CN210240042U

CN210240042U - Modular fan assembly and system

Info

Publication number: CN210240042U
Application number: CN201920245699.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.Parel Thomas; 托马斯·M·帕雷尔
Original assignee: TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Current assignee: TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-28
Filing date: 2019-02-26
Publication date: 2020-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-26
Also published as: US20190264698A1; CA3034868A1

Abstract

A modular fan assembly and system includes a fan unit and a mounting assembly removably connected to the fan unit. The fan unit has a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller, and a first electrical contact disposed on the fan housing. The first electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the motor. The mounting assembly has a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing and a second electrical contact disposed on the support housing. The second electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the first electrical contact.

Description

Modular fan assembly and system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/636, 186 filed on 28.2.2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fans, and in particular to modular fan assemblies and systems.

Background

Fans are typically installed in a room to circulate air within the room. Some fans include a blade or impeller that is positioned within a housing such that the blade or impeller is not visible to a user. These fans are generally referred to as bladeless fans. Bladeless fans typically draw air through openings in the housing and direct the air through internal passages until the air is pushed out of the air duct in a desired direction. This geometry uses the high velocity air discharged from the airway to draw additional ambient air into the airflow region, using bernoulli's principle and the coanda effect, thereby increasing the total airflow.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a modular fan assembly including a fan unit and a mounting assembly removably connectable to the fan unit. The fan unit has a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller, and a first electrical contact disposed on the fan housing. The first electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the motor. The mounting assembly has a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing and a second electrical contact disposed on the support housing. The second electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the first electrical contact.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of assembling a modular fan assembly. The method includes providing a fan unit. The fan unit has a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing. The method also includes providing a first mounting assembly. The first mounting assembly includes a first support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing, and first mounting electrical contacts positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contacts. The method also includes providing a second mounting assembly. The second mounting assembly includes a second support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing, and a second mounting electrical contact positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contact. The method also includes selectively connecting the fan unit to the first mounting assembly or the second mounting assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a modular fan system having a fan unit, a first mounting assembly removably connectable to the fan unit and a second mounting assembly removably connectable to the fan unit. The fan unit has a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing. The first mounting assembly has a first support housing. The first support housing removably receives at least a portion of the fan housing. The first support housing is adjustable relative to at least a portion of the first mounting assembly. The first mounting electrical contact is positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contact when the first mounting assembly is connected to the fan unit. The second mounting assembly has a second support housing. The second support housing removably receives at least a portion of the fan housing. The second support housing is adjustable relative to at least a portion of the second mounting assembly. The second mounting electrical contact is positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contact when the second mounting assembly is connected to the fan unit.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-5 illustrate different embodiments of

modular fan assemblies

100, 200, 300. The

modular fans

100, 200, 300 are intended for use in a room to create an airflow within the room.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, modular fan assembly 100 may include a fan unit 110, with fan unit 110 being removably coupled to a mounting assembly 114 (e.g., a base). In this manner, a single fan unit 110 may be connected (e.g., physically, mechanically, electrically, etc.) to one of a plurality of different types of mounting assemblies (e.g., floor mounting assemblies, pedestal mounting assemblies, wall mounting assemblies, ceiling mounting assemblies, etc.) to provide a modular, customizable fan. Further, in this manner, any of a plurality of different types of fan assemblies (e.g., bladed fan assemblies, bladeless fan assemblies, etc.) may be connected to a single mounting assembly 114. In this way, a user may assemble a fan suitable for a particular space and/or suitable for a particular application (e.g., for ventilation, for drying floors, etc.).

The fan unit 110 may include a motor 116, a fan housing 118, and an impeller 120. An impeller 120 may be disposed within the fan housing 118 and connected to an output shaft of the motor 116. The output shaft may extend along (e.g., parallel to) an impeller rotational axis a1 of the fan unit 110. The motor 116 may also be disposed within the fan housing 118. The motor 116 may drive (e.g., rotate) the impeller 120 via an output shaft to rotate the impeller 120 about the rotational axis a1 and induce airflow. In some embodiments, the nozzle 126, the motor 116, and/or the impeller 120 may be coaxial with respect to the impeller rotational axis a1 and/or the nozzle 126, the motor 116, and/or the impeller 120 may be concentric.

