ES2365066T3 - FAN. - Google Patents

Abstract

A fan assembly without vanes for creating an air current, the fan assembly comprising a nozzle (1) mounted on a base (16), a housing means (22, 30) for creating an air flow through the nozzle (1), the nozzle (1) comprising an inner duct (10) for receiving the air flow from the base (16) and a mouth (12) through which the air flow is emitted, extending the nozzle (1) substantially orthogonal about an axis (X) to define an opening (2) through which air is drawn from outside the fan assembly by the flow of air emitted from the mouth (12), wherein the nozzle (1) and the base (16) each have a depth in the direction of said axis, and characterized in that the depth (D1) of the base (16) is not more than twice the depth (D2 ) of the nozzle (1), and in which the nozzle (1) comprises a Coanda surface (14) located adjacent to the mouth (12) and on which it is the mouth (12) arranged to direct the air flow.

Description

The present invention is about an electric fan apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a domestic fan, such as a desktop fan, to create an air circulation and an air flow in a room, in an office or in another domestic environment.

Several types of domestic fan are known. It is common for a conventional fan to include a single set of blades or vanes mounted to rotate about an axis, and to operate the apparatus mounted around the axis to rotate the set of vanes. Household fans are available in a variety of sizes and diameters, for example, a ceiling fan can have a diameter of at least 1 m and is usually mounted hanging from the ceiling and positioned to provide a downward flow of air and cooling by An entire room.

On the other hand, desktop fans normally have a diameter of approximately 30 cm and are usually self-stable and portable. In standard desktop fan arrangements the only set of vanes is placed near the user and the rotation of the fan vanes provides a forward flow of air flow in a room or a part of a room, and towards the user. Other types of fan can be fixed to the floor or mounted on a wall. The movement and circulation of the air creates what is called "thermal sensation" or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a cooling effect as the heat dissipates through convection and evaporation. Fans such as those disclosed in USD 103,476 and US 1,767,060 are suitable for placing on a desk or table. US 1,767,060 describes a tabletop fan with an oscillating function that is intended to provide an air circulation equivalent to two or more prior art fans.

A disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the user does not uniformly feel the forward flow of the air current produced by the rotating blades of the fan. This is due to variations across the surface of the vane or through the surface oriented outward from the fan. An irregular or "variable" air flow can be felt as a series of pulses or bursts of air and can be noisy. An additional disadvantage is that the cooling effect created by the fan is reduced with the user's distance. This means that the fan must be placed in close proximity with the user so that the user receives the benefit of the fan.

In a domestic environment it is desirable that electrical appliances be as small and compact as possible due to space restrictions. It is not desirable that parts of the electrical apparatus are projected, or that the user can touch any moving part of the fan, such as the vanes. Some provisions have safety features, such as a cage or liner around the vanes to protect a user from being injured by the moving parts of the fan. USD 103,476 shows a type of cage around the pallets, however, caged pieces of the pallets can be difficult to clean.

Other types of fan or circulator are described in US 2,488,467, US 2,433,795 and JP 56-167897 (closest prior art). The fan of US 2,433,795 has spiral grooves in a rotating coating instead of fan blades. The circulation fan disclosed in US 2,488,467 emits an air flow from a series of nozzles and has a large base that includes a motor and a compressor or fan to create the air flow.

It is not always possible to locate fans such as those described above near a user since the bulky shape and structure mean that the fan occupies a significant amount of the user's work area. In the particular case of a fan placed on or near a desk, the fan body or base reduces the area available for paperwork, a computer or other office equipment. Often, multiple electrical appliances must be located in the same area, near a power supply point, and in close proximity to other electrical appliances for ease of connection and to reduce operating costs.

The shape and structure of a fan on a desk not only reduces the available work area to a user, but can prevent natural light (or light from artificial sources) from reaching the desk area. A well-lit desk area is desirable for near work and reading. In addition, a well-lit area can reduce eye fatigue and associated health problems that may result from prolonged periods of work with reduced levels of light.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved fan assembly that obviates the disadvantages of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a compact fan assembly that, during use, generates a flow of air at a homogeneous flow rate in the area of the fan emission outlet.

