Fan assembly

Abstract

A fan assembly in which all of the major structural components of the assembly are mechanically fastened together by non-welding means, such as mechanical fasteners, is disclosed. The disclosure also relates to a fan assembly in which the major structural components have planar segments separated by bend lines that approximate a curved shape, and that can be formed, for example, by a press brake machine. Such a construction can eliminate the necessity for rolling, welding, and painting of the structural components of the fan assembly.

Claims

1. A fan assembly comprising: (a) a metal outer chamber with a plurality of adjoining planar sidewall segments, wherein each planar sidewall segment forms an obtuse angle with the adjoining sidewall segments to form a tubular structure having a polygonal cross-sectional shape having at least five sides, the outer chamber defining a longitudinal axis extending between a first open end and an opposite second open end, wherein the outer chamber is formed by a first section part and a second section part mechanically fastened to the first section part, wherein each of the first and second section parts include at least two interior obtuse angles formed by the planar sidewall segments, wherein each of the first and second section parts includes a plurality of separate bent tab sections extending orthogonally from the planar sidewall segments in a direction away from the longitudinal axis to form a first end flange at the first open end and a second end flange at the second open end; (b) a first adapter ring attached to the first end flange, the first adapter ring defining a circular outer perimeter; (c) a second adapter ring attached to the second end flange, the second adapter ring defining a circular outer perimeter; and (d) a rotatable fan assembly disposed within the outer chamber, the rotatable fan assembly being configured to move an airflow stream through the outer chamber from the first open end to the second open end.

2. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer chamber has eight planar sidewall segments separated by bend lines to form an octagonal cross-sectional shape.

3. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the first section part and the second section part have an equal number of planar sidewall segments.

4. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer chamber first and second section parts each have a first side flange and a second side flange, and wherein the first side flanges of the first and second section parts are secured together by mechanical fasteners, and wherein the second side flanges of the first and second section parts are secured together by mechanical fasteners.

5. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the planar sidewall segments is provided with the bent tab sections at opposite ends to form the first end flange and the second end flange.

6. The fan assembly of claim 1, further comprising: (a) an inlet cone secured to the first adapter ring; (b) wherein the rotatable fan assembly is a mixed-flow type fan assembly having a rotor inlet adjacent the inlet cone.

7. The fan assembly of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a motor plate mechanically fastened to the outer chamber, the motor plate being configured to support a motor for driving a fan wheel of the fan assembly; (b) a motor cover for covering the motor and being mechanically fastened to the outer chamber, the motor cover being formed from a plurality of planar segments; (c) a belt seal housing mechanically fastened to the outer chamber proximate the motor plate, the belt seal being housing a belt extending through the outer chamber and coupling the motor to the fan wheel.

8. The fan assembly of claim 1, further comprising: (a) an inner chamber having a plurality of planar sidewall segments that together form a tubular structure with a cross-sectional polygonal shape, the inner chamber being disposed within the outer chamber and supporting the rotatable fan assembly; and (b) a bearing plate securing the inner chamber to the outer chamber, the bearing plate being mechanically fastened to the inner chamber and to the outer chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a fan assembly having features that are examples of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway front perspective view of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view of a tail cone assembly of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a turning vane of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of a turning vane of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(9) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an outer chamber of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(10) FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an initially flat sheet of metal that can be formed into a first or second section of the outer chamber of the fan assembly shown at FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 9 is a side view of an inner chamber and the bearing plate of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(12) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the inner chamber and the bearing plate of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(13) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a tail cone assembly of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(14) FIG. 12 is an end view showing selected elements of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(15) FIG. 13 is an end view of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 1.

(16) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fan assembly shown in FIG. 13, taken along the line 14-14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

(18) Referring now to FIG. 1, an example fan assembly 100 is shown. Fan assembly 100 is for providing means for transporting air, such as through a ducting system (not shown) relating to a building heating, ventilation, air conditioning, recirculation, and/or exhaust air system. As shown, fan assembly 100 is constructed such that the major structural components of the fan assembly 100 have a segmented shape that can be secured together without welding. By use of the term “major structural components” it is intended to include the outer chamber 200, the inner chamber 100, and the bearing plate 312 of the fan assembly 100, each of which will be discussed in greater detail herein. In embodiments where the turning vanes 500 secure the inner chamber 100 to the outer chamber 200, the turning vanes 500 can also be considered a major structural component. In the embodiment shown, fan assembly 100 is a mixed-flow type fan assembly having a mixed-flow type fan rotor 102 supported by a shaft 104 that is driven by a belt 108 connected to an electric motor 106. Alternatively, the fan rotor can be another type of fan rotor such as an axial fan rotor. Also, the shaft 104 can be configured to be directly driven by the electric motor 106 instead of indirectly driven by the belt 108.

