KR20110099284A - A fan assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The vaneless fan assembly includes nozzles 14 and means 64, 68 for generating air flow through the nozzles 14. The nozzle 14 includes an inner passage 204, a mouse 40 for receiving air flow from the inner passage 40, and a face 42 positioned adjacent the mouse 40, wherein the mouse has an air flow. It is configured to face up this side. The nozzle is installed on the pedestal 12, the height of which can be adjusted.

Description

Fan assembly {A FAN ASSEMBLY}

The present invention relates to a fan assembly. As a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a domestic fan, such as a pedestal fan, for generating a flow of air (airflow) indoors, in an office, or in other home environments.

Conventional domestic fans or fans typically include vane sets or vane sets installed to enable rotation about an axis, and drive devices for rotating the vane sets to generate air flow. The movement and circulation of the air stream results in "wind chill" or breeze, which results in the user experiencing the cooling effect as heat is dissipated by convection and evaporation.

Such fans are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, in the case of a ceiling fan (ceiling fan) may have a diameter of 1m or more, it is usually installed suspended from the ceiling to provide a downward air flow to cool the room. On the other hand, many of the table fans are approximately 30 cm in diameter, and are usually self-supporting and portable. In the case of floor-standing pedestal fans, it is usually a height adjustable pedestal that supports the drive and typically from 300 l / s (300 liters per second) to 500 l / s. And a set of wings for creating an air stream of the.

A disadvantage of this type of configuration is that the air flow generated by the rotating blades of the fan is not overall uniform. This is due to non-uniformity on the wing surface or outer side of the fan. The range of such non-uniformities may vary from product to product and even from each fan. This non-uniformity can be felt as a series of air pulsations and can be unpleasant to the user by creating a non-uniform or "choppy" air stream.

In a home environment, it is not desirable for the parts of the electrical appliance to protrude outwards or to allow the user to contact any moving parts, such as wings. The seat fan tends to have a cage around the wing to prevent damage due to contact with the rotating wing, but such cage parts can be difficult to clean. In addition, since the drive device and the rotary vane are mounted on the seat, the center of gravity of the seat fan is usually located above the seat. This is not desirable for the user to use because the seat fan easily falls if it is accidentally bumped, unless a relatively wide or heavy base is provided on the seat.

The present invention provides a bladeless fan assembly having a nozzle and means for generating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage, a mouth into which air flow from the interior passage enters, and a surface positioned adjacent to the mouse, wherein the mouse is configured such that the air flow is directed above the face. The nozzle is mounted on a height adjustable pedestal.

By using such a wingless fan assembly, air flow can be generated without the use of a winged fan. The wingless fan assembly can reduce both the number and complexity of movable parts, compared to winged fan assemblies. In addition, without using a winged fan, it is possible to inject air flow from the fan assembly, thereby generating a relatively uniform air flow to be guided to the room or the user. This air flow can be effectively released from the nozzle, so there is little loss of energy and speed by turbulence.

The term "bladeless" is used to describe a fan assembly in which air flow is discharged (blown) or sprayed forward from the fan assembly without the use of a moving blade. Thus, a fanless fan assembly may be considered to have an output area or discharge zone that directs air flow to a user or room without moving blades. The output area of the fanless fan assembly may be supplied with a primary air flow generated by one of a variety of sources, such as a pump, generator, motor, or other fluid transport device. The source may comprise a rotating device such as a winged impeller and / or a motor rotor for generating an air stream. The resulting primary air stream may pass through the nozzle via a telescopic duct from the indoor space or other environment outside the fan assembly, and then be discharged back into the indoor space through the mouse of the nozzle.

Thus, the saying that the fan assembly is bladeless is not intended to cover components such as motors and power sources necessary for the function of the secondary fan. Examples of secondary fan functions may include lighting, adjustment, and oscillation of the fan assembly.

The shape of the nozzle of the fan assembly is not limited by the requirement to include the space required for the winged fan. The nozzle preferably surrounds the opening. The nozzle is preferably an annular nozzle having a height in the range of 200 mm to 600 mm, more preferably in the range of 250 mm to 500 mm.

