A fan assembly

Fan set.

The present invention relates to a fan assembly. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a domestic fan, such as a table fan, for creating an air circulation and air flow in a room, in an office or in a domestic environment.

A conventional domestic fan typically includes a series of blades or vanes mounted to rotate about an axis, and drive apparatus for rotating the blade assembly to generate an air flow. The movement and circulation of the air flow create a “thermal sensation” or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a cooling effect as the heat dissipates through convection and evaporation.

These fans are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, a ceiling fan can be at least 1 m in diameter, and is normally mounted in a suspended form from the ceiling to provide a downward flow of air to cool a room. On the other hand, table fans are often around 30 cm in diameter, and are usually freely placed and portable. Other types of fans can be fixed to the floor or mounted on a wall. Fans such as those described in US 103,476 and US 1,767,060 are suitable for standing on a table or table.

A disadvantage of this type of fan is that the air flow produced by the rotating blades of the fan is generally not uniform. This is due to variations across the blade surface or through the surface that faces outward from the fan. The scope of these variations may vary from product to product and even from one individual fan to another. These variations result in the generation of a non-uniform or "choppy" air flow that can be felt as a series of air pulses and that can be uncomfortable for the user. In addition, this type of fan can be loud and the noise generated can become intrusive with prolonged use in a domestic environment. An additional disadvantage is that the cooling effect created by the fan decreases with distance from the user. This means that the fan must be placed in close proximity to the user so that the user can experience the cooling effect of the fan.

An oscillation mechanism can be used to rotate the fan outlet so that the air flow is swept over a wide area of ​​a room. In this way, the direction of the air flow from the fan can be altered. In addition, the drive apparatus can rotate the blade assembly in a variety of speeds to optimize the air flow output from the fan. The speed adjustment of the blades and the oscillation mechanism can lead to a certain improvement in the quality and uniformity of the air flow felt by a user, although the characteristic "choppy" air flow is maintained.

Some fans, sometimes known as air circulators, generate an air cooling flow without the use of rotating blades. Fans such as those described in US 2,488,467 and JP 56-167897 have large portions of the base body, including a motor and impeller to generate air flow in the base body. The air flow is channeled from the base body to an air discharge slot from which the air flow is projected towards a user. The fan of US 2,488,467 emits an air flow from a series of concentric grooves, while the fan of JP 56-167897 channels the air flow to a neck piece leading to a single discharge groove. of air.

A fan that attempts to provide a cooling air flow through a slot without the use of rotating blades requires an efficient transfer of air flow from the base body to the slot. The air flow is restricted as it is channeled into the groove and this constriction creates pressure in the fan that must be overcome by the air flow generated by the motor and the impeller to project the air flow from the groove. Any inefficiency in the system, for example, losses through the fan housing, will reduce the air flow from the fan. The high efficiency requirement restricts the options for the use of motors and other means to create an air flow. This type of fan can be noisy since the vibrations generated by the motor and the impeller tend to be transmitted and amplified.

WO2007 / 0248205 discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1 and discloses, in particular, a blower motor assembly that supports the first and second opposite shaft ends, the first and second axis ends having respective first and second second impellers attached to them and enclosed within the first and second volutes, respectively. The first volute is connected to an input and the second volute is connected to an output. The blower motor assembly is at least partially enclosed within a flexible sleeve, with a radially outer intermediate stage gas path extending between the first and second volutes, and radially into the flexible sleeve.

EP-A-2000675 describes a blower that includes a stationary portion that includes an inlet and an outlet, a rotating portion provided in the stationary portion, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating portion. The inlet and outlet are co-axially aligned. The stationary portion includes a housing, a stator component provided in the housing, and a tube that provides an interior surface.

US 6,386,845 describes an enclosed air blower that includes a motor and fan assembly that is connected to the air blower housing by a combination of a mounting and gasket member. The mounting and seal member provides a positive seal between the suction and pressure sides of the air blower housing.

The present invention provides a fan assembly for creating an air current, the fan assembly comprising an impeller mounted on a base comprising an outer casing, an impeller housing located within the outer casing, the impeller housing having an inlet of air and an air outlet, an impeller and a diffuser located inside the impeller housing, the diffuser running under the impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to create an air flow through the impeller housing, the nozzle comprising an internal passage for receiving the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly, in which a flexible joint member is located between the outer housing and the impeller housing, characterized in that a power cable is connected to the motor through the diffuser.

