NOZZLE FOR A FAN ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nozzle for a fan assembly, and to a fan assembly comprising the nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A fan assembly may comprise a nozzle from which an airflow is projected. The direction of the airflow may be controlled by rotating and/or tilting the nozzle. Alternatively, the fan assembly may comprise a valve that is moveable to change the direction in which the airflow is projected from the nozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a nozzle for a fan assembly, the nozzle comprising: a first duct through which a first airflow moves, the first duct having a first outlet for emitting the first airflow; and a second duct through which a second airflow moves, the second duct having a second outlet for emitting the second airflow, wherein: the first and second outlets are arranged such that the first and second airflows collide to generate a combined airflow having a direction defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows, the first duct comprises a portion moveable to vary a size of the first outlet and thus the flow rate of the first airflow, and the portion is moveable linearly along an axis.

The direction of the combined airflow projected from the nozzle may therefore be controlled by moving the portion of the first duct. The portion moves linearly to vary the size of the first outlet and thus the flow rate of the first airflow. As a result, the path taken by the first airflow through the duct is substantially the same, irrespective of the position of the portion. This then has the benefit that the flow rate of the first airflow may be varied without unduly increasing turbulence in the first airflow.

Rather than having a portion that moves linearly to vary the size of the first outlet, the nozzle could conceivably comprise a valve or other body which moves within the first duct. The position of the valve within the duct may then be controlled to vary the flow rate of the first airflow. However, as the valve moves within the duct, the airflow is forced to follow a different path. As a result, the airflow moving through the duct is likely to be more turbulent. For example, separation of the airflow may occur at the valve, resulting in swirl. Higher turbulence has several drawbacks, including increased noise and increased pressure losses. Additionally, higher turbulence may mean that the airflow emitted from the first outlet, rather than being highly laminar and focussed, is more diffuse. This in turn may adversely affect the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow.

With the nozzle of the present invention, the shape of the path taken by the first airflow may be substantially the same, irrespective of the position of the moveable portion. The airflow is not, for example, required to move around a valve or other body within the duct. As a result, the airflow moving through the first duct may be less turbulent. The flow rate of the first airflow may therefore be varied without unduly increasing noise or pressure losses. Additionally, a more focussed and less diffuse airflow may be emitted from the first outlet. Consequently, better control of the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow may be achieved.

Changes in the flow rate of the first airflow are achieved by varying the size of the first outlet. Consequently, relatively high flow velocities may be maintained as the flow rate of the first airflow decreases. This may then lead to better control of the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow. By contrast, if the first outlet were of a fixed size then, as the flow rate of the first airflow decreases, the flow velocity of the airflow emitted from the first outlet will decrease. The first airflow will therefore have a lower speed and a higher spread at the point of collision with the second airflow. As a result, the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow may be less well controlled.

The portion may be moveable to vary a height of the first outlet. Moreover, the width of the first outlet may be constant, i.e. the width of the first outlet may be unchanged by movement of the portion. This then has the advantage that the width of the airflow emitted from the first outlet is unaffected by movement of the portion. The first airflow therefore collides with the second airflow across the full width of the second airflow. This then results in a single combined airflow that moves in a uniform direction. By contrast, if the first and second airflows were of different widths, the nozzle would project multiple airflows moving in different directions.

The first airflow may be emitted over a guide body adjacent a bottom of the first outlet, and the portion may define a top of the first outlet. The airflow emitted from the first outlet may then attach to the surface of the guide body. Consequently, at the point where the first airflow collides with the second airflow, the first airflow may be more laminar and less turbulent. As a result, better control may be achieved over the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow emitted from the nozzle. By using the moveable portion to define a top of the first outlet, the size of the first outlet may be varied to vary the flow rate of the first airflow whilst continuing to achieve good attachment of the first airflow with the guide body.

A size of the second outlet may be unchanged by movement of the portion. As a result, changes in the direction of the combined airflow may be achieved in a potentially quieter manner with less leaks and other pressures losses. Additionally, changes in the direction of the combined airflow may be achieved is a less complex and thus more cost-effective manner.

