Patent Application
20250137465
This US application claims the benefit of priority to China application no. 202311440265.9, filed on Oct. 31, 2023, of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to heat-transfer components and assemblies, and more particularly, but not limited to, multi fan devices.
With increasing processing speed and performance of electronic devices, the amount of heat generated during operation of an electronic device has increased. The heat generation increases the temperature of the electronic device and, if the heat cannot be dissipated effectively, the reliability and performance of the electronic device is reduced. To prevent overheating of an electronic device, cooling systems such as air-cooling systems and liquid cooling systems are used to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the electronic device and, thereby ensure the standard operation of the electronic device.
In the case of multi fan devices or other rotating cooling apparatuses of air-cooling systems that may be individually stacked and connected together, cables may extend from a back end of each fan and be electrically couple together, with the stack of fans terminating with a single cable. However, having cables extending from each fan increases the risk for cable damage by users or other electronic components in the electronic device. Meanwhile, if the cables are tidied up, increased time is required for installation of the multi fan devices and additional footprint would still be required for the tidied-up cables. Also, while the individually stacked fans may be connected together by snap fitting, extended use generally loosens the snap fit connection, which may lead to loose electrical coupling of the fans. Any additional mechanism to secure the snap fit connection would require additional components, increasing the risk for part damage or defect, and further increasing the time required for installation of the multi fan devices.
The present disclosure provides a multi fan device with decreased parts, and simplified and secure assembly.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, including a plurality of fans, wherein each plurality of fans include a fan base, a fan frame, and a connector component. The fan base includes a base outline and a connector. The connector is coupled to and extends upward from the fan base. The fan frame includes a frame outline and the fan frame is coupled to the fan base. The frame outline corresponds to the base outline and the connector is between the fan base and the fan frame. The fan frame and the fan base, together, define a top side, a receiving side, and a connector side. The receiving side extends from a first side edge of the top side and the connector side extends from a second side edge of the top side. The connector is disposed at the first side edge and the connector component is disposed and rotatably coupled at the second side edge. The connector is electrically coupled to the connector component and the connector component is configured to enable each plurality of fans to electrically couple together at the second side edge and the first side edge via an electromagnetic force.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein each plurality of fans includes a fan including a plurality of blades and a fan motor, and wherein the fan base further includes a base plate and a hub. The plurality of blades extend outward from the fan motor and the hub extends upward from the base plate. The fan is rotatably coupled to the base plate via the hub.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, further including a connector cable including a first end and a second end. The connector cable is electrically coupled to the connector on the first end and electrically coupled to the connector component on the second end.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the connector component includes a load plate cover and a connector card. The connector card is coupled to the load plate cover and the load plate cover is rotatably coupled to each plurality of fans. The connector card is electrically coupled to the connector.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the connector component includes two striking pads, and wherein the fan base further includes a base receiving component and the fan frame further includes a frame receiving component. The base receiving component extends upward from the fan base between the fan base and the connector. The frame receiving component extends downward from the fan frame between the fan frame and the connector. Each two striking pads respectively corresponds to the base receiving component and the frame receiving component. Each two striking pads respectively latch to the base receiving component and the frame receiving component via the electromagnetic force.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the two striking pads or the base receiving component and the frame receiving component is made of magnets, and the two striking pads or the base receiving component and the frame receiving component not made of the magnets is made of magnetic materials.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the fan frame and the fan base, together, further define a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is disposed at the first side edge and the second cavity disposed at the second side edge. The connector is disposed in the first cavity and the connector component is disposed and rotatably coupled in the second cavity.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the connector component includes two rotatable positions, a stored position and an operating position, and wherein each plurality of fans include a first plurality of fans and a second plurality of fans. When the connector component of the first plurality of fans is in the stored position the connector component is disposed in the second cavity of the first plurality of fans, and when the connector component is in the operating position the connector component is electrically coupled to the connector of the second plurality of fans in the first cavity of the second plurality of fans.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, further including a fan cable configured to enable power and control signals to be received by each plurality of fans. The fan cable is electrically coupled to the connector.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the plurality of fans include a first plurality of fans, a second plurality of fans, and a last plurality of fans. The first plurality of fans, the second plurality of fans, and the last plurality of fans are linearly disposed together. The fan cable is electrically coupled to the connector of the first plurality of fans. The connector component of the first plurality of fans is electrically coupled to the connector of the second plurality of fans, and the connector component of the second plurality of fans is electrically coupled to the connector of the last plurality of fans.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi fan device, wherein the frame outline corresponds to the base outline and the frame outline and the base outline define a fan width including a first length, and wherein the connector component includes a component length including a second length. The first length extends from the receiving side to the connector side, wherein the second length is less than one-third the first length.