The mouse of the nozzle preferably extends around the opening and is annular. The nozzle preferably comprises an inner casing section and an outer casing section forming the mouth of the nozzle. Each of these sections is preferably formed of an annular member, but each of these sections may be provided by a plurality of members joined together or otherwise assembled to form the corresponding section. The outer case section is preferably formed to partially overlap with the inner case section. According to this, an outlet of the mouse can be formed between the outer face of the inner case section of the nozzle and the overlapping portion of the inner face of the outer case section of the nozzle. The outlet is preferably in the form of a slot, preferably having a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The nozzle may include a plurality of spacers for forcibly separating the overlapped portions of the inner case section and the outer case section of the nozzle. This can help to keep the width of the outlet substantially uniform around the opening. The spacers are preferably arranged at equal intervals along the outlet.

The inner passage is preferably continuous, more preferably annular, and is preferably configured to separate the air stream into two air streams flowing in opposite directions around the opening. The inner passage is also preferably formed by the inner case section and the outer case section of the nozzle.

The fan assembly preferably comprises means for oscillating the nozzle such that the air flow is preferably swiped in an arc in the range of 60 ° to 120 °. For example, the base of the pedestal may comprise means for reciprocating the top of the base to which the nozzle is connected, relative to the bottom of the base.

As mentioned above, the nozzle includes a surface located adjacent to the mouse, and the mouse is configured to direct air flow exiting the nozzle onto the surface. This surface is preferably a Coanda surface, and the outer surface of the inner case section of the nozzle preferably has a shape for forming the Coanda surface. The coanda face preferably extends around the opening. The coanda face is a surface of the type above which the fluid flow from the output orifice close to the surface exhibits a Coanda effect. When in close proximity to a surface, such fluid tends to flow very close to the surface by being "sticky" or "stick" to it. The Coanda effect is an already proven and well documented method of using entrainment to direct primary airflow over the coanda surface. A description of the features of the coanda face and the effect of fluid flow on the coanda face can be found in a paper such as the Reba book, Scientific American, Vol. 214, June 1996, p84-92. By using the coanda face, a large amount of air from the outside of the fan assembly is drawn through the opening by the air emitted from the mouse.

In the present invention, the air flow generated by the fan assembly enters the nozzle. In the following description, this air flow is referred to as primary air flow. The primary air stream exits the mouth of the nozzle and passes over the coanda face. The primary air stream is accompanied by air surrounding the mouth of the nozzle, which serves as an air amplifier to supply both the primary air stream and the entrained air to the user. Such entrained air is referred to herein as secondary air flow. Secondary air flow draws the mouse of the nozzle from the surrounding interior space, area or external environment, and by movement from other areas around the fan assembly, most of which flow through the openings formed by the nozzle. The combination of the primary and secondary secondary air streams directed onto the coanda face is the total air stream emitted or jetted forward from the opening formed by the nozzle. Preferably, the entrainment of air around the mouth of the nozzle is such that the primary air flow is amplified by at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times, while maintaining a smooth overall output. The maximum amount of air flow in the air stream produced by the fan assembly is preferably in the range of 300 liters to 800 liters per second, more preferably in the range of 400 liters to 700 liters per second.

Preferably, the nozzle comprises a diffuser surface disposed downstream of the coanda face. The outer face of the inner case section of the nozzle preferably has a shape for forming the diffuser face.

The nozzle is mounted on an adjustable pedestal. Preferably, the pedestal houses the means for generating the airflow described above, whereby the fan assembly has a compact appearance. The pedestal may include a duct for delivering air flow to the nozzle. Thus, the seat can serve both to support the nozzle from which the air flow generated by the fan assembly is discharged and to convey the generated air flow to the nozzle. The means for generating an air flow through the nozzle may be arranged on the bottom side of the seat, whereby the weight of the fan assembly as compared to a conventional seat fan with a drive device used for a fan with wings attached to the top of the seat. The center is lowered so that the fan assembly does not fall well even in the event of a bump. For example, as a preferred embodiment, the pedestal includes a base containing a means for generating an air flow, and the duct extends between the base and the nozzle. As an alternative, means for generating an air stream may be arranged in the duct.

Means for generating an air flow through the nozzle preferably include an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller, and a diffuser disposed downstream of the impeller. The impeller is preferably a mixed flow impeller. The motor is preferably a DC brushless motor to avoid frictional losses and to avoid carbon debris from the brushes used in conventional brush motors. Reduction of carbon debris and reduction of carbon emissions are advantageous in environments that need to be kept clean, such as in hospitals or around people with allergies, or in environments susceptible to contamination. Induction motors that are typically used in seat fans are also brushless, but DC brushless motors can provide a wider range of operating speeds than induction motors.

