The application claims the benefit of Taiwan application serial No. 108147421, filed on Dec. 24, 2019, and the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention generally relates to an air-driving device and, more particularly, to an impeller and a cooling fan including the impeller.
As thinness, lightness and high performance are required for the development of the electronic devices, miniaturization of the cooling fan is needed in addition to providing the electronic devices with the cooling function. The size of the cooling fan is usually reduced by reducing the thickness of the blades. However, this lowers the strength of the blades and adversely affects the stability of rotation. In light of this, another type of the cooling fan was proposed which includes a ring connected to one side of the blades. As such, the interconnection of the blades through the ring can improve the stability of the blades of the impeller. An example of such a cooling fan is seen in Taiwan Patent No. M516103.
However, although the blades are interconnected through the ring, the rotation of the impeller is still not sufficiently stable due to the reduced thickness and strength of the blades. In this regard, the blades tend to vibrate or even deform under the air resistance, which leads to larger vibration and noise and significantly affects the stability in operation of the fan.
In light of this, it is necessary to improve the conventional cooling fan.
It is therefore the objective of this invention to provide an impeller and a cooling fan including the impeller, in which the vibration of the impeller can be reduced during the rotation to thereby improve the stability of rotation and to reduce the noise.
It is another objective of this invention to provide an impeller and a cooling fan including the impeller which are capable of driving a larger volume of air.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide an impeller and a cooling fan including the impeller which have improved operational efficiency.
It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an impeller and a cooling fan including the impeller which have a lower manufacturing cost.
As used herein, the term “one” or “an” for describing the number of the elements and members of the present invention is used for convenience, provides the general meaning of the scope of the present invention, and should be interpreted to include one or at least one. Furthermore, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the concept of a single component also includes the case of plural components.
As used herein, the term “coupling”, “join”, “assembly” or the like is used to include separation of connected members without destroying the members after connection or inseparable connection of the members after connection. A person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to select the type of connection according to desired demands in the material or assembly of the members to be connected.
In an aspect, an impeller includes a hub, a plurality of blades provided around an outer periphery of the hub, and at least two connecting rings connected to the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge. One or more of the at least two connecting rings is disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades.
In another aspect, a cooling fan includes a fan frame, a stator and the impeller. The fan frame includes a base having a shaft tube. The stator is mounted around an outer periphery of the shaft tube. The impeller is rotatably coupled with the shaft tube.
Based on the above, in the impeller and the cooling fan including the impeller according to the invention, the at least two connecting rings can have a sufficient strength by having one or more of the at least two connecting rings disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. As such, the plurality of blades can be retained in place to reduce the vibration or deformation of the impeller caused by the plurality of blades suffering from the impact of the air resistance. Advantageously, the rotational stability of the plurality of blades and the performance of the cooling fan can be improved and the noise can be reduced.
In an example, the at least two connecting rings are at a same level. As such, the plurality of blades can be retained in place to improve the stability of the plurality of blades.
In the example, the at least two connecting rings are disposed in a middle between the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. As such, the plurality of blades can be better secured, reducing the vibration of the plurality of blades under high-speed rotation.
In the example, the hub has an annular wall connected to a first end of each of the plurality of blades, and one of the at least two connecting rings is connected to a second end of each of the plurality of blades. As such, the structure is simple and allows for convenient manufacturing, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the impeller.
In the example, the annular wall includes an extension portion extending outwards radially and connecting to the first ends of the plurality of blades. As such, the extension portion can increase the contact area between the plurality of blades and the annular wall of the hub, improving the reliability in engagement between the hub and the plurality of blades.
In the example, each of the plurality of blades has a length between a first end and a second end thereof, and each of the at least two connecting rings is connected to each of the plurality of blades at any position from the second end to where it is at one-third of the length from the annular wall. As such, the plurality of blades can be better reinforced to further improve the stability of the plurality of blades.
In the example, each of the plurality of blades has a first end and a second end higher than the first end, and the first end is more adjacent to the hub than the second end is. As such, the plurality of blades is able to drive the air of larger volume.
In the example, a distance between the top edge and the bottom edge of the blade gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the blade. As such, the plurality of blades is able to drive the air of larger volume.
In the example, each of the plurality of blades includes a rear curving section and a front curving section. The rear curving section is more adjacent to the hub than the front curving section is. Each of the plurality of blades further includes an intermediate section connected between the rear curving section and the front curving section. One of the at least two connecting rings is disposed on the intermediate section. As such, the plurality of blades can be better reinforced to further improve the stability of the plurality of blades.