The fan housing 118 includes an air inlet 122 and a nozzle 126 in fluid communication with the air inlet 122. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 126 may be an annular nozzle. In other embodiments, the nozzle 126 may be square, rectangular, oblong, elliptical, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the nozzle 126 may be positioned around the motor 116 and the impeller 120. Air may be drawn into the annular nozzle 126 by rotating the impeller 120, drawn through the air inlet 122, and forced into the nozzle 126, where it may eventually exit the nozzle 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet 122 may be comprised of a series of ventilation holes 130 (see, e.g., fig. 2) formed in the fan housing 118 and/or in a support housing 158 that supports the fan housing 118 (as described in more detail below). In other embodiments, the air inlet 122 may be an opening or slot that allows air to enter the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110.

The fan unit 110 may additionally include electrical contacts 134 (see, e.g., fig. 2) disposed on the fan housing 118, above the fan housing 118, and/or in a portion of the fan housing 118. The electrical contacts 134 may extend around the perimeter of the fan housing 118. For example, the electrical contacts 134 may be positioned on a side opposite the nozzle 126 and disposed proximate the mounting assembly 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan unit 110 may include four electrical contacts 134. In other embodiments, the fan unit 110 may include fewer or more electrical contacts 134. In further embodiments, the electrical contacts 134 may be formed as electrical plugs, sockets, or other types of connectors (e.g., adapters, ports (e.g., HDMI ports, USB ports, etc.), dongles, and/or the like). The electrical contacts 134 may be configured to direct electrical current or power from the mounting assembly 114 to portions of the motor 116 for energizing the motor 116 and rotating the impeller 120 to generate airflow as described herein. In this manner, the fan unit 110 may be electrically compatible with a plurality of different types of fan mounts (e.g., fan assemblies 114) as described herein and/or the fan unit 110 may be interchangeable with respect to a plurality of different types of fan mounts (e.g., fan assemblies 114) as described herein.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, an annular nozzle 126 may be positioned about the fan housing 118. Accordingly, the fan unit 110 may define a central opening 138 between the annular nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118. The central opening 138 may include a partial open space formed between the annular nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118. The annular nozzle 126 may also include at least one outlet 142 defined therein. The outlet 142 may include one or more openings. The outlet 142 may be one or more slits, slots, holes, openings, and/or the like. The outlet 142 may extend at least partially around the fan housing 118 along the nozzle 126. In embodiments including the annular nozzle 126, the outlet 142 may include an annular outlet extending at least partially around an inner circumference of the annular nozzle 126. In some embodiments, the annular outlet 142 may extend completely around the inner circumference of the annular nozzle 126. The one or more arms 146 may connect (e.g., physically, fluidly, etc.) the fan housing 118 to the annular nozzle 126 and thus support the fan housing 118 relative to the nozzle 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan unit 110 may include two arms 146. In other embodiments, the fan unit 110 may include one arm 146 or more than two arms 146. Each arm 146 may include an air passage 148 disposed therein that allows the fan housing 118 to be in fluid communication with the annular nozzle 126. In some embodiments, the fan unit 110 may include a light (e.g., a light bulb, an LED, etc.) located on the fan housing 118, above the fan housing 118, and/or within the fan housing 118. The central opening 138 may be defined between the nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118, and may be separated by one or more arms 146.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting assembly 114 may include a base member 150, an elongated support member 154, and a support housing 158. The base member 150 may be a wall or ceiling mount and the elongate support member 154 may be a wall or ceiling mounting arm. The base member 150 may be configured to be mounted to a wall or ceiling of a room by fasteners 162 (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, etc.). The elongated support member 154 may be connected to the base member 150 and may include a bifurcated end 166 that movably supports the support housing 158. In some embodiments, the elongated support member 154 may be a rotating arm that allows the fan unit 110 to be positioned in different locations. The support housing 158 may be pivotally connected to the bifurcated end 166 of the elongated support member 154 to allow the support housing 158 to rotate relative to the elongated support member 154 about a pivot axis a 2. The pivot axis a2 may be perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis a 1.