The diffuser may include a number of spiral vanes that allow for the release of a spiraling air flow from the diffuser. Since the air flow through the duct is usually axial or longitudinal, the fan assembly preferably includes means for directing the air flow exiting the diffuser into the duct. This can reduce the conduction loss in the fan assembly. Such air flow guide means preferably comprise a plurality of vanes for guiding each portion of the air flow discharged from the diffuser into the duct. These vanes are disposed on the inner side of the air flow guide member installed above the diffuser, and are preferably disposed at substantially equal intervals. The air flow guide means also preferably comprises a plurality of radial vanes at least partially disposed in the duct, with each of the radial vanes being adjacent to each of the plurality of vanes. It is possible for the radial vanes to form a plurality of axial or longitudinal channels in the duct that each introduce a respective part of the air flow from the channels formed by the plurality of vanes. Part of these air streams is preferably allowed to merge in the duct.

The duct may comprise a base installed in the base of the seat and a plurality of tubular members connected to the base of the duct. A curved vane may be at least partially disposed in the base of the duct. The axial vanes can at least partially be arranged in means for connecting one of the tubular members to the base of the duct. Such connecting means may comprise another tubular member for receiving either an air tube or a tubular member.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, with reference to an accompanying drawing, embodiment of this invention is described as an example.

1 is a perspective view of a fan assembly in a configuration in which the stretchable duct of the fan assembly is fully extended.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fan assembly of FIG. 1 with the stretchable duct of the fan assembly in a retracted position.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the seat of the fan assembly of FIG. 1.
4 is an exploded view of the flexible duct of the fan assembly of FIG. 1.
5 is a side view of the duct of FIG. 4 in a fully extended configuration.
6 is a cross-sectional view of the duct cut along the line AA of FIG. 5.
7 is a cross-sectional view of the duct cut along the line BB of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the duct of FIG. 4 in a fully elongated configuration with a portion of the lower tubular member cut away. FIG.
9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8 with the various components of the duct removed.
10 is a side view of the duct of FIG. 4 in a retracted configuration.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the duct cut along line CC of FIG. 10.
12 is an exploded view of the nozzle of the fan assembly of FIG. 1.
13 is a front view of the nozzle of FIG. 12.
14 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken along the line PP of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the region R shown in FIG. 14.

1 and 2 show a perspective view of an embodiment of a fan assembly 10. In the present embodiment, the fan assembly 10 is a bladeless fan assembly, and is mounted on a height adjustable pedestal 12 and on the base to discharge air from the fan assembly 10. It has the form of a domestic pedestal fan with a nozzle 14. The pedestal 12 is in the form of a floor-standing base 16 and a telescopic duct 18 extending upwardly from the base 16. A height-adjustable stand for conveying primary air flow from 16 to nozzle 14.

The base 16 of the pedestal 12 includes a substantially cylindrical motor casing portion 20 installed in a substantially cylindrical lower casing portion 22. The motor case portion 20 and the lower case portion 22 have substantially the same external diameter so that the outer surface of the motor case portion 20 is substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the lower case portion 22. It is desirable to have. Optionally, the lower case portion 22 may be mounted on a disc-shaped base plate 24 mounted on the floor, and includes a plurality of user operable buttons for controlling the operation of the fan assembly 10. user-operable button 26 and user-operable dial 28. The base 16 further comprises a plurality of air inlets 30, which in this embodiment are in the form of a number of small apertures formed in the motor case part 20, Through these holes, primary air flow is drawn into the base 16 from the external environment. In the present embodiment, the base 16 of the pedestal 12 has a height in the range of 200 mm to 300 mm, and the motor case portion 20 has a diameter in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm. The base plate 24 preferably has a diameter in the range of 200 mm to 300 mm.