Unless specified otherwise, the accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the innovative subject matter described herein. Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, several examples of multi fan devices incorporating aspects of the presently disclosed principles are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation.
The following describes various principles related to components and assemblies for electronic devices cooling by way of reference to specific examples of multi fan devices, including specific arrangements and examples of fans embodying innovative concepts. More particularly, but not exclusively, such innovative principles are described in relation to selected examples of connector components electrically coupling to connectors, and well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail for purposes of succinctness and clarity. Nonetheless, one or more of the disclosed principles can be incorporated in various other embodiments of connector components electrically coupling to connectors to achieve any of a variety of desired outcomes, characteristics, and/or performance criteria.
Thus, connector components electrically coupling to connectors having attributes that are different from those specific examples discussed herein can embody one or more of the innovative principles, and can be used in applications not described herein in detail. Accordingly, embodiments of connector components electrically coupling to connectors not described herein in detail also fall within the scope of this disclosure, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art following a review of this disclosure.
Example embodiments as disclosed herein are directed to multi fan devices that can be used in cooling systems to dissipate high heat loads. The multi fan devices may be configured on a chassis, within a chassis, or as part of an electronics system that includes heat producing electronic components to be cooled. The cooling system includes at least one multi fan device. The multi fan device may be coupled to the chassis via a fastener (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.), transporting air to heat producing electronic components to be cooled and/or to an outside of the chassis or electronics system. The multi fan devices may be coupled to the back end of a radiator via a fastener at structural portions of the radiator, transporting air through the radiator to an air plenum or to the outside of the chassis or electronics system.
In some embodiments, a shape of the frame outline 290 corresponding to the base outline 210 is a square shape, and the fan frame 29 and the fan base 21, together, further define a bottom side 218 opposite the top side 211. The receiving side 216 extends from a first bottom side edge 2181 of the bottom side and the connector side 217 extends from a second bottom side edge 2189 of the bottom side 218.
In some embodiments, the multi fan device 10 further includes a connector cable 25 including a first end 251 and a second end 259. The connector cable 25 is electrically coupled to the connector 24 on the first end 251 and electrically coupled to the connector component 26 on the second end 259. The connector cable 25 can hold its shape when electrically coupled to the connector component 26. In some embodiments, the multi fan device 10 further includes a fan cable 27 configured to enable power and control signals to be received by each plurality of fans 20, 30. The fan cable 27 is electrically coupled to the connector 24. In some embodiments, the fan cable 27 is electrically coupled to the connector 24 on one end and a circuit board header (not shown) on an opposite end. Power and control signals can be sent from the circuit board header to the multi fan device 10.
In some embodiments, each plurality of fans 20, 30 includes a fan 28 including a plurality of blades 22 and a fan motor 23, and the fan base 21 further includes a base plate 215 and a hub 219. The plurality of blades 22 extend outward from the fan motor 23 and the hub 219 extends upward from the base plate 215. The fan 28 is rotatably coupled to the base plate 215 via the hub 219 and within a fan space of the fan frame 29. Power and control signals can be received by each plurality of fans 20, 30 via the connector 24, such that each plurality of fans 20, 30 can be driven to rotate.
In some embodiments, the fan frame 29 and the fan base 21, together, further define a first cavity 212 and a second cavity 213. The first cavity 212 is disposed at the first side edge 2111 and the second cavity 213 disposed at the second side edge 2119. The connector 24 is disposed in the first cavity 212 and the connector component 26 is disposed and rotatably coupled in the second cavity 213. The connector component 26 respectively rotates relative to each plurality of fans 20, 30.