(19) By use of the term “segmented shape” it is meant to include those shapes that are formed by planar surfaces or segments separated by bend lines that approximate a curve in contrast to shapes that are formed with a continuously curved surface. One example of a segmented shape is a generally polygonal shape. By use of the terms “mechanical fastener”, “mechanically fastened”, and “non-welded means” it is intended to include any method of attachment between two components other than welding. Non-limiting examples of mechanical fasteners are bolts, screws, rivets, clips, and latches.

(20) Fan assembly 100 includes an outer chamber 200 configured for housing a number of components, for example a fan rotor 102. As shown, outer chamber 200 includes a first section 202 and a second section 204 that cooperatively form a tubular structure having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape extending between a first open end 206 and a second open end 208, and defining a longitudinal axis L. Although the outer chamber 200 is shown as having a generally octagonal shape with 8 planar sections, other generally polygonal shapes are possible, such as pentagonal (five sides), hexagonal (six sides), heptagonal (seven sides), decagonal (ten sides), and dodecagonal (twelve sides) shapes which progressively define cross-sectional shapes that approximate a circle. Additionally, although outer chamber 200 is shown as having two sections 202, 204, more sections may be provided.

(21) In the embodiment presented in the drawings, and as most easily seen in the schematic representation shown at FIG. 7, each of the first and second sections 202, 204 is provided with five planar sections separated by bend lines that together form a generally octagonal cross-sectional shape. In particular, the outer chamber first section 202 is provided with planar sections 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e (collectively referred to as 202a-e) separated by bend lines 202f, 202g, 202h, and 202i (collectively referred to as 202f-i). Similarly, the outer chamber second section 204 is provided with planar sections 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e (collectively referred to as 204a-e) separated by bend lines 204f, 204g, 204h, and 204i (collectively referred to as 204f-i). As shown, planar sections 202b-d and 204b-d each have a length L1 while planar sections 202a, 202e, 204a, and 204e each have a length L2 that is about one half the length of L1. This construction allows for planar sections 202a and 204a to form one of the full sides of the outer chamber 202 and for planar sections 202e and 204e to cooperatively form another one of the full sides of the outer chamber 202. It is noted that sections 202a/202a and 202e/204e do not have to have the same length as each other as long as their combined lengths are equal to L1. However, manufacturing costs can be reduced where L1 is about half L2 as the first and second sections 202, 204 can then be identical to each other. The angles between each adjacent full side (e.g. angle between 204c and 204d, angle between 204a/202a and 202b, etc.) are also shown as being an equal angle a1. As the embodiment shown for the outer chamber 200 forms a generally octagonal shape, the angle a1 is about 135 degrees.

(22) Each of the outer chamber first and second sections 202, 204 are provided with first and second side flanges that serve as a mating point for the two sections. In particular, the outer chamber first section 202 is provided with a first side flange 202j that extends the length of the first section 202 and is separated from adjacent planar section 202a by a bend line 202l. The outer chamber first section 202 is also provided with a second side flange 202k that extends the length of the first section 202 and is separated from adjacent planar section 202e by a bend line 202m. Similarly, the outer chamber second section is provided with a first side flange 204i that extends the length of the second section 204 and is separated from adjacent planar section 204a by a bend line 204l, and is provided with a second side flange 204k that extends the length of the second section 204 and is separated from adjacent planar section 204e by a bend line 204m.

(23) With reference to FIG. 8, each of the first and second outer chamber sections 202, 204 can be formed from an initially flat sheet of metal by bending the flat sheet of metal at bend lines 202i/204i, 202f/204f, 202g/204g, 202h/204h, 202i/204i, 202l/204l, and 202m/204m. In one approach, the initially flat sheet can be bent at the bend lines by a press brake machine.

(24) As most easily seen at FIG. 7, the outer chamber 200 is formed by joining the first section 202 to the second section 204 such that the first side flanges 202j, 204j are aligned and in contact with each other and such that the second side flanges 202k, 204k are aligned and in contact with each other. Once properly aligned, the aligned side flanges can then be secured together, for example with mechanical fasteners 210. Accordingly, the aforementioned design and construction of the outer chamber 200 has the advantage of being formable through non-welding means. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used instead of mechanical fasteners for certain fan assembly sizes and applications. The first and second sections 202, 204 may also be secured by welding, for example by spot welding. However, as discussed previously, the use of certain welding processes can increase complexity and cost in manufacturing in that painting can be required and in that a metal(s) for the outer chamber 200 must be carefully chosen that is suitable for both bending and the selected welding process.