The telescopic duct 18 of the pedestal 12 is movable between the fully elongated configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the retracted (retracted) configuration shown in FIG. 2. The duct 18 is a substantially cylindrical base 32 installed on the base 12 of the fan assembly 10 and an outer tubular member connected to and extending upwardly from the base 32 ( 34 and an inner tubular member 36 partially disposed within the outer tubular member 34. The nozzle 14 is connected to an open upper end of the inner tubular member 36 of the duct 18 by a connector 37. The inner tubular member 36 can slide relative to the outer tubular member 34, ie therein, between the fully extended position shown in FIG. 1 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 2. When the inner tubular member 36 is in the fully extended position, the fan assembly 10 preferably has a height in the range of 1200 mm to 1600 mm, and when the inner tubular member 36 is in the retracted position, the fan assembly ( It is preferred that 10) have a height in the range from 900 mm to 1300 mm. In order to adjust the height of the fan assembly 10, the user grasps the exposed portion of the inner tubular member 36 and slides the inner tubular member 36 in the desired vertical direction so that the nozzle 14 is in the desired vertical direction. Location. When the inner tubular member 36 is in the retracted position, the user may grasp the connector 37 and pull the inner tubular member 36 upward.

The nozzle 14 has an annular shape and extends around the central axis X to form an opening 38. The nozzle 14 includes a mouth 40 positioned towards the rear of the nozzle 14 for releasing primary air flow from the fan assembly 10 and through the opening 38. The mouse 40 extends around the opening 38 and is preferably substantially annular. The inner periphery of the nozzle 14 is a coanda surface 42 disposed adjacent to the mouse 40 and a diffuser surface disposed downstream of the coanda surface 42. 44 and a guide surface 46 located downstream of the diffuser face 44. The mouse 40 directs the air discharged from the fan assembly 10 above the coanda face 42. The diffuser face 44 is a method of assisting the flow of air discharged from the fan assembly 10 and is tapered in a direction away from the central axis X of the opening 38. The angle determined between the diffuser face 44 and the central axis X of the opening 38 is in the range of 5 ° to 25 °, in this example approximately 7 °. Guide face 46 is disposed at an angle with respect to diffuser face 44 to further aid in the efficient release of the cooling air flow from fan assembly 10. The guide face 46 is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the central axis X of the opening 38 to provide a plane that is substantially flat and substantially smooth with respect to the air flow emitted from the mouse 40. . A visually more pronounced tapered surface 48 is disposed on the downstream side of the guide surface 46 and is positioned tipwise perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 38. Terminate at 50). Preferably, the angle formed between the tapered surface 48 and the central axis X of the opening 38 is approximately 45 degrees. In this embodiment, the nozzle 14 has a height in the range of 400 mm to 600 mm.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the base 16 of the pedestal 12. The lower case portion 22 of the base 16 may be adapted to the fan assembly 10 in response to the pressing operation of the user operable button 26 and / or the operation of the user operable dial 28 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A controller (controlled throughout) is received for controlling the operation. The lower case part 22 may optionally include a sensor 54 that receives a control signal from a remote control device (not shown) and transmits the received control signal to the controller 52. This control signal is preferably an infrared signal. The sensor 54 is located behind the window 55 and through which the control signal enters the lower case part 22 of the base 16. It is also possible to install a light emitting diode (not shown) to indicate whether the fan assembly 10 is in a stand-by mode. The lower case portion 22 is also a mechanism for oscillating the motor case portion 20 of the base 16 with respect to the lower case portion 22 of the base 16 (the entire reference numeral 56). ). This oscillating mechanism 56 includes a rotatable shaft 56a that extends from the lower case portion 22 into the motor case portion 20. This shaft 56a is supported in a sleeve 56b connected to the lower case portion 22 by bearings, and allows the shaft 56a to rotate relative to the sleeve 56b. One end of the shaft 56a is connected to the central portion of the annular connecting plate 56c, and the outer portion of the annular connecting plate 56c is connected to the base of the motor case portion 20. According to this, the motor case part 20 can rotate with respect to the lower case part 22. FIG. In addition, the rotation mechanism 56 also includes a motor (not shown) disposed in the lower case portion 22 for operating the crank arm mechanism (indicated by reference numeral 56d in its entirety), and the crank arm mechanism 56d. Rotates the base of the motor case portion 20 in a reciprocating manner with respect to the upper portion of the lower case portion 22. Crank arm mechanisms for rotating one part reciprocally relative to another part are generally well known and are not described herein. The range of one rotation cycle of the motor case portion 20 relative to the lower case portion 22 is preferably between 60 ° and 120 °, in this embodiment approximately 90 °. In this embodiment, the rotary mechanism 56 is configured to perform approximately three to five reciprocating cycles per minute. In order to supply electric power to the fan assembly 10, a main power cable 58 extends through a hole formed in the lower case portion 22.