The first airflow may be emitted from the first outlet along a first flow axis, and the axis along which the portion is moveable may be substantially perpendicular to the first flow axis. As a result, the first airflow is emitted from the first outlet in same direction irrespective of position of the portion. The flow rate of the first airflow may therefore be varied without affecting or changing the direction in which the first airflow is emitted.

The combined airflow may be projected from the nozzle via an opening provided in a housing of the nozzle, and the axis along which the portion is moveable may be substantially perpendicular to the opening.

The first and second outlets may be arranged such that the first airflow is emitted along a first flow axis, the second airflow is emitted from the second outlet along a second flow axis, and the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect at an angle of between 120 and 160 degrees. By arranging the outlets such that a relatively large intersect angle is created between the two airflows, a relatively wide range of movement in the combined airflow may be achieved.

The portion may slide relative to a further portion of the first duct. As a result, leakage of the first airflow moving through the first duct may be reduced. In particular, as the portion moves, an effective seal may be maintained between the portion and the further portion. The portion may be in sliding contact with the further portion to further minimise leaks. A low-friction material may be provided between the two portions to reduce noise and/or stiction as the portion moves relative to the further portion. Alternatively, the portion may be spaced slightly from the further portion. Since the portion slides linearly relative to the further portion, the size of the gap between the two portions is unchanged by movement of the portion. Consequently, in spite of the provision of a gap between the two portions, the size of the gap is well controlled, and thus excessive leakage may be avoided.

The portion may slide over an outer surface of the further portion. As a result, a labyrinth seal is created between the portion and the further portion. In particular, the leak path between the two portions requires the first airflow to turn and move in a backward direction in order to pass between the portion and the further portion. As a result, leakage of the first airflow moving through the first duct may be reduced.

The nozzle may comprise an actuator for moving the portion, and the actuator may comprise an electric motor. By using an electric motor to move the portion, relatively good control may be achieved over the position of the portion and thus the direction of the combined airflow projected from the nozzle. Additionally, the direction of the combined airflow may be controlled remotely. For example, the fan assembly may comprise a control unit which receives commands wirelessly from a remote device (e.g. a remote control or mobile device running a suitable application) and which controls the actuator in response to the received commands.

The present invention also provides a nozzle for a fan assembly, the nozzle comprising: a first duct through which a first airflow moves, the first duct having a first outlet for emitting the first airflow; and a second duct through which a second airflow moves, the second duct having a second outlet for emitting the second airflow, wherein: the first and second outlets are arranged such that the first and second airflows collide to generate a combined airflow having a direction defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows, the first duct comprises a portion movable relative to a further portion to vary the flow rate of the first airflow, the portion sliding over an outer surface of the further portion.

The direction of the combined airflow projected from the nozzle may therefore be controlled by moving the portion of the first duct. During movement, the portion slides over an outer surface of the further portion of the first duct. As a result, a labyrinth seal is created between the portion and the further portion. In particular, the leak path between the two portions requires the first airflow to turn and move in a backward direction in order to pass between the portion and the further portion. As a result, a relatively good seal may be maintained between the two portions as the portion moves relative to the further portion.

The present invention further provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs.

The portion of the first duct may be moveable between a max-flow position and a min-flow position, and the combined airflow projected from the nozzle may have a first flow direction when the portion is in the max-flow position and a second flow direction when the portion is in the min-flow position. The first and second flow directions may then differ by at least 45 degrees. As a result, the fan assembly projects a combined airflow having a direction that can be varied over a relatively wide range of angles by moving only the portion of the first duct.

The portion of the first duct may be moveable to a position in which, when the fan assembly rests on a horizontal surface, the combined airflow has a flow direction having an angle of between −10 and +10 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.

As a result, when resting on a horizontal surface, the fan assembly is nevertheless capable of projecting the combined airflow in a substantially horizontal direction. The fan assembly may therefore be placed at a similar height to a user, seated or standing, and an airflow may be projected in the general direction of the user.