(25) As most easily viewed at FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer chamber 200 may be provided with a first end flange 212 adjacent the first open end and a second end flange 214 adjacent the second open end. The first end flange 212 is for providing support for a first adapter ring 216 and an inlet cone 218. The inlet cone 218 is shaped to provide a smooth pathway into the center portion of the fan rotor 102. The second end flange 214 is for providing support for a second adapter ring 220. As shown, the first and second end flanges 212, 214 are formed by a plurality of tab sections 222, each of which is shown as being formed integrally with a corresponding planar section (202a-e, 204a-e) and bent about 90 degrees with respect to the planar section (202a-e, 204a-e). Although a tab section 222 is shown at each planar section (202a-e, 204a-e), few tab sections may be provided. As shown, the adapter rings 216, 220 and the inlet cone 218 are attached to the respective tab sections 222 by mechanical fasteners 224.

(26) Where the outer chamber 200 is to be supported from below, mounting legs 226 may be provided on the outer chamber 200 and mechanically fastened to the second section 204. Where the outer chamber 200 is to be supported from above, the outer chamber may be provided with hanger mounts configured to accept support rods and vibration isolators, where desired.

(27) The outer chamber 200 can also be configured to support a motor plate 228 and a belt seal 230 for respectively supporting a motor 106 and housing a belt 108. Additionally, a motor cover 232 can be provided to house and protect the motor 106. As shown, each of the motor plate 228, the belt seal 230, and the motor cover 232 are mechanically fastened to the outer chamber first section 202 without the need for welding.

(28) Fan assembly 100 also includes an inner chamber 300. The inner chamber 300 is located within the outer chamber 200 and is primarily configured for supporting the fan rotor 102 of the fan assembly and for defining an airflow path between the inner and outer chambers 300, 200. As shown, inner chamber 300 includes a first section 302 and a second section 304 that cooperatively form a tubular structure having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape extending between a first open end 306 and a second open end 308. Although the inner chamber 300 is shown as having a generally octagonal shape with 8 planar sections, other generally polygonal shapes are possible, such as pentagonal (five sides), hexagonal (six sides), heptagonal (seven sides), decagonal (ten sides), and dodecagonal (twelve sides) shapes which progressively define cross-sectional shapes that approximate a circle. Additionally, although inner chamber 300 is shown as having two sections 302, 304, more sections may be provided.

(29) In the embodiment presented in the drawings, and as most easily seen in the schematic representations shown at FIGS. 9-10, each of the first and second sections 302, 304 is provided with five planar sections separated by bend lines that together form a generally octagonal cross-sectional shape. In particular, the inner chamber first section 302 is provided with planar sections 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, 302e (collectively referred to as 302a-e) separated by bend lines 302f, 302g, 302h, and 302i (collectively referred to as 302f-i). Similarly, the inner chamber second section 304 is provided with planar sections 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e (collectively referred to as 304a-e) separated by bend lines 304f, 304g, 304h, and 304i (collectively referred to as 204f-i). As shown, planar sections 302b-d and 304b-d each have a length L3 while planar sections 302a and 302e have a length L4 and planar sections 304a and 304e have a length L5 wherein length L4 and L5 together, in addition to the thickness of the bearing plate, generally equal length L3. This construction allows for planar sections 302a and 304a to form one of the full sides of the inner chamber 302 and for planar sections 302e and 304e to cooperatively form another one of the full sides of the inner chamber 302. It is noted that sections 302a/302e and 304a/304e could have identical lengths as is shown for the outer chamber. The angles between each adjacent full side (e.g. angle between 304c and 304d, angle between 304a/302a and 302b, etc.) are also shown as being an equal angle a2. As the embodiment shown for the inner chamber 300 forms a generally octagonal shape, the angle a2 is about 135 degrees.

(30) Each of the inner chamber first and second sections 302, 304 are provided with first and second side flanges that serve as a mating point for the two sections. In particular, the inner chamber first section 302 is provided with a first side flange 302j that extends the length of the first section 302 and is separated from adjacent planar section 302a by a bend line 302l. The inner chamber first section 302 is also provided with a second side flange 302k that extends the length of the first section 302 and is separated from adjacent planar section 302e by a bend line 202m. Similarly, the inner chamber second section is provided with a first side flange 304i that extends the length of the second section 304 and is separated from adjacent planar section 304a by a bend line 304l, and is provided with a second side flange 304k that extends the length of the second section 304 and is separated from adjacent planar section 304e by a bend line 304m.

