Patent Application
20180017063
The present disclosure relates to a fan assembly.
A dual fan assembly can be utilized to cool various engine components. One motor is coupled to one of the fans and another motor is coupled to the other one of the fans, and when both motors operate, both fans can rotate to move air. A single controller is in communication with both of the motors to operate the motors, which causes the fans to rotate when desired. The location of the motors relative to the respective fans blocks movement of the air through the respective fans.
A single fan assembly has also been developed. The single fan assembly includes a plurality of magnets that interact with an armature to rotate the fan. A single controller is in communication with the fan and energizes the armature which causes the magnets to move and rotate the fan when desired.
The present disclosure provides a fan assembly including a first fan and a second fan spaced from the first fan. The first fan includes a first central portion disposed along a first axis and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion and spaced radially away from the first axis. The second fan includes a second central portion disposed along a second axis and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion and spaced radially away from the second axis. The fan assembly also includes a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans. The single drive unit is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.
The present disclosure also provides another fan assembly including a shroud and a first fan supported by the shroud. The first fan includes a first central portion and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion. The fan assembly also includes a second fan spaced from the first fan and supported by the shroud. The second fan includes a second central portion and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion. The fan assembly further includes a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans. The single drive unit is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.
The detailed description and the drawings or Figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the claim scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claims have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.
Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, up, downward, down, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively for the figures to aid the reader's understanding, and do not represent limitations (for example, to the position, orientation, or use, etc.) on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the term “substantially” can refer to a slight imprecision or slight variance of a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, etc., some of which that are within manufacturing variance or tolerance ranges.
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 and a fan assembly 12 coupled to the vehicle 10 are generally shown in
The fan assembly 12 can be utilized in a vehicle application or a non-vehicle application. Non-limiting examples of the vehicles 10 can include cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, watercrafts, all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, aircrafts, farm equipment or any other suitable vehicle. Non-limiting examples of the non-vehicles can include machines, farm equipment or any other suitable non-vehicle.
Referring to
The CRFM can be disposed between a first end 24 of the vehicle 10 and a passenger compartment 26 of the vehicle 10. Generally, a flow of gaseous fluid (see arrow 28) can enter the first end 24 of the vehicle 10 through a vent or a grill in the direction of the arrow 28 which is then directed toward the CRFM. The components of the CRFM can be in various locations relative to each other. For example, the condenser 18 can be disposed upstream to the air cooler 22, the radiator 20 and the fan assembly 12 relative to the direction of the flow of the gaseous fluid. Furthermore, the air cooler 22 can be disposed between the condenser 18 and the radiator 20. In addition, the radiator 20 can be disposed between the air cooler 22 and the fan assembly 12. As such, the fan assembly 12 can be disposed downstream to the condenser 18, the air cooler 22 and the radiator 20 relative to the direction of the arrow 28. When the fan assembly 12 is operated, gaseous fluid is expelled either toward the first end 24 of the vehicle 10 or toward the passenger compartment 26.
As best shown in
As also best shown in
Continuing with
In certain embodiments, the single drive unit 42 is coupled to one of the first and second central portions 30, 36 to directly operate the corresponding one of the fans 14, 16, and the single drive unit 42 is spaced from the other one of the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate the other one of the fans 14, 16. Therefore, one drive unit 42, i.e., the single drive unit 42, can operate both fans 14, 16 in a master/slave configuration, which eliminates the need for two separate drive units to operate each fan independently. As such, the number of components for the fan assembly 12 is reduced, which can reduce costs and can provide a space and weight savings. Regarding the master/slave configuration, for example, the first fan 14 can be operated as the master fan and the second fan 16 can be operated as the slave fan. Alternatively, for example, the first fan 14 can be operated as the slave fan and the second fan 16 can be operated as the master fan.
Referring to
Furthermore, the single drive unit 42 can include an armature 46 (best shown in
In certain embodiments, the single drive unit 42 is configured to indirectly operate the second fan 16 by electrifying the armature 46 which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate the second fan blades 38. Hence, when the second fan 16 is operating as the slave fan, the second fan blades 38 can rotate relative to the fixed armature 46. Therefore, there is no direct contact between the single drive unit 42 and the second fan blades 38 to cause the second fan blades 38 to rotate.
Continuing with
In certain embodiments, the magnets 44 are disposed closer to the distal end 50 of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 than the proximal end 48 of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38. Furthermore, the armature 46 can be disposed closer to the distal end 50 of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 than the proximal end 48 of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38. In the embodiment with the magnets 44 being part of the second fan 16, the magnets 44 and the armature 46 are disposed closer to the distal end 50 of the second fan blades 38 than the proximal end 48 of the second fan blades 38.