The flexible joint member inhibits the return of air to the air inlet along a path that extends between the outer casing and the impeller housing, forcing the flow of pressurized air generated by the impeller to exit through of the impeller housing and in the nozzle. With this fan assembly, a substantially constant pressure difference can be maintained between the motor and the impeller at the base, including the air outlet of the impeller housing, and the air inlet and impeller housing. Without the flexible joint member, the efficiency of the fan assembly would be degraded due to fluctuating losses within the base. Advantageously, the flexible joint member absorbs part of the vibration and noise of the motor that would otherwise be transmitted and amplified through the fan assembly by a rigid joint member.

Preferably, the flexible joint member is connected to the impeller housing to facilitate assembly and to improve the sealing function of the joint member with the impeller housing. More preferably, the flexible joint member is pressed against the outer shell, and can provide an air tight seal between the outer shell and the impeller housing. In a preferred embodiment a portion of the flexible joint member away from the impeller housing is pressed against the outer housing to form a lip seal. The seal can prevent the high pressure air flow generated by the impeller from mixing with the air at, or near, atmospheric air pressure.

Preferably the base is substantially cylindrical. This arrangement can be compact with dimensions of the base that are small compared to those of the nozzle and compared to the size of the overall fan assembly. Advantageously, the invention can provide a fan assembly that provides a suitable cooling effect of a smaller size than that of prior art fans.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible seal member comprises an annular seal member that surrounds the impeller housing. Preferably, the flexible joint member comprises a guide portion for guiding a cable to the motor. Advantageously, the inclusion of a guide portion in the joint member, preferably in the form of a flexible collar, allows the wiring, such as a power cable, to pass through the flexible joint member while maintaining the separation of the atmospheric pressure and higher air flow regions of the fan assembly. This arrangement can reduce the generation of noise inside the fan and the motor.

A diffuser is located inside the impeller housing and current under the impeller. The impeller is preferably a mixed flow impeller. The motor is preferably a CD brushless motor to avoid friction and carbon debris losses of the brushes used in a traditional brush motor. The reduction of carbon debris and emissions is an advantage in a clean environment or sensitive to pollutants, such as a hospital or around people suffering from allergies. While induction motors, which are generally used in fans, also lack brushes, a DC brushless motor can provide a much wider range of operating speeds than an induction motor. A power cable is connected to the motor through the diffuser. The diffuser preferably comprises a plurality of fins, with the power cable passing through one of said plurality of fins. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the power cable to be incorporated into the components of the base, reducing the number of overall parts and the number of components and connections required in the base. Passing the power cable, preferably a ribbon cable, through one of the diffuser fins is a clear, compact solution for the power connection to the motor.

The base of the fan assembly preferably comprises means for directing a portion of the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing to the inner passage of the nozzle.

The direction in which the air is emitted from the air outlet of the impeller housing is preferably substantially at right angles to the direction in which the air flow passes through at least a part of the inner passage. The inner passage is preferably annular, and is preferably formed to divide the air flow into two air streams that flow in opposite directions around the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the air flow is passed in at least part of the inner passage in a lateral direction, and the air is emitted from the air outlet of the impeller housing in a forward direction. In view of this, the means for directing a portion of the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing preferably comprises at least one curved blade. The or each curved blade is preferably shaped to change the direction of the air flow by approximately 90 °. The curved blades are shaped so that there is no significant loss in the velocity of the portions of the air flow as they are directed towards the inner passage.

The fan assembly is preferably in the form of a fan assembly without blades. By using a fan assembly without blades, an air current can be generated without the use of a fan with blades. Without the use of a fan with blades to project the air flow from the fan assembly, a relatively uniform air flow can be generated and guided in a room or to a user. The air current can travel effectively from the exit, losing very little energy and turbulence speed.

The term "without blades" is used to describe a fan assembly in which air flow is emitted or projected forward from the fan assembly without the use of moving blades. Consequently, a fan assembly without blades can be considered to have an outlet area, or an emission zone, that lacks moving blades from which the air flow is directed towards a user or in a room. The outlet area of ​​the fanless fan assembly can be supplied with a primary air flow generated by one of a variety of different sources, such as pumps, generators, motors or other fluid transfer devices, and which may include a device of rotation such as a motor rotor and / or impeller with blades to generate air flow. The generated primary air flow can pass from the room space or other environment outside the fan assembly into the fan assembly, and then back to the room space through the outlet.