The motor casing portion 20 includes a cylindrical grille 60 in which an array of apertures 62 is formed to provide an air inlet 30 of the base 16 of the pedestal 12. Motor case portion 20 receives an impeller 64 for drawing primary air flow into aperture 16 through aperture 62. Impeller 64 is preferably in the form of a mixed flow impeller. The impeller 64 is connected to a rotating shaft 66 extending outward from the motor 68. In this embodiment, the motor 68 is a DC brushless motor capable of varying the speed by the controller 52 in response to a user's manipulation of the dial 28 or a signal received from a remote control device. . The maximum speed of the motor 68 is preferably in the range of 5,000 rpm to 10,000 rpm. The motor 68 is housed in a motor bucket to which the top 70 is connected to the bottom 72. The upper portion 70 of the motor bucket includes a diffuser 74 in the form of a stationary disc with a spiral blade. The motor bucket is disposed in and installed on an approximately frusto-conical impeller housing 76 connected to the motor case portion 20. The impeller 64 and the impeller housing 76 are formed such that the impeller 64 is close to but not in contact with the inner side of the impeller housing 76. A substantially annular air inlet member 78 is connected to the bottom of the impeller housing 76 to direct primary air flow into the impeller housing 76.

The base 16 of the pedestal 12 preferably further comprises a silencing foam for reducing noise emission from the base 16. In this embodiment, the motor case portion 20 of the base 16 has an annular first foam member 80 disposed below the grill 60, the impeller housing 76 and the air inlet. And an annular second foam member 82 disposed between the members 78.

4 to 11, the stretchable duct 18 of the pedestal 12 will be described in more detail. The base 32 of the duct 18 has a substantially cylindrical side wall 102 and an annular upper surface which is substantially orthogonal to and preferably integral with the side wall 102. 104). The side wall 102 has an external diameter substantially the same as the motor case portion 20 of the base 16, and when the duct 18 is connected to the base 16, the outer surface of the side wall 102 is the base. It is preferable that the shape is such that it is on a plane substantially the same as the outer surface of the motor case part 20 of (16). The base 32 further includes a relatively short air pipe 106 extending upwards from the top surface 104 to carry the primary air stream to the outer tubular member 34 of the duct 18. This air tube 106 preferably has substantially the same axis as the side wall 102, and the duct 18 allows the air tube 106 to be fully inserted into the outer tubular member 34 of the duct 108. Has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tubular member 34. Ribs extending in a number of axial directions to achieve an interference fit with the outer tubular member 34 of the duct 18 and thereby secure the outer tubular member 34 to the base 32 ( It is possible to place 108 on the outer face of the air tube 106. An annular sealing member 110 is disposed at the upper end of the air tube 106 to form an air-tight seal between the outer tubular member 34 and the air tube 106.

Duct 18 includes a domed air guiding member 114 for guiding the primary air stream exiting diffuser 74 into air tube 106. The air guide member 114 has an open lower end 116 for receiving the primary air stream from the base 16 and an open upper end for conveying the primary air stream to the air conduit 106. 118). The air guide member 114 is received in the base 32 of the duct 18. The air guide member 114 is connected to the base 32 by a co-operating snap-fit connector 120 disposed on the base 32 and the air guide member 114. In order to form an airtight seal between the base 32 and the air guide member 114, an annular second sealing member 121 is disposed around the open top 118. As shown in FIG. 3, the air guide member 114 is, for example, a cooperative snap fit connector 123 disposed on the motor case part 20 of the air guide member 114 and the base 16, or By means of a screw-threaded connector, it is connected to the open upper end of the motor case part 20 of the base 16. Thus, the air guide member 114 serves to connect the duct 18 to the base 16 of the pedestal 12.

On the inner face of the air guide member 114, a plurality of air guiding vanes 122 are arranged to guide the helical air flow exiting the diffuser 74 into the air tube 106. In this example, the air guide member 114 includes seven air guide vanes 122 disposed at regular intervals around the inner side of the air guide member 114. The air guide vanes 122 are arranged at the center of the open upper end 118 of the air guide member 114, so that a plurality of air channels for directing each portion of the primary air stream to the air pipe 106 are provided. 124 is formed in the air guide member 114. In particular, referring to FIG. 4, in the air tube 106, seven radial air guide vanes 126 are disposed. These radial air guide vanes 126 each extend substantially along the entire length of the air tube 106, and once the air guide member 114 is connected to the base 32, it is connected to the air guide vanes 122. They are adjacent to each other. The radial air guide vanes 126 thus form a plurality of axially-extending air channels 128 in the air tube 106, in which air guide members ( Each portion of the primary air stream from each air channel 124 in 114 is introduced and axially directs that portion of the primary air stream into the outer tubular member 34 of the duct 18 through the air tube 106. To transport. Accordingly, the air guide member 114 of the base 32 and the duct 18 receives the spiral air flow discharged from the diffuser 74 through the outer tubular member 34 and the inner tubular member 36 through the nozzle 14. It converts into axial air flow towards). An annular third sealing member 129 for forming an airtight seal can be provided between the air guide member 114 and the base 32 of the duct 18.