According to the invention, a fan assembly without vanes is provided to create an air current, the fan assembly comprising a nozzle mounted on a base housing means to create an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an inner duct for receiving the flow of air from the base and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted, the nozzle extending substantially orthogonally around an axis to define an opening through which sucks the air from the outside of the fan assembly by the flow of air emitted by the mouth, in which the nozzle and the base each have a depth in the direction of the shaft, and characterized in that the depth of the base is not greater than double the depth of the nozzle, and the nozzle comprises a Coanda surface located adjacent to the mouth and on which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow.

Preferably, the depth of the base is in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm, more preferably and about 150 mm. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the fan assembly has a height extending from the end of the base away from the nozzle to the end of the nozzle away from the base, and a width perpendicular to the height, both being the height as the width perpendicular to said axis, and in which the width of the base is not more than 75% of the width of the nozzle.

The invention provides an arrangement in which an air current and a cooling effect is generated without requiring a fan provided with vanes. The vaneless arrangement results in lower noise emissions due to the absence of the sound of a fan blade moving through the air, and a reduction in moving parts and complexity. The dimensions of the base are small compared to those of the nozzle and compared to the size of the entire structure of the fan assembly. The depth of the base of the fan assembly is such that the fan assembly is a fine product, which occupies a small portion of the user's work area. Advantageously, the invention provides a fan assembly that provides a suitable cooling effect from a smaller area than prior art fans. Advantageously, by means of this arrangement, the assembly can be produced and manufactured with a reduced number of parts than those required in prior art fans. This reduces manufacturing cost and complexity.

In the following description of fans and, in particular a fan of the preferred embodiment, the expression "without vanes" is used to describe an apparatus in which the air flow is emitted or projected forward from the fan assembly without the use of pallets. By this definition, a fan assembly without vanes can be considered to have an outlet area or emission zone devoid of blades or vanes from which the air flow is released or emitted in a direction appropriate for the user. A fanless vane assembly can be supplied with a primary air source from a variety of sources or generation means, such as pumps, generators, motors or other fluid transfer devices, including rotating devices such as a rotor motor and an impeller equipped with vanes to generate an air flow. The air supply generated by the engine causes an air flow to pass from the room space or the outside environment of the fan assembly through the inner duct to the nozzle and then out through the mouth.

Therefore, it is not intended that the description of a fan assembly as without blades extends to the description of the power supply and components such as motors that are required for secondary functions of the fan. Examples of secondary fan functions may include lighting, adjustment, and fan swing.

Preferably, the width of the base of the fan assembly is in the range from 65% to 55% of the width of the nozzle, more preferably and about 50% of the width of the nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the fan assembly is in the range between 300 mm and 400 mm, more preferred and approximately 350 mm. The preferred features and dimensions of the fan assembly result in a compact arrangement while generating an adequate amount of air flow from the fan assembly to cool a user.

It is preferred that the base be substantially cylindrical. This arrangement creates a fan assembly with a compact base that seems neat and uniform. This type of clear design is desirable and often attracts a user or client. In addition, when placed on a desk or a work surface, the area occupied from the desk surface by the base of the fan assembly is smaller than the space occupied by other known fan assemblies. The nozzle occupies a space on the desk surface, extending away from the base without hiding the desk surface or hindering the user's access to the desk surface.

Preferably, the base has at least one air inlet arranged substantially orthogonal to the shaft. Preferably, the base has a side wall comprising said at least one air inlet. The location of air inlets around the base provides flexibility in the arrangement of the base and the nozzle, and allows air to flow to the base from a variety of points, thereby allowing more air to flow to the whole as a whole. More preferably, said at least one air inlet comprises a plurality of air inlets that extend around a second axis substantially orthogonal to said first mentioned axis. In this arrangement it is preferred that the assembly has a flow path that extends from each air inlet to an inlet to the medium to create an air flow through the nozzle, in which the inlet at least to create a flow of Air is substantially orthogonal to the air inlet, or to each of them. The arrangement provides an air inlet path that minimizes noise and friction losses in the system.