(31) As with the outer chamber 200, each of the first and second outer chamber sections 302, 304 can be formed from an initially flat sheet of metal by bending the flat sheet of metal at bend lines 302i/304i, 302f/304f, 302g/304g, 302h/304h, 302i/304i, 302l/304l, and 302m/304m. In one approach, the initially flat sheet can be bent at the bend lines by a press brake machine.

(32) As most easily seen at FIG. 10, the inner chamber 300 is formed by joining the first section 302 to the second section 304 such that the first side flanges 302j, 304j are aligned and in contact with the bearing plate 312 and such that the second side flanges 302k, 304k are aligned and in contact with the bearing plate 312. Once properly aligned, the aligned side flanges and bearing plate 312 can then be secured together, for example with mechanical fasteners 310. Accordingly, the aforementioned design and construction of the inner chamber 300 has the advantage of being formable through non-welding means. It is to be understood that, where a bearing plate does not extend all the way through the inner chamber, the side flanges can be directly attached to one another. It is also noted that an adhesive may be used instead of mechanical fasteners for certain fan assembly sizes and applications. The first and second sections 302, 304 may also be secured by welding, for example by spot welding. However, as discussed previously, the use of certain welding processes can increase complexity and cost in manufacturing in that painting can be required and in that a metal(s) for the inner chamber 300 must be carefully chosen that is suitable for both bending and the selected welding process.

(33) As shown, the inner chamber 300 houses and supports a bearing plate 312 which includes planar segments separated by bend lines and which includes a perimeter flange, both of which can be formed by, for example, a brake press machine. The bearing plate 312 is configured to support bearing assemblies 112 which in turn support rotating shaft 104 to which a belt pulley/sheave 110 and a rotatable fan rotor 102 are attached. As shown, the bearing plate 312 is attached to the inner chamber 300 by mechanical fasteners 310 whereby welding is not required. For example, in the embodiment shown, a middle section 312a of the bearing plate 312 is mechanically fastened via fasteners 310 to the inner chamber 300 between side flanges 302j/304j and side flanges 302k/304k. Also, upwardly bent end sections 312b of the bearing plate 312 are secured to the planar sections 202b, 202d of the outer chamber 200 via mechanical fasteners 313. This construction allows for the bearing plate 312 to structurally secure the inner chamber 300 within the outer chamber 200.

(34) The inner chamber 300 may also be provided with tab sections 314 on one or more of the planar sections 302a-e, 304a-e at the first and second open ends 306, 308 that may be used for connection to an end plate 302 and a tail cone assembly 400, respectively. As shown, the end plate 302 is mechanically fastened to the inner chamber 300 via the tab sections 314 and fasteners 315 so as to cover the first open end 306. In operation, the end plate 302 prevents air from flowing through the interior of the inner chamber 300 and instead directs the airflow to the interstitial space between the inner and outer chambers 200, 300. As explained herein, the tail cone assembly 400 covers the second open end 308 of the inner chamber 300.

(35) At the second open end 308 of the inner chamber 300, a tail cone assembly 400 may be provided and secured via fasteners 315 at tab sections 314. The tail cone assembly 400 functions to cover the second open end 308 of the inner chamber and to provide an aerodynamic transition for the airflow stream passing beyond the inner chamber 300.

(36) The tail cone assembly 400 shares many of the same features as the inner and outer chambers 300, 200 in that the tail cone assembly 400 can be formed by folding initially flat sheets of metal and joining the structures together with non-welding means to form a tubular structure. Accordingly, the various planar sections and bend lines for the tail cone assembly 400 do not need to be discussed with regard to these similar features. With regard to the similar features, the descriptions for the inner and outer chambers 200, 300 are hereby incorporated by reference into the description for the tail cone assembly 400.