When the fan assembly rests on a horizontal surface, the first airflow may be emitted from the first outlet in an upward direction and the second airflow may be emitted from the second outlet in a downward direction. That is to say that the vertical components of the first and second airflows are respectively upward and downward. As a result, through appropriate control of the flow rates of the first and second airflows, the fan assembly may project a combined airflow in a generally horizontal direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fan assembly;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electrical components of the fan assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional slice through a centre of a nozzle of the fan assembly, the nozzle being in a first configuration;

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of part of the nozzle of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional slice through the centre of the nozzle in a second configuration;

FIG. 6 is an expanded view of part of the nozzle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the nozzle, in which a part of the housing of the nozzle has been removed; and

FIG. 8 is an expanded view of part of an alternative nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The fan assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a main body 20 to which a nozzle 30 is attached.

The main body 20 comprises a housing 22, a compressor 24, a control unit 26 and a wireless interface 28.

The housing 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and houses the compressor 24, the control unit 26 and the wireless interface 28. The housing 24 comprises an inlet through which an airflow is drawn into the main body 20 by the compressor 24, and an outlet through which the airflow is emitted from the main body 20 and into the nozzle 30. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the inlet comprises a plurality of apertures 23 formed in a side of the housing 22, and the outlet comprises an annular opening (not shown) formed in a top of the housing 22.

The compressor 24 is housed within the housing 22 and comprises an impeller driven by an electric motor.

The control unit 26 is responsible for controlling the operation of the fan assembly 10. The control unit 26 is connected to the compressor 24, the wireless interface 28 and an actuator 70 of the nozzle 30. The control unit 26 controls the compressor 24 and the actuator 70 in response to control data received from the wireless interface 28. For example, the control unit 26 may power on and off the compressor 24, control the speed of the compressor 24 and thus the flow rate of the airflow, and/or control the position of the actuator 70 and thus the direction of the airflow projected from the fan assembly 10, as described below in more detail. The wireless interface 28 receives control data from a remote device 90 operated by a user. The remote device 90 may comprise, for example, a dedicated remote control or a mobile device, such as a phone or tablet. A user is then able to control remotely the flow rate and/or the direction of the airflow projected from the fan assembly 10.

The control unit 26 may additionally comprise a user interface for controlling the operation of the fan assembly 10. For example, the control unit 26 may comprise buttons, dials, a touchscreen or the like for powering on and off the compressor 24, as well as controlling the flow rate and the direction of the airflow.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 7, the nozzle 30 comprises a housing 32, a first duct 40, a second duct 50, a guide body 60 and an actuator 70.

The housing 32 has the general shape of a truncated ellipsoid or sphere, with a first truncation forming a face of the nozzle 30 and a second truncation forming at least part of a base of the nozzle 30. The housing 32 houses the first duct 40, the second duct 50 and the actuator 70. The housing 32 comprises an inlet 34 formed in a base of the housing 32. The inlet 34 is annular in shape and opens into a plenum 35 or manifold, again located at the base of the housing 32. The housing 32 further comprises a circular opening 36 formed in a top of the housing 32 (see FIG. 1).

The first and second ducts 40,50 extend upwardly within the housing 32. Moreover, the ducts 40,50 extend upwardly from the plenum 35 on opposite sides of the housing 32. Each of the ducts 40,50 then has an inlet 41,51 that is open to the plenum 35.

The airflow emitted from the main body 20 enters the plenum 35 of the nozzle 30 via the inlet 34 in the housing 32. The airflow then bifurcates. A first airflow 45 moves through the first duct 40 and is emitted from a first outlet 42 at the end of the first duct 40. A second airflow 55 then moves through the second duct 50 and is emitted from a second outlet 52 at the end of the second duct 50. The first and second outlets 42,52 are arranged such that the first and second airflows 45,55 collide to generate a combined airflow 80. This combined airflow 80 is then projected from the nozzle 30 via the opening 36 in the housing 32.