In some embodiments, the connector component 26 includes a load plate cover 261 and a connector card 262. The connector card 262 is coupled to the load plate cover 261 and the load plate cover 261 is rotatably coupled to each plurality of fans 20, 30. The connector card 262 is electrically coupled to the load plate cover 261 and the connector 24, enabling power and control signals to be sent to each plurality of fans 20, 30.
In some embodiments, the connector component 26 includes two striking pads 263, and the fan base 21 further includes a base receiving component 214A and the fan frame 29 further includes a frame receiving component 214B. The base receiving component 214A extends upward from the fan base 21 between the fan base 21 and the connector 24. The frame receiving component 214B extends downward from the fan frame 29 between the fan frame 29 and the connector 24. Each two striking pads 263 respectively corresponds to the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B. Each two striking pads 263 respectively latch to the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B via the electromagnetic force.
In some embodiments, the two striking pads 263 or the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B is made of magnets, and the two striking pads 263 or the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B not made of the magnets is made of magnetic materials. Whether made of magnets or made of magnetic materials, the two striking pads 263 respectively latch to the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B via the electromagnetic force.
In some embodiments, the plurality of fans include a first plurality of fans 20, a second plurality of fans 30, and a last plurality of fans (not shown). The first plurality of fans 20, the second plurality of fans 30, and the last plurality of fans are linearly disposed together. The fan cable 27 is electrically coupled to the connector 24 of the first plurality of fans 20. The connector component 26 of the first plurality of fans 20 is electrically coupled to the connector 24 of the second plurality of fans 30, and the connector component 26 of the second plurality of fans 30 is electrically coupled to the connector of the last plurality of fans. In some embodiments, the plurality of fans include more than three plurality of fans.
In some embodiments, the plurality of fans is linearly and electrically coupled together in series. To electrically couple the plurality of fans in series, all that is required is for the connector components 26 of each plurality of fans to rotate from the stored position to the operating position. The electromagnetic forces between the two striking pads 263 respectively latching to the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B, concurrently, electrically couples each plurality of fans together. As an example, the connector component 26 of the last plurality of fans (not shown) can remain in the stored position and the fan cable 27 is electrically coupled to the connector 24 of the first plurality of fans 20. The fan cable 27, electrically coupled to the circuit board header (not shown) and the connector 24 of the first plurality of fans 20, and the connector cable 25, the connector component 26, and the connectors 24 of each plurality of fans remaining, sends power and control signals to each plurality of fans such that each plurality of fans can be driven to rotate. To electrically decouple the plurality of fans in series, all that is required is for the connector components 26 of each plurality of fans to rotate from the operating position to the stored position and for the fan cable 27 to be electrically decoupled from the connector 24 of the first plurality of fans 20.
The connector component 26 and the connector 24 with decreased parts provide quick, easy, and secure electrical coupling of each plurality of fans 20, 30 of the multi fan devices 10 of the embodiments. To begin, the connector component 26 eliminates cables which extend from each fan for electrically coupling each fan of multi fan devices together in series. Thus, the risk for cable damage by users or other electronic components in the electronic device is removed. Moreover, the second length (CL) being less than one-third the S, and whether in the stored position or electrically coupled in the operating position, the connector component 26 not extending beyond the base outline 210 and the frame outline 290 of each plurality of fans 20, 30, enables the multi fan device 10 of the embodiments to electrically couple together without adding any additional footprint to each plurality of fans 20, 30. Thus, space is saved and risks of damage is minimized. Furthermore, the electromagnetic forces between the two striking pads 263 respectively latching to the base receiving component 214A and the frame receiving component 214B, concurrently, electrically coupling each plurality of fans 20, 30 together, eliminates snap fit connections, which eliminates the risk for loose electrical coupling of each plurality of fans 20, 30 due to loosened connections over extended use. Multi fan devices 10 with decreased parts, and simplified and secure assembly via rotation of the connector component 26 is provided.
Therefore, embodiments disclosed herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments disclosed may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some number. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202311440265.9 | Oct 2023 | CN | national |