The nozzle comprises a Coanda surface located adjacent to the mouth and on which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. A Coanda surface is a known type of surface on which the flow of fluid leaving an outlet orifice near the surface exhibits the Coanda effect. The fluid tends to flow closely on the surface, almost "clinging" or "sticking" to the surface. The Coanda effect is already a proven, well-documented drag procedure, so a primary air flow is directed over the Coanda surface. A description of the characteristics of a Coanda surface, and the effect of fluid flow on a Coanda surface, can be found in articles such as Reba, Scientific American, volume 214, June 1963, pages 84 a

92. Through the use of a Coanda surface, the air outside the fan assembly is drawn through the opening by the flow of air directed over the Coanda surface.

In the present invention, an air flow is created through the nozzle of the fan assembly. In the following description, this air flow will be referred to as the primary air flow. The primary air flow leaves the nozzle through the mouth and passes preferably over the Coanda surface. The primary air flow drags the air around the mouth of the nozzle, which acts as an air amplifier to supply both the primary air flow and the entrained air to the user. In this document, a secondary air flow will be referred to as entrained air. The secondary air flow is drawn from the room space, the region or the external environment surrounding the mouth of the nozzle and, by displacement, from other regions around the fan assembly. The primary air flow directed on the Coanda surface combined with the secondary air flow carried by the air amplifier provides a total flow of air emitted or projected forward to a user from the opening defined by the nozzle. The total air flow is sufficient for the fan assembly to create a stream of air suitable for cooling.

The air flow supplied by the fan assembly to the user has the benefit of being an air flow with low turbulence and with a more linear profile of air flow than that provided by other prior art devices. The linear flow of air with low turbulence travels effectively from outside the emission point and loses less energy and less turbulence speed than the air flow generated by prior art fans. An advantage for a user is that the cooling effect can be felt even at a distance and increases the overall efficiency of the fan. This means that the user can choose to place the fan at a certain distance from a work area or desk and still feel the benefit of fan cooling.

Advantageously, the assembly results in air entrainment surrounding the mouth of the nozzle, so that the primary air flow is amplified by at least 15%, while maintaining a homogeneous output in general. The drag and amplification characteristics of the fan assembly result in a fan with greater efficiency than prior art devices. The air flow emitted from the opening defined by the nozzle has a velocity profile approximately flat across the diameter of the nozzle. In general, the flow rate and the profile can be described as a plug circulation, some regions having a laminar or partially laminar flow.

Preferably, the nozzle comprises a loop. The shape of the nozzle is not restricted by the requirement to include space for a fan provided with vanes. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is annular. By providing an annular nozzle the fan can potentially reach a large area. In a further preferred embodiment, the nozzle is at least partially circular. This arrangement can provide a variety of design options for the fan, increasing the choice available to a user or customer.

Preferably, the inner duct is continuous, more preferably substantially annular. This allows a homogeneous and unobstructed air flow inside the nozzle and reduces friction losses and noise. In this arrangement the nozzle can be manufactured as a single piece, reducing the complexity of the fan assembly and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

In the arrangement preferably of the fan the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle is arranged to create an air flow through the nozzle having a pressure of at least 400 kPa. This pressure is sufficient to overcome the pressure created by the constriction caused by the mouth of the nozzle and provides pressure for an adequate air flow to cool a user. More preferably, during use, the mass flow of projected air from the fan assembly is at least 450 l / s, more preferably in the range from 600 l / s to 700 l / s. Advantageously, this mass flow can be projected forward from the opening and the area surrounding the mouth of the nozzle with a laminar flow and can be experienced by the user as a superior cooling effect than that of a vane fan .

In the preferred arrangement of the fan, the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle comprises an impeller driven by a motor. This arrangement provides a fan with an efficient generation of air flow. More preferably, the means for creating an air flow comprises a brushless DC motor and a mixed flow impeller. This arrangement reduces the friction losses of the motor brushes and also reduces the carbon of the brushes in a traditional motor. The reduction of carbon and emissions is advantageous in a clean environment or sensitive to pollutants, such as a hospital or around allergy sufferers.

The nozzle can be rotatable or pivotable with respect to a base portion, or other portion, of the fan assembly. This allows the nozzle to be directed towards the user, or away from it, as required. The fan assembly can be mounted on a desk, a floor, a wall or a ceiling. This can increase the portion of a room in which the user experiences cooling.