The guide body 60 is curved or dome-shaped and extends between the outlets 42,52 of the two ducts 40,50. The airflows 45,55 emitted from the outlets 42,52 then attach to the surface of the guide body 60 by virtue of the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. As a consequence, at the point where the two airflows 45,55 collide, the airflows 45,55 are more laminar and less turbulent. As a result, better control is achieved over the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow 80 projected from the nozzle 30.

The direction of the combined airflow 80 is defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows 45,55. The direction of the combined airflow 80 is then varied by varying the flow rate of the first airflow 45. This is achieved by varying the size of the first outlet 42.

The first duct 40 comprises a portion 43 that is moveable to vary the size of the first outlet 42. The portion 43 is moveable between a max-flow position in which the first outlet 42 has a maximum size (i.e. maximum cross-sectional area), and a min-flow position in which the first outlet 42 has a minimum size (i.e. minimum cross-sectional area). The first airflow 45 then has a maximum flow rate when the portion 43 is in the max-flow position, and a minimum flow rate when the portion 43 is in the min-flow position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the nozzle 30 with the portion 43 in the max-flow position (maximum flow rate), and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the nozzle 30 with the portion 43 in the min-flow position (minimum flow rate). By varying the position of the portion 43, the flow rate of the first airflow 45 and thus the direction of the combined airflow 80 may be varied.

The portion 43 moves linearly along an axis 46. The first airflow 45 may be said to be emitted from the first outlet 42 along a first flow axis. The portion 43 is then moveable along an axis 46 substantially perpendicular to the first flow axis. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, this then has the benefit that the shape of the path taken by the first airflow 45 through the first duct 40 is substantially the same, irrespective of the position of the portion 43. As a result, the flow rate of the first airflow 45 may be varied without unduly increasing the turbulence of the first airflow 45, which in turn has benefits in terms of noise and pressure losses. Additionally, a more focussed and less diffuse airflow 45 may be emitted from the first outlet 42, resulting in better control of the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow 80.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 6, the axis 46 along which the portion 43 moves is substantially perpendicular to the opening 36 formed in the housing 32 of the nozzle 30. This then has the benefit that the size of the first outlet 42 can be varied without changing the alignment of guide body 60 with respect to the opening 36. As a result, the point where the two airflows 45,55 collide is largely unaffected by the position of the portion 43, which provides for better control over the combined airflow 80 projected from the nozzle 30.

Rather than having a portion of the duct that moves linearly to vary the size of the first outlet, the nozzle could conceivably comprise a valve or other body which moves within the first duct. The position of the valve within the duct may then be controlled to vary the flow rate of the first airflow. However, as the valve moves within the duct, the airflow is forced to follow a different path. As a result, the airflow moving through the duct is likely to be more turbulent. For example, separation of the airflow may occur at the valve, resulting in swirl. Higher turbulence has several drawbacks, including increased noise and increased pressure losses. Additionally, higher turbulence may mean that the airflow emitted from the first outlet, rather than being highly laminar and focussed, is more diffuse. This in turn may adversely affect the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow.

Changes in the flow rate of the first airflow 45 are achieved by varying the size of the first outlet 42. As a result, relatively high flow velocities may be maintained as the flow rate of the first airflow 45 decreases. This may then lead to better control of the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow 80. By contrast, if the first outlet 42 were of a fixed size then, as the flow rate of the first airflow 45 decreases, the flow velocity of the airflow 45 emitted from the first outlet 42 will decrease. The first airflow 45 will therefore have a lower speed and a higher spread at the point of collision with the second airflow 55. As a result, the direction, spread and/or speed of the combined airflow 80 may be less well controlled.