In the example, the at least two connecting rings include two connecting rings. One of the two connecting rings is disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. Another of the two connecting rings is connected to the plurality of blades slightly above or below the top edges of the plurality of blades, or slightly above or below the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. As such, the structure is simple and allows for convenient manufacturing, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the impeller.
In the example, the hub includes an annular wall connected to an edge of a plate. The plate has a central hole. The hub includes a reinforcing portion around the central hole of the plate. As such, the structure strength of the impeller is improved.
In the example, the reinforcing portion includes a plurality of protruding ribs extending from the central hole towards the annular wall of the hub. As such, the overall structure strength of the hub is improved.
In the example, the reinforcing portion includes an annular rib around the central hole of the hub. As such, the annular rib of the reinforcing portion can increase the structural strength of the plate around the central hole, thereby improving the structural strength of the hub.
In the example, the reinforcing portion further includes a plurality of protruding ribs extending from the annular rib towards the annular wall of the hub. As such, the overall structural strength of the hub is more effectively improved.
In the example, the at least two connecting rings include three connecting rings. One of the three connecting rings is disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades, and another two of the three connecting rings are connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades, respectively. This not only provides an alternative arrangement of the impeller but also further secures the plurality of blades in place through the use of the three connecting rings, thereby reducing the vibration or deformation of the impeller caused by the plurality of blades suffering from the impact of the air resistance.
In the example, the one of the three connecting rings is more adjacent to the hub than the other two of the three connecting rings are. As such, the structure is simple and allows for convenient manufacturing, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the impeller.
In the example, each of the plurality of blades has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.5 mm. As such, the cooling fan as a whole can remain in a slim fashion, preventing overweighting of the impeller and thereby improving the performance of the cooling fan.
In another example, each of the plurality of blades has a thickness smaller than 0.1 mm. As such, the cooling fan as a whole can remain in a slim fashion, preventing overweighting of the impeller and thereby improving the performance of the cooling fan.
In the example, a quantity of the plurality of blades is 70 to 134. As such, the plurality of blades that has a reduced thickness will be able to drive air of sufficient volume, thereby improving the air-driving effect of the impeller.
In another example, a quantity of the plurality of blades is 91 to 134. As such, the plurality of blades that has a reduced thickness will be able to drive air of sufficient volume, thereby improving the air-driving effect of the impeller.
In the example, an outer diameter of the impeller is larger than or equal to 40 mm. As such, the plurality of blades that has a reduced thickness will be able to drive air of sufficient volume, thereby improving the air-driving effect of the impeller.
In the example, the plurality of blades and the at least two connecting rings are made of polymer. As such, the structural strength of the plurality of blades and the two connecting rings is improved.
In the example, the polymer is a mixture of liquid crystal polymer and carbon fiber. As such, the material will have a better tensile strength and a heat resistance to allow for convenient manufacturing and to attain a higher structural strength.
In the example, the polymer is a mixture of liquid crystal polymer and mineral fiber. As such, the material will have a better tensile strength and a heat resistance to allow for convenient manufacturing and to attain a higher structural strength.
In the example, the polymer is a mixture of liquid crystal polymer, glass fiber and mineral fiber. As such, the material will have a better tensile strength and a heat resistance to allow for convenient manufacturing and to attain a higher structural strength.
In the example, the plurality of blades does not extend beyond a top face of the hub. As such, the axial height of the impeller can be reduced.
In the example, each of the at least two connecting rings has a thickness larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of each of the plurality of blades. As such, it can be ensured that the connecting rings have a sufficient strength to reinforce the plurality of blades, thus improving the stability of the plurality of blades.
In the example, each of the at least two connecting rings has a radial width larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of each of the plurality of blades. As such, it can be ensured that the connecting rings have a sufficient strength to reinforce the plurality of blades, thus improving the stability of the plurality of blades.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
In the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “inner”, “outer”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear” and similar terms are used hereinafter, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings, and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.
A shaft 4 can be arranged at the center of the hub 1, which can be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill and therefore it is not described herein for brevity. The hub 1 includes an annular wall 11 connected to the edge of a plate 12. The plate 12 has a central hole Q. The annular wall 11 can be coupled with the plurality of blades 2. In this embodiment, the annular wall 11 includes an extension portion 111 that may be integrally formed with the annular wall 11. The extension portion 111 may be located between the at least two connecting rings 3 and the annular wall 11. The extension portion 111 is not connected to the at least two connecting rings 3 but extends radially outward from the annular wall 11 (away from the shaft 4) to connect with the plurality of blades 2. For example, the extension portion 111 is made of plastic material and forms along the outer periphery of the annular wall 11. Thus, when the reduction in thickness of the plurality of blades 2 is required, the extension portion 111 can increase the contact area between the plurality of blades 2 and the annular wall 11 of the hub 1. Advantageously, the plurality of blades 2 can be more securely coupled with the hub 1 without breaking easily.