The mouth can be substantially annular. By providing a substantially annular mouth, the total air flow to a user in a large area can be emitted. Advantageously, a source of lighting in the room or at the location of the desk fan or natural light can reach the user through the central opening. The mouth can be concentric with the inner duct. This arrangement will be visually attractive and the concentric location of the mouth with the conduit facilitates its manufacture.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a fan assembly;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view through a portion of the fan assembly of Figure 1 taken on line A-A;

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side detail of a portion of the fan assembly of Figure 1; Y

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fan assembly taken along line B-B of Figure 3 and viewed from the direction F of Figure 3.

Figure 1 shows an example of a fan assembly 100 seen from the front of the device. The fan assembly 100 comprises an annular nozzle 1 defining a central opening 2. With reference also to Figures 2 and 3, the nozzle 1 comprises an inner duct 10, a mouth 12 and a Coanda surface 14 adjacent to the mouth 12. The Coanda surface 14 is arranged so that a primary flow of air exiting the mouth 12 and is directed over the Coanda surface 14 is amplified by the Coanda effect. The nozzle 1 is connected to a base 16, and is supported by it, which has an outer cover 18. The base 16 includes a plurality of selection buttons 20 accessible through the outer cover 18 and by means of which Fan assembly 100 can operate. The fan assembly has a height, width and depth shown in Figures 1 and 3. The nozzle 1 is arranged to extend substantially orthogonally around the X axis. The height of the fan assembly, H, is perpendicular to the X axis. and extends from the end of the base 16 away from the nozzle 1 to the end of the nozzle 1 away from the base 16. In this embodiment, the fan assembly 100 has a height, H, of approximately 530 mm, but the Fan assembly 100 may have any desired height, for example, approximately 475 mm. The base 16 and the nozzle 1 have a width perpendicular to the height H, and perpendicular to the X axis. In Figure 1, the width of the base 16 designated W1 is shown and the width of the nozzle 1 designated as W2 is shown. The base 16 and the nozzle 1 have a depth in the direction of the X axis. Figure 3 shows the depth of the base designated D1 and the depth of the nozzle 1 designated as D2 is shown.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 show additional specific details of the fan assembly 100. A motor 22 is located to create an air flow through the nozzle 1 inside the base 16. The base 16 is substantially cylindrical and in this embodiment the base 16 has a diameter (i.e., a width W1 and a depth D1) of approximately 145 mm. The base 16 further comprises air inlets 24a, 24b formed in the outer cover 18. A motor housing 26 is located inside the base 16. The motor 22 is supported by the motor housing 26 and maintained in a fixed position by an airtight member 28 or rubber support.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 22 is a brushless DC motor. An impeller 30 is connected to a rotation shaft extending outwardly from the motor 22, and a diffuser 32 is placed downstream of the impeller 30. The diffuser 32 comprises a stationary fixed disk having spiral vanes.

An inlet 34 to the impeller 30 communicates with the air inlets 24a, 24b formed in the outer cover 18 of the base 16. The outlet 36 of the diffuser 32 and the exhaust of the impeller 30 communicate with the passage portions or the hollow ducts located inside the base 16 to establish an air flow from the impeller 30 to the inner duct 10 of the nozzle 1. The motor 22 is connected to an electrical connection and a power source and is controlled by a controller (not shown). Communication between the controller and the plurality of selection buttons 20 allows a user to operate the fan assembly 100.

The characteristics of the nozzle 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The shape of the nozzle 1 is annular. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1 has a diameter of approximately 350 mm, but the nozzle can have any desired diameter, for example approximately 300 mm. The inner duct 10 is annular and is formed as a continuous loop or duct inside the nozzle 1. The nozzle 1 is formed of at least one wall defining the inner duct 10 and the mouth 12. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1 comprises an inner wall 38 and an outer wall 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 38, 40 are arranged in a loop or bent shape, so that the inner wall 38 and the outer wall 40 approach each other. The inner wall 38 and the outer wall 40 together define the mouth 12, and the mouth 12 extends around the X axis. The mouth 12 comprises a tapered region 42 that narrows to an outlet 44. The outlet 44 comprises a gap or a gap formed between the inner wall 38 of the nozzle 1 and the outer wall 40 of the nozzle 1. The separation between the opposite surfaces of the walls 38, 40 at the outlet 44 of the mouth 12 is chosen so that it is in the range between 1 mm and 5 mm. The choice of separation will depend on the desired performance characteristics of the fan. In this embodiment, the outlet 44 has a width of approximately 1.3 mm, and the mouth 12 and the outlet 44 are concentric with the inner conduit 10.