To the inner side of the upper part of the outer tubular member 34 a cylindrical upper sleeve 130 is connected, for example by means of adhesive or by fitting, the upper end 132 of the upper sleeve 130. Is connected to achieve the same height as the upper end 134 of the outer tubular member 34. The upper sleeve 130 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tubular member 36 so that the inner tubular member 36 can pass therethrough. On the upper sleeve 130 is arranged an annular third sealing member 136 for forming an airtight seal with the inner tubular member 36. The annular third sealing member 136 is fastened to the upper end 132 of the outer tubular member 34 to form an airtight seal between the upper sleeve 130 and the outer tubular member 34. (138).

To the outer surface of the lower part of the inner tubular member 36, a cylindrical lower sleeve 140 is connected, for example by use of an adhesive or by fitting, the lower end of the inner tubular member 36 ( 142 is connected to be positioned between the upper end 144 and the lower end 146 of the lower sleeve 140. The upper end 144 of the lower sleeve 140 has an outer diameter substantially the same as the lower end 148 of the upper sleeve 130. Thus, in the position where the inner tubular member 36 is fully extended, the upper end 144 of the lower sleeve 140 abuts against the lower end 148 of the upper sleeve 130 such that the inner tubular member 36 is outer tubular. It prevents it from coming off completely from the member 34. In the retracted position of the inner tubular member 36, the lower end 146 of the lower sleeve 140 is in contact with the upper end of the air tube 106.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main spring (circumferentially around an axle 152 rotatably supported between inwardly extending arms 154 of the lower sleeve 140 of the duct 18. main spring) 150 is wound. Referring to FIG. 8, the main spring 150 is a steel strip having a free end 156 fixedly disposed between an outer surface of the upper sleeve 130 and an inner surface of the outer tubular member 34. (steel strip). As a result, the main spring 150 is unwound from the shaft 152 as the inner tubular member 36 is lowered from the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to the retracted position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The elastic energy accumulated in the main spring 150 functions as a counter-weight for maintaining the user-selected position of the inner tubular member 36 with respect to the outer tubular member 34.

Spring-loaded arcuate band 158 formed of a plastic material and located in an annular groove 160 extending circumferentially about the lower sleeve 140. This imparts additional resistance to the movement of the inner tubular member 36 relative to the outer tubular member 34. 7 and 9, the band 158 does not extend fully around the lower sleeve 140 and thus includes two ends 161 opposing both ends. Ends 161 of band 158 each include a radially inner portion 161a that is received within aperture 162 formed in lower sleeve 140. A compression spring 164 is disposed between the radially inner portion 161a of the end 161 of the band 158 so that the outer surface of the band 158 is the inner surface of the outer tubular member 34. Because of the pressing against, the frictional force that resists the movement of the inner tubular member 36 relative to the outer tubular member 34 increases.

The band 158 is disposed in the present embodiment on the opposite side of the compression spring 164 to form a grooved portion 164 that forms a groove 167 extending axially on the outer surface of the band 158. More). The groove 167 of the band 158 is disposed above the raised rib 168 extending axially along the length of the inner face of the outer tubular member 34. The groove 167 has substantially the same angular width and radial depth as the raised rib 168 to prevent relative rotation between the inner tubular member 36 and the outer tubular member 34.

Hereinafter, the nozzle 14 of the fan assembly 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. The nozzle 14 includes an annular outer casing section 200 connected to and extending around an annular inner casing section 202. These sections may each be formed of a plurality of joined parts, but in this embodiment, the outer case section 200 and the inner case section 202 are each formed from a single molded part. The inner case section 202 forms the opening 38 at the center of the nozzle 14 and for forming the Coanda face 42, the diffuser face 44, the guide face 46 and the tapered face 48. And an external peripheral surface 203 shaped.