Therefore, the description of a fan assembly as without blades is not intended to extend to the description of the power supply and components such as motors, which are required for secondary functions of the fan. Examples of secondary fan functions include lighting, adjustment and oscillation of the fan assembly.

The base preferably comprises control means for controlling the fan assembly. For reasons of safety and ease of use, it may be advantageous to locate the control elements away from the nozzle so that the control functions, such as, for example, oscillation, tilt, illumination or the activation of a speed adjustment, do not activate during a fan operation.

Preferably, the nozzle extends around an axis to define the opening through which air is drawn from outside the fan assembly by the flow of air emitted from the mouth. Preferably, the nozzle surrounds the opening. The nozzle may be an annular nozzle that preferably has a height in the range of 200 to 600 mm, more preferably in the range of 250 to 500 mm. The base preferably comprises at least one air inlet through which air is introduced into the fan assembly by the impeller. Preferably, said at least one air inlet is disposed substantially orthogonal to said axis. This can provide a short, compact airflow path that minimizes noise and friction losses.

Preferably, the mouth of the nozzle extends around the opening, and is preferably annular. Preferably, the nozzle extends around the opening for a distance in the range of 50 to 250 cm. The nozzle preferably comprises at least one wall defining the inner passage and the mouth, and wherein said at least one wall comprises opposite surfaces defining the mouth. Preferably, the mouth has an outlet, and the separation between the surfaces opposite the mouth outlet is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The nozzle may preferably comprise an inner shell section and an outer shell section that define the mouth of the nozzle. Each section is preferably formed of a respective annular member, but each section may be provided by a plurality of members connected to each other or otherwise assembled to form said section. The outer shell section is preferably shaped to partially overlap the inner shell section. This may allow an outlet of the mouth to be defined between the overlapping portions of the outer surface of the inner shell section and the inner surface of the outer shell section of the nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a plurality of spacers to push away the overlapping portions of the inner shell section and the outer shell section of the nozzle. This can help maintain a substantially uniform output width around the opening. The spacers are preferably evenly spaced along the outlet.

The maximum air flow of the air stream generated by the fan assembly is preferably in the range of 300 to 800 liters per second, more preferably in the range of 500 to 800 liters per second.

The nozzle may comprise a Coanda surface that is located adjacent to the mouth and on which the mouth is arranged to direct the flow of air emitted therefrom. Preferably, the outer surface of the inner shell section of the nozzle is shaped to define the Coanda surface. The Coanda surface preferably extends around the opening. A Coanda surface is a type of known surface on which the flow of fluid that exits an exit orifice near the surface exhibits the Coanda effect, the liquid tends to flow on the surface in a close way, almost "tightening up" or "Hugging" the surface. The Coanda effect is already a proven, well-documented method of dragging in which a primary air flow is directed over a Coanda surface. A description of the characteristics of a Coanda surface, and the effect of fluid flow on a Coanda surface, can be found in articles such as Reba, Scientific American, Vol. 214, June 1963, pages 84 to 92. Through the use of A Coanda surface, an increase in the amount of air from outside the fan assembly is drawn through the opening by the air emitted from the mouth.

Preferably, an air flow enters the nozzle of the fan assembly from the base. In the following description this air flow is referred to as the primary air flow. The primary air flow is emitted from the mouth of the nozzle and preferably passes over a Coanda surface. The primary air flow drags the air around the mouth of the nozzle, which acts as an air amplifier to supply both the primary air flow and the entrained air to the user. The entrained air is referred to here as a secondary air flow. The secondary air flow is extracted from the space of the room, region or outside environment that surrounds the mouth of the nozzle and, by displacement, from other regions of the entire fan assembly, and is predominantly passed through the defined opening by the mouthpiece. The primary air flow directed on the Coanda surface combined with the entrained secondary air flow equals a total air flow that is emitted or projected out of the opening defined by the nozzle. Preferably, the entrainment of the air around the mouth of the nozzle is such that the primary air flow is amplified at least five times, more preferably at least ten times, while maintaining a uniform general output.