Referring to fig. 2, the support housing 158 may include or define a cavity 170, the electrical wiring 174 may be positioned in the cavity 170, and the support housing 158 may include or define a plurality of vents 130 disposed on an outer periphery thereof. The electrical cord 174 may be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet, a power strip, a generator, etc.) within the room in which the fan unit 110 may be located. In some embodiments, the electrical wires 174 may extend out from the rear of the support housing 158 and to a power source (see, e.g., fig. 1). In other embodiments, the electrical wires 174 may extend from the rear of the support housing 158 and through the interior of the elongated support member 154 (see, e.g., fig. 2). The support housing 158 may also include electrical contacts 178 that correspond to the electrical contacts 134 on the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110. For example, the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may correspond in size, shape, location, number, material, etc. to the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may be configured to contact and align with the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118 when the fan housing 118 is positioned relative to the support housing 158. In this manner, the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may be electrically connected and/or in communication with the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118 such that power from the power source may be carried to the fan unit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the

electrical contacts

178 and 134 may be electrically conductive contacts, such as metal or metal alloy contacts (e.g., including copper, silver, gold, tin, aluminum, iron, and/or the like). In some embodiments, the steel contacts may be stronger and resist frictional wear during repeated insertions and removals of the fan unit 110 relative to the mounting assembly 114. In other embodiments, the electrical contacts 178 may include other types of conductive materials (e.g., conductive paint, conductive polymer, and/or the like).

As shown in fig. 2, the fan unit 110 may be removably coupled to the mounting assembly 114. In some embodiments, the fan unit 110 may be inserted into the cavity 170 of the mounting assembly 114 in the insertion direction D1. The insertion direction D1 may be parallel or collinear with the axis of rotation a1 of the impeller 120. To connect the fan unit 110 to the mounting assembly 114, the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 may be positioned within the cavity 170 of the support housing 158 of the mounting assembly 114. The fan unit 110 may then be rotated until the electrical contacts 134 of the fan unit 110 align with, contact and/or otherwise electrically connect or couple with the electrical contacts 178 of the mounting assembly 114, thereby allowing current to flow therebetween to power the fan unit 110. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 114 or the fan unit 110 may include an attachment mechanism (e.g., a latch, a quick release attachment mechanism, a tongue and groove connector, and/or the like) and/or a locking mechanism to further attach and/or lock the fan unit 110 to the mounting assembly 114. The fan unit 110 may be removed from the mounting assembly 114 and positioned in another mounting assembly located elsewhere. In some embodiments, the fan unit 110 can be mounted to the mounting assembly 114 without the use of tools (e.g., without the use of power tools, hand tools, etc.). For example, the fan unit 110 may be frictionally held in place, may snap into place, may slide into place, may rotate into place, may be received in one or more angled slots, and so forth.

During operation of the modular fan assembly 100, current or power may be provided by the power source and brought to the motor 116 by directing the power through the wires 174 and the electrical contacts 134,178. The motor 116 may rotate the impeller 120 to draw air from outside the fan unit 110 through the vents 130 and the air inlet 122 of the air support housing 158 and into the fan housing 118. The impeller 120 may continue to push air through the arms 146 and into the annular nozzle 126. As more air is pushed into the annular nozzle 126, air pressure may begin to build up within the annular nozzle 126. Once the air pressure is high enough, the air may continue to exit the annular outlet 142 and exit the fan unit 110. Due to this high air pressure, air can be expelled at high velocity, drawing air around the fan unit 110 through the central opening 138 and creating an amplified air flow effect.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a modular fan assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Modular fan assembly 200 may be similar to modular fan assembly 100 of fig. 1, with like features being represented by like reference numerals. The modular fan assembly 200 may include the fan unit 110, but instead of the mounting assembly 114 having the base member 150 formed as a wall mount, may include a mounting assembly 210 formed as a floor mount 214 or formed with a floor mount 214. The floor mount 214 may include a base member 218, an elongated support member 222 having bifurcated ends 226, and a support housing 230. The base member 218 may be a support base and the elongated support member 222 may be an elongated rod. Similar to the modular fan assembly 100, the fan unit 110 may be positioned within the support housing 230 with the electrical contacts 134 on the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 facing and connected to the electrical contacts 178 on the support housing 230 of the floor mount 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical wires 174 may extend through the elongated rods 222 of the floor mount 214 and out of the support base 218 to connect to a power source. In some embodiments, the elongated rods 222 may have a length of, for example, about 2 feet, about 3 feet, about 4 feet, about 5 feet, about 10 feet, or more than 10 feet. Additionally or alternatively, the length of elongated rod 222 may be adjusted by, for example, a telescoping mechanism.