The outer case section 200 and the inner case section 202 together, ie cooperate with each other, form an annular interior passage 204 of the nozzle 14. Thus, the inner passage 204 extends around the opening 38. The inner passage 204 is bounded by the inner circumferential surface 206 of the outer case section 200 and the inner circumferential surface 208 of the inner case section 202. The base of the outer case section 200 includes an aperture 210.

The connector 37, which connects the nozzle 14 to the open upper end 170 of the inner tubular member 36 of the duct 18, has a tilting mechanism for tilting the nozzle 12 with respect to the pedestal 14. It includes. This tilting mechanism includes an upper member in the form of a plate 300 arranged to be secured within the aperture 210. Optionally, the plate 300 may be integrally formed with the outer case section 200. The plate 300 includes a circular aperture 302 through which the primary air flow is directed from the flexible duct 18 to the inner passage 204. The connector 37 further includes a lower member in the form of an air tube 304 inserted at least partially through the open upper end 170 of the inner tubular member 36. This air tube 304 has an inner diameter substantially the same as the circular aperture 302 formed in the upper plate 300 of the connector 37. If desired, an annular seal is formed between the inner side of the inner tubular member 36 and the outer side of the air tube 304 to prevent the air tube 304 from falling out of the inner tubular member 36. You may provide a member. The plate 300 is pivotally connected to the air tube 304 using a series of connectors (indicated by reference numeral 306 in FIG. 12) covered by an end cap 308. do. Between the air tube 304 and the plate 300 a flexible hose 310 for transporting air between them extends. This flexible hose 310 may be in the form of an annular bellows sealing element. The annular first sealing member 312 forms an airtight seal between the hose 310 and the air tube 304, and the annular second sealing member 314 is airtight between the hose 310 and the plate 300. Forms a seal. In order to incline the nozzle 12 with respect to the pedestal 14, the user simply pushes or pulls the nozzle 12 to bend the hose 310 so that the plate 300 is directed against the air tube 304. You can move it. The force required to move the nozzle 12 is determined by the tightness of the connection between the plate 300 and the air tube 304, which is preferably in the range of 2N to 4N. The nozzle 12 is preferably made movable within a range of ± 10 ° from an untilted position where the axis X is substantially horizontal to a fully tilted position. As the nozzle 12 is inclined with respect to the pedestal 14, the axis X moves along a substantially vertical surface.

The mouse 40 of the nozzle 14 is disposed behind the nozzle 14. The mouse 40 is formed by each overlapping or facing portion 212, 214 of the inner circumferential surface 206 of the outer case section 200 and the outer circumferential surface 203 of the inner case section 202. In this example, the mouse 40 is substantially annular and, as shown in FIG. 15, has a substantially U-shaped cross section when cut along a line segment passing in the radial direction through the nozzle 14. In this example, the overlapping portions 212, 214 of the inner circumferential surface 206 of the outer case section 200 and the outer circumferential surface 203 of the inner case section 202 are the same as if the mouse 40 cosced with primary air flow. Tapered toward an outlet 216 disposed to face up of 42. The outlet 216 is preferably in the form of an annular slot having a relatively constant width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In this example, the outlet 216 has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. To forcibly separate the overlapping portions 212, 214 of the inner circumferential surface 206 of the outer case section 200 and the outer circumferential surface 203 of the inner case section 202 and to maintain the width of the outlet 216 at a desired level. Alternatively, spacers may be disposed around the mouse 40 at intervals. These spacers may be integrated with the inner circumferential surface 206 of the outer case section 200 or the outer circumferential surface 203 of the inner case section 202.

In order to operate the fan assembly 10, the user presses an appropriate button among the buttons 26 on the base 16 of the base 12, and in response, the controller 52 starts the motor 68 to execute an impeller ( 64). The rotation of the impeller 64 causes primary air flow to be sucked through the aperture 62 of the grill 60 into the base 16 of the pedestal 12. This primary air flow can be between 20 liters and 40 liters per second, depending on the speed of the motor 68. The primary air stream passes sequentially through the impeller housing 76 and the diffuser 74. By the spiral shape of the blades of the diffuser 74, the primary air stream exits the diffuser 74 in the form of a spiral air stream. The primary air stream enters the air guide member 114, where a curved air guiding vane 122 divides the primary air stream into a plurality of sections, and each portion of this primary air stream is Each leads to an axially extending air channel 128 in the air tube 106 of the base 32 of the flexible duct 18. Each portion of the primary air stream joins the axial air stream as these portions are released from the air tube 106. The primary air flow moves upward through the outer tubular member 34 and the inner tubular member 36 of the duct 18 and enters the inner passage 204 of the nozzle 14 through the connector 37.