The portion 43 is moveable to vary a height of the first outlet 42. The width of the first outlet 42 is then unchanged by movement of the portion 43. As a result, the width of the first airflow 45 emitted from the outlet 42 is unchanged. The first airflow 45 therefore collides with the second airflow 55 across the full width of the second airflow 55. This then results in a single combined airflow 80 that moves in a uniform direction. By contrast, if the first and second airflows 45,55 were of different widths, the nozzle 30 would project multiple airflows moving in different directions.

When moving between the max-flow and min-flow positions, the portion 43 slides relative to a further portion 44 of the first duct 40. As a result, leakage of the first airflow 45 moving through the first duct 40 may be reduced. In particular, as the portion 43 moves, an effective seal may be maintained between the portion 43 and the further portion 44. The portion 43 may be in sliding contact with the further portion 44 to further reduce leaks. A low-friction material may then be provided between the two portions 43,44 to reduce noise and/or stiction as the portion 43 moves relative to the further portion 44. Alternatively, the portion 43 may be spaced slightly from the further portion 44. Since the portion 43 slides linearly relative to the further portion 44, the size of the gap between the two portions 43,44 is unchanged by movement of the portion 43. Consequently, in spite of the provision of a gap between the two portions 43,44, the size of the gap is well controlled, and thus excessive leakage may be avoided.

In this particular example, the portion 43 slides over the outside of the further portion 44. This then has at least two benefits. First, a smoother, less turbulent transition is provided between the two portions 43,44. By contrast, if the portion 43 were to slide inside the further portion 44, the first airflow 45 would collide with the upstream end of the portion 43 as the first airflow 45 moves through the duct 40. Second, a labyrinth seal is created between the two portions 43,44. In particular, the leak path between the two portions 43,44 requires the first airflow 45 to turn and move in a backward direction in order to pass between the portion 43 and the further portion 44. As a result, leakage of the first airflow 45 moving through the duct 30 may be further reduced.

The first airflow 45 is emitted from the first outlet 42 in an upward direction and the second airflow 55 is emitted from the second outlet 52 in a downward direction. As a result, the combined airflow 80 is projected from the nozzle in a direction having a horizontal component. The combined airflow may be said to be projected at an angle θ relative to the horizontal plane. In this particular example, the combined airflow is projected at an angle of around 55 degrees relative to the horizontal when the portion is in the max-flow position (FIG. 3) and at an angle of around 0 degrees when the portion is in the min-flow position (FIG. 5).

The first and second outlets 42,52 are arranged such that the two airflows 45,55 collide at a relatively shallow angle. As a result, a relatively wide range of movement in the combined airflow 80 may be achieved by varying the flow rate of the first airflow 45. The first airflow 45 may be said to be emitted from the first outlet 42 along a first flow axis, and the second airflow 55 may be said to be emitted from the second outlet 52 along a second flow axis. In this particular example, the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect at an angle of about 145 degrees. However, a good range of movement in the combined airflow 80 may be achieved with an intersect angle of between 120 and 160 degrees.

The fan assembly 10 is capable of projecting the combined airflow 80 in a direction that can be varied over a relatively wide range of angles by moving only the portion 43 of the first duct 40. Moreover, when resting on a horizontal surface, the fan assembly 10 is capable of projecting the combined airflow 80 in a substantially horizontal direction. The fan assembly 10 may therefore be placed at a similar height to a user (seated or standing) and the combined airflow 80 may be projected in the general direction of the user.

The fan assembly 10 may be configured to project the combined airflow over a different range of angles. For example, if the flow rate of the first airflow were higher (or lower) when the portion 43 is in the max-flow position, the combined airflow 80 would be projected at an angle greater than (or less than) 55 degrees relative to the horizontal. Similarly, if the flow rate of the first airflow 45 were higher (or lower) when the portion 43 is in the min-flow position, the combined airflow 80 would be projected at an angle greater than (or less than) 0 degrees relative to the horizontal. As noted above, the first airflow 45 is emitted from the first outlet 42 in an upward direction and the second airflow 55 is emitted from the second outlet 52 in a downward direction. The direction of the combined airflow 80 may therefore be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of the first and second outlets 42,52, or by adjusting the angle at which the two airflows 45,55 intersect.