The mouth 12 is adjacent to the Coanda surface 14. In addition, the nozzle 1 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a diffuser portion located downstream of the Coanda surface. The diffuser portion includes a diffuser surface 46 to further assist the flow of supplied air flow or output from the fan assembly 100. In the example illustrated in Figure 3 the mouth and the general arrangement of the nozzle 1 is such that the subtended angle between the Coanda surface 14 and the X axis is approximately 15 °. The angle for effective air flow over the Coanda 14 surface is chosen. The nozzle 1 extends a distance of approximately 5 cm in the axis direction. The diffuser surface 46 and the general profile of the nozzle 1 are based on an aerodynamic surface shape, and in the example shown the diffuser portion extends a distance of approximately two thirds of the total depth of the nozzle 1.

The fan assembly 100 described above operates as follows. When a user makes a suitable selection among the plurality of buttons 20 to operate or activate the fan assembly 100, a signal or other communication is sent to drive the motor 22. In this way, the motor 22 is activated and air is drawn into the inside the fan assembly 100 by means of the air inlet 24a, 24b. In the preferred embodiment, air is aspirated with a flow rate of approximately 20 to 30 liters per second, preferred and approximately 27 l / s (liters per second). The air passes through the outer cover 18 and along the path illustrated by the arrow F 'of Figure 3 to the impeller inlet 30. The air flow leaving the outlet 36 of the diffuser 32 and the impeller exhaust 30 is divided into two air flows that advance in opposite directions through the inner duct 10. The air flow narrows as it enters the mouth 12 and additionally narrows at the outlet 44 of the mouth 12. The constriction creates pressure in the system. The engine 22 creates an air flow through the nozzle 1 having a pressure of at least 400 kPa. The created air flow exceeds the pressure created by the constriction and the air flow exits through the outlet 44 as a primary air flow.

The outlet and emission of the primary air flow create a low pressure area at the air inlets 24a, 24b with the effect of extracting additional air in the fan assembly 100. The operation of the fan assembly 100 induces a high flow of air through the nozzle 1 and outwardly through the opening 2. The primary air flow is directed over the Coanda surface 14 and the diffuser surface 46, and is amplified by the Coanda effect. A secondary air flow is generated by the air entrainment from the external environment, specifically from the region around the outlet 44 and around the outer edge of the nozzle 1. A portion of the secondary flow of entrained air can also be guided by the primary air flow over the diffuser surface 46. This secondary air flow passes through the opening 2, where it is combined with the primary air flow to produce a total flow of air projected forward from the nozzle 1.

The combination of drag and amplification results in a total air flow from the opening 2 of the fan assembly 100 that is greater than the air flow output from a fan assembly without such a Coanda or amplification surface adjacent to the area of issue.

The expansion and the laminar type of air flow produced results in a continuous flow of air directed towards a user from the nozzle 1. In the preferred embodiment, the mass flow of projected air from the fan assembly 100 is at least 450 l / s, preferably in the range between 600 l / s and 700 l / s. The flow rate at a distance of up to 3 nozzle diameters (that is, approximately 1000 to 1200 mm) of a user is approximately 400 to 500 l / s. The total air flow has a velocity of approximately 3 to 4 m / s (meters per second). Higher speeds can be achieved by reducing the subtended angle between the Coanda surface 14 and the X axis. A smaller angle results in the total flow of air being emitted in a more concentrated and directed way. This type of air flow tends to be emitted at a higher speed but with a reduced mass flow. In contrast, greater mass flow can be achieved by increasing the angle between the Coanda surface and the axis. In this case, the speed of the emitted air flow is reduced but the generated mass flow increases. Therefore, the performance of the fan assembly can be altered by altering the subtended angle between the Coanda surface and the X axis.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the fan could have a different height or diameter. The base and the nozzle of the fan could have a different depth, width and height. The fan does not need to be located on a desk, but it could be self-stable, be mounted on a wall or mounted on the ceiling. The fan shape could be adapted to suit any type of situation or location where a cooling air flow is desired. A portable fan could have a smaller nozzle, say with a diameter of 5 cm.