Within the nozzle 14, the primary air stream is divided into two air streams passing in opposite directions around the opening 38 in the center of the nozzle 14. As the air flow passes through the inner passage 204, air enters the mouth 40 of the nozzle 14. The air flow entering the mouth 40 is preferably substantially uniform around the opening 38 of the nozzle 14. Within the mouse 40, the flow direction of the air flow is substantially reversed. The air flow is constricted by the tapered portion of the mouse 40 and is discharged through the outlet 216.

The primary air flow emitted from the mouse 40 is directed up the coanda face 42 of the nozzle 14 and in the outside environment, in particular the surrounding area of the outlet 216 of the mouse 40 and near the rear of the nozzle 14. By entraining the air from it creates a secondary air flow. This secondary air stream passes through the opening 38 at the center of the nozzle 14 where it is combined with the primary air stream to create an integrated air stream or air stream that is ejected forward from the nozzle 14. Depending on the speed of the motor 68, the mass flow rate of the air flow that is injected forward from the fan assembly 10 is up to 400 liters per second, preferably up to 600 liters per second, more preferably 800 liters per second. The maximum velocity of the air flow can range from 2.5 m / s to 4.5 m / s.

The uniform distribution of primary air flow along the mouth 40 of the nozzle 14 ensures that the air flow passes evenly over the diffuser face 44. The diffuser face 44 reduces the average velocity of the air flow by moving the air flow through the controlled extension region. The relatively shallow angle of the diffuser face 44 relative to the central axis X of the opening 38 makes it possible to smoothly expand the air flow. Otherwise, by violently or abrupt divergence, the air flow splits and creates a vortex in the extended region. Such vortices cause increased turbulence and associated noise in the air stream, which is undesirable, especially in household products such as fans. Air flows injected forward beyond the diffuser face 44 tend to continue to diverge. The presence of the guide surface 46 extending substantially parallel to the central axis X of the opening 38 further collects the air flow. As a result, the air flow can be effectively moved away from the nozzle 14, making it possible to experience the air flow in a short time even at a distance of several meters from the fan assembly 10.

Claims (19)

Bladeless fan assembly,
Nozzle; And
Means for generating an air flow through the nozzle
Including;
The nozzle is
Interior passage,
A mouth into which air flows from the inner passage is introduced, and
Surface located adjacent to the mouse
Including,
The mouse is configured to direct airflow over the face,
And the nozzle is mounted on a height adjustable pedestal. The method of claim 1,
And the pedestal receives the means for generating an air stream. The method of claim 2,
And the pedestal includes a duct for delivering air flow to the nozzle. The method of claim 3,
The pedestal includes a base for receiving the means for generating an air flow, the duct extending between the base and the nozzle. The method of claim 4, wherein
The means for generating an air flow includes an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller, and a diffuser disposed downstream of the impeller. The method of claim 5,
And an air flow guide means for guiding the air flow discharged from said diffuser to said duct. The method of claim 6,
And said air flow guide means comprises a plurality of vanes for respectively guiding respective portions of the air flow discharged from said diffuser to said ducts. The method of claim 7, wherein
Wherein said air flow guide means comprises a plurality of radial vanes at least partially disposed within said duct, such that each of said radial vanes is adjacent to each of said plurality of vanes. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The inner passage separates the incoming air stream into two air streams and each separated air stream flows to both sides of the opening. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The inner passage is continuous. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The fan passage is substantially annular. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The mouse extends around the opening and preferably has the same concentricity as the inner passage. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The nozzle assembly includes an inner casing section and an outer casing section that cooperate with each other to form the inner passageway and the mouse. The method of claim 13,
And the mouse comprises an outlet disposed between an outer face of the inner case section of the nozzle and an inner face of the outer case section of the nozzle. The method of claim 14,
The outlet is in the form of a slot at least partially extending around the opening. The method of claim 14,
And the outlet has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The fan assembly comprises a Coanda surface. The method of claim 17,
And the Coanda face extends around the opening. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
And the nozzle comprises a diffuser surface disposed downstream of the opening.

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