Fig. 5 illustrates a modular fan assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Modular fan assembly 300 is similar to modular fan assembly 200 of fig. 3, with like features being indicated by like reference numerals. The modular fan assembly 300 may include a fan unit 110, but may have a mounting assembly 310 that includes a floor mount 314 of an elongated support member (or elongated pole) 318, where the elongated support member (or elongated pole) 318 is shorter than the elongated pole 222 shown in fig. 3 and 4. Shorter elongated rods 318 may be more advantageous for positioning modular fan assembly 300 on a table, desk, or rack. In some embodiments, the elongated rods 318 may have a length of less than 2 feet. For example, the length of the elongated rod may be 6 inches, 1 foot, 1.5 feet, etc.

As described above, the fan unit 110 may be removably connected to the mounting assembly 114,210, 310. The fan unit 110 may be removed from one mounting assembly 114,210,310 and connected to another mounting assembly 114,210,310 with or without the use of one or more tools. For example, the fan unit 110 may be removed from the mounting assembly 114 with the base member 150 and positioned in the mounting assembly 210 with the elongated pole 222 or the mounting assembly 310 with the shorter pole 318. The fan units 110 may pivot and/or rotate relative to the respective mounting assemblies by pivoting and/or moving about a pivot axis (e.g., a2) and/or moving about a universal joint.

The fan unit 110, which is removably connected to the mounting assembly 114,210,310, allows the fan unit 110 to be easily repositioned within a room. The convenience of the removable fan unit 110 allows the fan unit 110 to provide airflow in different ways within a room and/or allows the fan unit 110 to be moved from room to room.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular fan assembly, comprising:

a fan unit having:

a fan housing;

an impeller disposed within the fan housing;

a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller; and

a first electrical contact disposed on the fan housing, wherein the first electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the motor;

a mounting assembly removably connected to the fan unit, the mounting assembly having:

a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing; and

a second electrical contact disposed on the support housing;

wherein the second electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the first electrical contact.

2. The modular fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan unit is adjustable relative to a portion of the mounting assembly when the fan unit is attached to the support housing.

3. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises an elongated support member connected to the support housing.

4. The modular fan assembly of claim 3, wherein the support housing is movable relative to the elongated support member.

5. The modular fan assembly of claim 3 wherein said mounting assembly further has a base member connected to said elongated support member.

6. The modular fan assembly of claim 5, wherein the base member is configured to be mounted to a wall.

7. The modular fan assembly of claim 5, wherein the base member is configured to be mounted to a ceiling.

8. The modular fan assembly of claim 5, wherein the base member is configured to contact a floor.

9. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan unit further comprises a nozzle configured to direct air exiting the fan unit.

10. The modular fan assembly of claim 9 wherein the fan unit further comprises at least one arm connecting the nozzle to the fan housing.

11. The modular fan assembly of claim 9 wherein the fan unit further comprises at least one central opening defined between the nozzle and the fan housing.

12. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan unit further comprises at least one air inlet defined in the fan housing.

13. The modular fan assembly of claim 12, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises at least one air inlet port defined in the support housing, the at least one air inlet port fluidly connected to the at least one air inlet.

14. A modular fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

the support housing defines a cavity, an

At least a portion of the fan housing is removably received in the cavity.

15. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the support housing removably receives the fan housing in a linear insertion direction.

16. The modular fan assembly of claim 15, wherein the linear insertion direction is parallel to an axis of rotation of the impeller.

17. A modular fan system, comprising:

a fan unit having:

a fan housing;

an impeller disposed within the fan housing;

a motor connected to the impeller to drive the impeller; and

a fan electrical contact electrically connected to the motor;

a first mounting assembly removably connected to the fan unit, the first mounting assembly having:

a first support housing removably receiving at least a portion of the fan housing, the first support housing being adjustable relative to at least a portion of the first mounting assembly; and

a first mounting electrical contact positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contact when the first mounting assembly is connected to the fan unit; and

a second mounting assembly removably connected to the fan unit, the second mounting assembly having:

a second support housing removably receiving at least a portion of the fan housing, the second support housing being adjustable relative to at least a portion of the second mounting assembly; and

a second mounting electrical contact positioned to electrically connect with the fan electrical contact when the second mounting assembly is connected to the fan unit.