The means for creating an air flow through the nozzle can be a motor or other air emission device, such as any air compressor or vacuum source that can be used, so that the fan assembly can create a air flow in a room. Examples include a motor such as an AC induction motor or brushless DC motor types, but can also comprise any suitable air movement or air transport device, such as a pump or other means for providing a directed flow of fluid to generate and create an air flow. The characteristics of an engine may include a diffuser

or a secondary diffuser located downstream of the engine to recover part of the static pressure lost in the motor housing and through the engine.

The mouth outlet can be modified. The mouth outlet can be widened or narrowed in a

10 variety of separations to maximize air flow. The flow of air emitted from the mouth can pass over a surface, such as a Coanda surface; alternatively the air flow can be emitted through the mouth and projected forward from the fan assembly without passing over an adjacent surface. The Coanda effect can be caused to occur on a number of different surfaces, or a number of internal or external designs can be used in combination to achieve the required flow and drag.

15 Other forms of nozzle are provided. For example, a nozzle comprising an oval shape, or a "circuit" shape, of a single band or line, or block could be used. The fan assembly provides access to the central part of the fan since there are no vanes. This means that additional features such as lighting or clock or LCD display means could be provided in the opening defined by the nozzle.

20 Other features could include a pivotable or tiltable base for ease of movement and adjustment of the position of the nozzle for the user.

Claims (17)

one.

A fan assembly without vanes for creating an air current, the fan assembly comprising a nozzle (1) mounted on a base (16), a housing means (22, 30) for creating an air flow through the nozzle (1), the nozzle (1) comprising an inner duct (10) for receiving the air flow from the base (16) and a mouth (12) through which the air flow is emitted, extending the nozzle (1) substantially orthogonal about an axis (X) to define an opening (2) through which air is drawn from outside the fan assembly by the flow of air emitted from the mouth (12), wherein the nozzle (1) and the base (16) each have a depth in the direction of said axis, and characterized in that the depth (D1) of the base (16) is not more than twice the depth (D2 ) of the nozzle (1), and in which the nozzle (1) comprises a Coanda surface (14) located adjacent to the mouth (12) and on which it is the mouth (12) arranged to direct the air flow.

2.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth (D1) of the base

(16) is in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm, preferred and approximately 150 mm.

3.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan assembly has a height (H) extending from the end of the base (16) away from the nozzle (1) to the end of the nozzle (1) away from the base (16), and a width perpendicular to the height, being both perpendicular, both the height and the width, to said axis (X), and in which the width (W1) of the base (16) is not more than 75% of the width (W2) of the nozzle (1).

Four.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the width (W1) of the base (16) is in the range between 65% and 55% of the width (W2) of the nozzle (1 ), preferably and approximately 50% of the width (W2) of the nozzle (1).

5.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the height (H) of the fan assembly is in the range of 300 mm to 400 mm, preferably and approximately 350 mm.

6.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base (16) is substantially cylindrical.

7.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base (16) has at least one air inlet (24a, 24b), and in which said at least one air inlet (24a, 24b) is disposed substantially orthogonal to said axis (X).

8.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base (16) has a side wall (18) comprising said at least one air inlet (24a, 24b).

9.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein said at least one air inlet (24a, 24b) comprises a plurality of air inlets that extend around a second axis

(B) substantially orthogonal to said first mentioned axis (X).

10.

A fan assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a flow path extending from each air inlet (24a, 24b) to an inlet (34) to said means (22, 30) for create an air flow through the nozzle (1), in which the inlet (34) to said means (22, 30) is substantially orthogonal to the air inlet (24a, 24b), or to each of them.

eleven.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (1) comprises a loop.

12.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (1) is substantially annular.

13.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (1) is at least partially circular.

14.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner duct (10) is continuous.

fifteen.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner duct (10) is substantially annular.

16.

A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle comprises an impeller (30) driven by a motor (22).

17.

A fan assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the means for creating an air flow comprises a brushless DC motor (22) and a mixed flow impeller (30).