(37) The tail cone assembly 400 is different from the outer and inner chambers 200, 300 in that a polyhedral shape is formed such that the tail cone assembly 400 tapers from a first open end 416 matching the second open end 308 of the inner chamber 300 to a second open end 418. The tail cone assembly also differs in that four separate sections 402, 404, 406, 408 are joined together instead of only two sections although fewer or more sections may be utilized. In the particular embodiment shown, the sections 402-408 are each identical, thus allowing for the tail cone assembly 400 to be produced from four of the same type of piece part. This approach reduces manufacturing costs. It is noted that sections 402 and 404 are shown as being provided with notched portions 414 which may be either formed after the section piece is produced or as section pieces that are non-identical to sections 406 and 408. Although the assembled tail cone assembly 400 is shown as defining a generally octagonal shape with 8 planar sections, other generally polygonal shapes are possible, such as pentagonal (five sides), hexagonal (six sides), heptagonal (seven sides), decagonal (ten sides), and dodecagonal (twelve sides) shapes which progressively define cross-sectional shapes that approximate a circle.

(38) In the embodiment presented in the drawings, and as most easily seen in the schematic representations shown at FIG. 11, each of the sections 402-408 is provided with three planar sections separated by bend lines that together form a generally octagonal cross sectional shape. In particular, each section 402-408 is provided with planar sections 400a, 400b, 400c (collectively referred to as 400a-c) separated by bend lines 400d, 400e (collectively referred to as 400d-e). As shown, each planar section 400b has a length L6 while each planar section 302a, 302c has a length L7, wherein length L7 is generally one half of length L6. The angles between each adjacent side 400a-400c are also shown as being an equal angle a3. As the embodiment shown for the tail cone assembly 400 forms a generally octagonal shape, the angle a3 is about 135 degrees.

(39) Each of the tail cone assembly sections 402-408 is provided with first and second side flanges that serve as a mating point for the adjacent sections. In particular, a first side flange 400f is provided that extends the length of the section and is separated from adjacent planar section 400a by a bend line 400h. Each section 402-408 is also provided with a second side flange 400g that extends the length of the section and is separated from adjacent planar section 400c by a bend line 400i.

(40) As with the inner and outer chambers 200, 300, each section 402-408 can be formed from an initially flat sheet of metal by bending the flat sheet of metal at bend lines 400h, 400d, 400e, and 400i. In one approach, the initially flat sheet can be bent at the bend lines by a press brake machine.

(41) As most easily seen at FIG. 11, the tail cone assembly is formed by joining the sections 402-408 at the respective first and second side flanges 400f, 400g such that the flanges are aligned and in contact with each other. Once properly aligned, the aligned side flanges 400f, 400g can then be secured together, for example with mechanical fasteners 410. Accordingly, the aforementioned design and construction of the tail cone assembly 400 has the advantage of being formable through non-welding means. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used instead of mechanical fasteners for certain fan assembly sizes and applications. The sections 402-408 may also be secured by welding, for example by spot welding. However, as discussed previously, the use of certain welding processes can increase complexity and cost in manufacturing in that painting can be required and in that a metal(s) for the tail cone assembly 400 must be carefully chosen that is suitable for both bending and the selected welding process.

(42) The tail cone assembly 400 may also be provided with folded tab or flange sections 420, 412 on one or more of the planar sections 400a-c at the first and second open ends 416, 418 that may be used for connection to the inner chamber 300 and an end plate 422, respectively. As shown, the end plate 422 is mechanically fastened to the tail cone assembly 400 via the tab sections 422 so as to cover the second open end 418. In operation, the end plate 418 prevents air from flowing backwards through the interior of the inner chamber 300 via the tail cone assembly 400.

(43) With reference to FIGS. 6 and 12, additional detail regarding the turning vanes 500 can be seen. As configured, each of the turning vanes 500 is configured with a plurality of planar sections 502 separated by bend lines 504. Additionally, tabs 506 may be provided along the sides of the turning vanes 500 to facilitate mounting of the turning vane 500. In one embodiment, each of the turning vanes can be formed from an initially flat sheet of metal by bending the flat sheet of metal at bend lines 504. In one approach, the initially flat sheet can be bent at the bend lines 504 by a press brake machine. Once formed, the turning vanes 500 can be mounted to one or both of the inner chamber 300 and the outer chamber 200. As shown, the turning vanes 500 are secured to the outer chamber 200 via fasteners 511 and spaced away from the inner chamber 300. However, it is to be understood that the turning vanes could be secured to the inner chamber 300 and be spaced from the outer chamber, or be secured to both the inner and outer chambers 200, 300 to structurally secure the inner chamber 300 to the outer chamber 200. With reference to FIG. 12, it can be seen that a turning vane 500 extends from each of the full sides of the inner chamber 300 to a corresponding parallel full side of the outer chamber 200 such that each turning vane 500 is perpendicular to the full sides of the chambers 200, 300 to which it is attached. As mentioned previously, the turning vanes 500 also function to straighten airflow leaving the rotatable fan assembly 100.