Besides, the hub 1 has an inner face 1a (shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Specifically, each of the at least two connecting rings 3 includes a first face 3a and a second face 3b opposite to the first face 3a. The first face 3a faces the top edge 21 of the blade 2 and the second face 3b faces the bottom edge 22 of the blade 2. At least one of the at least two connecting rings 3 is connected between the top edges 21 and the bottom edges 22 of the blade 2. In this regard, the first face 3a of said at least one connecting ring 3 is not connected to the top edges 21 of the blades 2, and the second face 3b of said at least one connecting ring 3 is not connected to the bottom edges 22 of the blades 2.
Specifically, as an example of the at least two connecting rings 3 including two connecting rings 3, one of the two connecting rings 3 is disposed between but not connected to the top edges 21 and the bottom edges 22 of the blades 2, and another of the two connecting rings 3 is disposed on any other portion of the blade 2 such as the top edges 21 or the bottom edges 22 of the blades 2 (not limited). In this embodiment, both the two connecting rings 3 are disposed between but not connected to the top edges 21 and the bottom edges 22 of the blades 2 to enhance the stability of the blades 2. Preferably, the two connecting rings 3 are in the same level as shown in
Besides, in this embodiment, the first face 3a of each connecting ring 3 is equally spaced from the top edge 21 as the second face 3b is spaced from the bottom edge 22, such that each connecting ring 3 is disposed in the middle of the blade 2 having an equal distance from the top edge 21 and the bottom edge 22 of the blade 2. In such an arrangement, a better reinforcement effect can be provided to improve the stability of the plurality of blades 2, further securing the plurality of blades 2 and reducing the vibration of the plurality of blades 2 under high-speed rotation.
Referring to
Referring to
Besides, the other connecting ring 3 can also be connected to the plurality of blades 2 slightly above or below the top edges 21 of the plurality of blades 2. For example, the other connecting ring 3 can be flush with the top edges 21 of the plurality of blades 2 without protruding beyond said top edges 21, or can partially or completely protrude beyond the top edges 21 of the plurality of blades 2. In this embodiment, the other connecting ring 3 can extend completely beyond the top edges 21 of the plurality of blades 2 as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
It can be seen from
In summary, in the impeller and the cooling fan including the impeller according to the invention, the at least two connecting rings can have a sufficient strength by having one or more of the at least two connecting rings disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. As such, the plurality of blades can be retained in place to reduce the vibration or deformation of the impeller caused by the plurality of blades suffering from the impact of the air resistance. Advantageously, the rotational stability of the plurality of blades and the performance of the cooling fan can be improved and the noise can be reduced.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferable embodiments, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
5829956 | Chen | Nov 1998 | A |
7722311 | Peterson et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
8556587 | Suzuki | Oct 2013 | B2 |
9140266 | Horng et al. | Sep 2015 | B2 |
9765788 | Dybenko et al. | Sep 2017 | B2 |
10001128 | Lin et al. | Jun 2018 | B2 |
10316862 | You | Jun 2019 | B2 |
10487845 | Yang et al. | Nov 2019 | B2 |
10677258 | Tamaoka | Jun 2020 | B2 |
10738787 | Dybenko et al. | Aug 2020 | B2 |
10794393 | Huang | Oct 2020 | B2 |
10914313 | Yu | Feb 2021 | B2 |
10989218 | Xu et al. | Apr 2021 | B2 |
20030012653 | Diemunsch | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20080213103 | Miyakoda | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20090035126 | Hwang | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20140127022 | Cheng | May 2014 | A1 |
20150016958 | Hofmann | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20180219446 | Yamada | Aug 2018 | A1 |
20180252237 | Lin | Sep 2018 | A1 |
20190055958 | Jia | Feb 2019 | A1 |
20190128278 | Chan | May 2019 | A1 |
20190211843 | Dygert | Jul 2019 | A1 |
20200040910 | Horler et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
205805945 | Dec 2016 | CN |
107100889 | Aug 2017 | CN |
108612671 | Oct 2018 | CN |
209569198 | Nov 2019 | CN |
H8326696 | Dec 1996 | JP |
H09222095 | Aug 1997 | JP |
2010-511826 | Apr 2010 | JP |
2012229689 | Nov 2012 | JP |
20100123055 | Nov 2010 | KR |
200903233 | Jan 2009 | TW |
M516103 | Jan 2016 | TW |
WO2018109480 | Jun 2018 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20210190089 A1 | Jun 2021 | US |