Continuing with
When the second fan 16 is the slave fan, the second fan 16 can include the outer ring 52 and the magnets 44. Therefore, in this configuration, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16, and the outer ring 52 is spaced radially away from the second axis 40. In this configuration, the second fan blades 38 are disposed between the outer ring 52 and the second central portion 36, and the armature 46 is disposed proximal to the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. The single drive unit 42 is configured to electrify the armature 46 when operating the second fan 16 which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate the plurality of second fan blades 38. Hence, the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the second fan 16 in this configuration. Said differently, the single drive unit 42 operates the second fan 16 as a slave. As such, the armature 46 creates the magnetic field when electrified which causes the magnets 44 to move to rotate the second fan blades 38.
In certain embodiments, the first and second fans 14, 16 each can include one outer ring 52 spaced radially away from the first and second central portions 30, 36 respectively. Generally, the first fan blades 32 can be disposed between the first central portion 30 and the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14, and, the second fan blades 38 can be disposed between the second central portion 36 and the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. The outer ring 52 of the second fan 16 can surround the second fan blades 38 and the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14 can surround the first fan blades 32. However, only one of the outer rings 52 supports the magnets 44 due to only one of the fans 14, 16 being the slave fan. Therefore, for example, if the second fan 16 is the slave fan, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. Alternatively, for example, if the first fan 14 is the slave fan, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14.
Continuing with
The first and second central portions 30, 36 can each include an inner ring 58. The first fan blades 32 are disposed between the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Similarly, the second fan blades 38 are disposed between the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Therefore, the first fan blades 32 are surrounded on opposing ends 48, 50 by the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Furthermore, the second fan blades 38 are surrounded on opposing ends 48, 50 by the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. As such, the outer and inner rings 52, 58 of the second fan 16 can support the second fan blades 38, and the outer and inner rings 52, 58 of the first fan 14 can support the first fan blades 32.
When the second fan 16 is operating as the slave fan, the inner ring 58 is disposed between the second fan blades 38 and the spokes 54. When the first fan 14 is operating as the slave fan, the inner ring 58 is disposed between the first fan blades 32 and the spokes 54. Therefore, generally, the inner ring 58 surrounds the spokes 54 of one of the first and second fans 14, 16 in certain configurations.
The first central portion 30 and the second central portion 36 can be configured different from each other such that one of the central portions 30, 36 include the spokes 54 and the other one of the central portions 30, 36 does not include the spokes 54. As such, the inner ring 58 of the first central portion 30 and the inner ring 58 of the second central portion 36 can be configured differently from each other. For example, if the second central portion 36 includes the spokes 54, then the inner ring 58 of the first central portion 30 can be elongated relative to the first axis 34 to present a wall 60, and vice versa if the first central portion 30 includes the spokes 54.
The first and second fans 14, 16 can each include an axle 62 about which the first and second fan blades 32, 38 respectively rotate. In certain embodiments, the axle 62 of the first fan 14 can align with the first axis 34 and the axle 62 of the second fan 16 can align with the second axis 40. Optionally, a bearing 64 can be disposed between respective axles 62 and respective first and second fans 14, 16 to minimize friction as the first and second fan blades 32, 38 rotate.
When the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the second fan 16, then the single drive unit 42 directly operates the first fan 14. In this configuration, at least part of the single drive unit 42 overlaps the first central portion 30 such that the first central portion 30 is at least partially blocked by the at least part of the single drive unit 42 axially relative to the first axis 34. More specifically, as best shown in
The single motor 66 can be any suitable type of motor that can operate to selectively rotate the first and second fan blades 32, 38 as described herein. Non-limiting examples of the single motor 66 can include an electric motor, a permanent magnet motor, a brushless motor, a brush motor, etc. If utilizing a brushless motor, the voltage of the motor is regulated and an rpm feedback signal loop is utilized to control the speed that the fan blades 32, 38 rotate. If utilizing a brush motor, a feedback sensor 68 is in communication with the motor and the armature 46 (which is schematically identified by phantom lines) to monitor the position of the fan blades 32, 38 of the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated and can utilize the rpm feedback signal loop to control the speed that the fan blades 32, 38 rotate. Hence, the feedback sensor 68 is not utilized with a brushless motor. Therefore, the feedback sensor 68 is optional depending on the type of motor being utilized.
Alternatively, when the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the first fan 14, then the single drive unit 42 directly operates the second fan 16. In this configuration, the single motor 66 is coupled to the second fan 16 (instead of the first fan 14) to directly operate the second fan 16 to rotate the second fan blades 38. The single motor 66 overlaps the second central portion 36 such that the second central portion 36 is at least partially blocked by the single motor 66 axially relative to the second axis 40. Simply stated, the single motor 66 blocks part of the second fan 16. Hence, the flow of gaseous fluid through the second fan 16 is restricted in the location of the single motor 66. Therefore, the majority of the gaseous fluid passes through the second fan blades 38, instead of through the second central portion 36 due to the single motor 66 blocking the second central portion 36.
