member is arranged for translational movement relative to the opening.

22. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is generally cylindrical, elliptical, or spherical in shape.

23. The nozzle of claim 22, wherein the nozzle has an overall shape that is frusto-elliptical or spherical, the first frustum forming a face of the nozzle and the second frustum forming at least a portion of a base of the nozzle.

24. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the first and second air outlets comprise a pair of curved slots disposed on a face of the nozzle.

25. The nozzle of claim 24 wherein the curved slot comprises two congruent arcuate slots diametrically opposed on a face of the nozzle body.

26. A fan assembly comprising an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to generate an air flow, and a nozzle according to claim 1 for receiving the air flow.