For reasons already noted, there are advantages in being able to vary the direction of the combined airflow 80 over a relatively wide range of angles. Accordingly, the fan assembly 10 may be configured such that the combined airflow 80 has a first flow direction when the portion 43 is in the max-flow position and a second flow direction when the portion 43 is in the min-flow position. The first and second flow directions may then differ by at least 45 degrees. Additionally, when the fan assembly rests on a horizontal surface, there may be advantages in being able to direct the combined airflow 80 in a generally horizontal direction. Accordingly, the fan assembly 10 may be configured such that the portion 43 of the first duct 40 is moveable to a position in which the combined airflow 80 is projected at an angle of between −10 and +10 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.

Foreign objects could conceivably fall into the nozzle 30 and find their way into the ducts 40,50. The nozzle 30 therefore comprises a mesh or grill 48,58 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) that is located immediately downstream of each the outlets 42,52 of the ducts 40,50.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the portion 43 of the first duct 40 is moved by the actuator 70. In this particular example, the actuator 70 comprises a rack 71 and pinion (not shown) driven by an electric motor 72, such as a stepper motor. The rack 71 is attached to the portion 43 of the first duct 40. In response to rotation of the pinion by the electric motor 72, the portion 43 moves up and down a support shaft 74. The actuator 70 also comprises a position sensor 75 (e.g. potentiometer or optical sensor) for sensing the position of the rack 71 relative to the pinion, and thus the position of the portion 43. The actuator 70 is controlled by the control unit 26, which drives the electric motor 72 clockwise or counter-clockwise in order to move the portion 43 up or down the shaft 74. The control unit 26 then uses the signal output by the position sensor 75 to determine the position of the portion 43. By using an electric motor 72 to move the portion 43, relatively good control may be achieved over the position of the portion 43 and thus the direction of the combined airflow 80. Additionally, the direction of the combined airflow 80 may be controlled remotely. Nevertheless, the portion 43 could be moved by alternative means, including manually by a user.

With the nozzle 30 described above, the moveable portion 43 of the first duct 40 defines a top of the first outlet 42. FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative nozzle 130 in which the moveable portion 43 defines a bottom of the first outlet 42. In the particular example shown in FIG. 8, the moveable portion 43 is at a position partway between the max-flow and min-flow positions. As can be seen in FIG. 8, as the moveable portion 43 moves from the max-flow position, a step is created between the first outlet 42 and the guide body 60. Consequently, attachment of the first airflow 45 to the guide body 60 may be poorer in comparison to the nozzle 30 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6.

In each of the nozzles 30,130, the direction of the combined airflow 80 is changed by moving a portion of the first duct 40 only. Conceivably, the second duct 50 may likewise comprise a portion that is moveable to vary a size of the second outlet 52 and thus the flow rate of the second airflow 55. This may then have the advantage of providing a wider range of movement in the direction of the combined airflow 80. However, there are advantages in providing a moveable portion in the first duct only. For example, changes in the direction of the combined airflow 80 may be achieved in a less complex and thus more cost-effective manner. Additionally, changes in the direction of the combined airflow 80 may be achieved in a potentially quieter manner with less leaks and other pressures losses. In particular, since no part of the second duct is required to move, the second duct may be shaped such that the second airflow moving through the second duct is less turbulent, thereby reducing noise and pressure losses. Additionally, leak paths in the second duct, which might otherwise be present if a portion of the second duct were moveable, can be avoided.

The portion 43 of the first duct 40 is moveable to vary the size of the first outlet 42 only. That is to say that the size of the second outlet 52 is unchanged by movement of the portion 43 of the first duct 40. The nozzles 30,130 therefore differs markedly from an arrangement in which a valve or body moves within the nozzle to simultaneously increase a restriction in one of the ducts and decrease a restriction in the other of the ducts.

Whilst particular examples and embodiments have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

NOZZLE FOR A FAN ASSEMBLY

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

PCT Information