The single motor 66 is coupled to one of the first and second fans 14, 16 by any suitable components to allow the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38 to rotate when desired. Hence, the manner in which the single motor 66 is coupled to one of the first and second fans 14, 16 does not restrict the operation of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38.
Turning back to the armature 46, as discussed above, the armature 46 and the magnets 44 cooperate to selective rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38. The armature 46 is selectively electrified through the single motor 66. Therefore, one motor 66, i.e., the single motor 66, can be utilized to directly operate one of the fans 14, 16 and indirectly operate the other one of the fans 14, 16 through the armature 46. Referring to
The armature 46 is attached to the single motor 66 by an electrical wire 74 such that the single motor 66 can indirectly operate the armature 46. Hence, electricity is delivered or directed to the armature 46 through the single motor 66 by the electrical wire 74. The single motor 66 can receive electricity through a power source 76. Therefore, another electrical wire 74 can be attached to the single motor 66 and to the power source 76 to deliver or direct electricity to the single motor 66 and then to the armature 46. It is to be appreciated that any suitable number of electrical wires 74 can be attached to the single motor 66 and the armature 46.
Continuing with
The controller 78 can include a processor 80 and a memory 82 on which is recorded instructions for communicating with the power source 76 and the single motor 66. The controller 78 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 82, via the processor 80. The memory 82 can include, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, etc. The controller 78 can also have random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A/D) and/or digital-to-analog (D/A) circuitry, and any required input/output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and/or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the controller 78 can include all software, hardware, memory 82, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessary to communication with the power source 76 and the single motor 66. It is to be appreciated that the controller 78 can be in communication with any other components, modules, vehicle systems, other controllers, etc.
Referring to
Generally, the armature 46 can be secured to the shroud 84 adjacent to one of the first and second fans 14, 16. More specifically, the armature 46 is fixed to the shroud 84. The armature 46 can be disposed outside of the first and second fans 14, 16. Specifically, the armature 46 can be disposed outside of the outer ring 52. Therefore, the armature 46 remains stationary relative to movement of the first and second fan blades 32, 38. For example, when the second fan 16 is indirectly operated by the single drive unit 42, the armature 46 can be secured or fixed to the shroud 84 proximal to the magnets 44 and the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. It is to be appreciated that more than one armature 46 can be secured to the shroud 84 around the fan 14, 16 that is to be operated indirectly.
Continuing with
The shroud 84 can include a first bracket 94 that indirectly supports the first fan 14 and a second bracket 96 that indirectly supports the second fan 16. Therefore, the first and second brackets 94, 96 are stationary, and the first and second fan blades 32, 38 can be rotatable relative to the shroud 84 and the first and second brackets 94, 96. When the first fan 14 is directly operated by the single drive unit 42, the single motor 66 is supported by the first bracket 94 and the axle 62 of the second fan 16 is supported by the second bracket 96. When the second fan 16 is directly operated by the single drive unit 42, the single motor 66 is supported by the second bracket 96 and the axle 62 of the first fan 14 is supported by the first bracket 94.
When the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates both of the fans 14, 16, the single drive unit 42 can include a plurality of armatures 46, and each of the fans 14, 16 can include magnets 44 that interact with respective armatures 46. Therefore, the general configuration of the second fan 16, with the corresponding armature 46, magnets 44, spokes 54, second bracket 96, as shown in
Continuing with the single drive unit 42 indirectly operating both of the fans 14, 16, each of the armatures 46 are attached to the single motor 66 by respective electrical wires 74 such that the single motor 66 can indirectly operate the armatures 46. Hence, electricity is delivered or directed to the armatures 46 through the single motor 66 by the electrical wires 74. The single motor 66 can receive electricity through the power source 76 as discussed above.
As indicated above, the location of the first and second fans 14, 16 can be switched. For example, the location of the fans 14, 16 can be switched to move the single motor 66 away from a high heat area and/or to eliminate the need for one or more heat shields. Also, the single motor 66 can be moved to any suitable location away from the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate both of the fan 14, 16 which allows the single motor 66 to be moved away from a high heat area, and/or to eliminate the need for one or more heat shields, and/or to move the single motor 66 away from a tight packaging area. Furthermore, the fan assembly 12 described herein only utilizes one motor 66 and one controller 78 to selectively operate the first and second fans 14, 16, which reduces the number of components required and thus reduces the mass of the assembly 12. Additionally, the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated, i.e., the fan 14, 16 with the spokes 54, can have a reduced mass (due to the design not requiring two separate motors and/or due to the spokes 54/openings 56 area), which allows for less power to be utilized to rotate the fan blades 32, 38 and/or reduce noise, vibration, harshness (NVH). In addition, the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated can be reduced in size (due to the design moving the single drive unit 42 away from the fan 14, 16).
While the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.