Preferably, the nozzle comprises a diffuser surface located downstream of the Coanda surface. The outer surface of the inner housing section of the nozzle is preferably shaped to define the surface of the diffuser.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a fan assembly;

Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view of the base of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 2 (b) is a perspective view of the nozzle of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view through the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 3;

Figure 5 (a) is a side view of the fan assembly of Figure 1 showing the fan assembly in a position without inclination;

Figure 5 (b) is a side view of the fan assembly of Figure 1 showing the fan assembly in a first inclined position;

Figure 5 (c) is a side view of the fan assembly of Figure 1 showing the fan assembly in a second inclined position;

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the upper base member of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the main body of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of the main body of Figure 7;

Figure 9 (a) illustrates the paths of two sectional views through the base when the fan assembly is in a position without inclination;

Figure 9 (b) is a sectional view along line AA of Figure 9 (a);

Figure 9 (c) is a sectional view along the line BB of Figure 9 (a);

Figure 10 (a) illustrates the paths of two additional sectional views through the base when the fan assembly is in a position without inclination;

Figure 10 (b) is a sectional view along the CC line of Figure 10 (a); and

Figure 10 (c) is a sectional view along the line DD of Figure 10 (a).

Figure 1 is a front view of a fan assembly 10. The fan assembly 10 is preferably in the form of a fanless blade assembly comprising a base 12 and a nozzle 14 mounted on and supported by the base 12. With reference to Figure 2 (a), the base 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer shell 16 having a plurality of air inlets 18 in the form of openings located in the outer shell 16 and through which a primary air flow is drawn at base 12 from the outside environment. The base 12 further comprises a plurality of buttons operable by the user 20 and a dial operable by the user 22 to control the operation of the fan assembly 10. In this example the base 12 has a height in the range of 200 to 300 mm, and the outer shell 16 has an outer diameter in the range of 100 to 200 mm.

With reference also to Figure 2 (b), the nozzle 14 has an annular shape and defines a central opening 24. The nozzle 14 has a height in the range of 200 to 400 mm. The nozzle 14 comprises a mouth 26 located toward the rear of the fan assembly 10 to emit air from the fan assembly 10 and through the opening 24. The mouth 26 extends at least partially around the opening 24. The inner periphery of the nozzle 14 comprises a Coanda surface 28 located adjacent to the mouth 26 and on which the mouth 26 directs the air emitted from the fan assembly 10, a diffuser surface 30 located downstream of the Coanda surface 28 and a guide surface 32 located downstream of the diffuser surface 30. The diffuser surface 30 is arranged to taper away from the central axis X of the opening 24 so that it can assist the flow of air emitted from the fan assembly 10. The subtended angle between the surface of the diffuser 30 and the central axis X of the opening 24 is in the range of 5 to 25 °, and in this example it is approximately 15 °. The guide surface 32 is disposed at an angle with respect to the surface of the diffuser 30 to further assist in the efficient supply of a cooling air flow of the fan assembly 10. The guide surface 32 is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the axis center X of the opening 24 to present a substantially flat and substantially smooth face to the flow of air emitted from the mouth 26. A visually attractive tapered surface 34 is located downstream of the guide surface 32, ending at a pointed surface 36 that is disposed substantially perpendicular to the central axis X of the opening 24. The subtended angle between the tapered surface 34 and the central axis X of the opening 24 is preferably about 45 °. The total depth of the nozzle 24 in a direction that extends along the central axis X of the opening 24 is in the range of 100 to 150 mm, and in this example it is approximately 110 mm.

Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view through the fan assembly 10. The base 12 comprises a lower base member 38, an intermediate base member 40 mounted on the lower base member 38, and an upper base member 42 mounted on the intermediate base member 40. The lower base member 38 has a substantially flat bottom surface 43. The intermediate base member 40 houses a controller 44 to control the operation of the fan assembly 10 in response to the depression of user-operated buttons 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and / or manipulation of the user-operated sphere 22 The intermediate base member 40 may also accommodate an oscillation mechanism 46 for oscillating the intermediate base element 40 and the upper base member 42 in relation to the lower base member 38. The interval of each oscillation cycle of the member of upper base 42 is preferably between 60 ° and 120 °, and in this example it is approximately 90 °. In this example, the oscillation mechanism 46 is arranged to perform about 3 to 5 oscillation cycles per minute. A power cable 48 extends through an opening formed in the lower base member 38 to supply electric power to the fan assembly 10.

The upper base member 42 of the base 12 has an open upper end. The upper base member 42 comprises a cylindrical grid mesh 50 in which an array of openings is formed. Between each opening there are lateral wall regions known as "lands." The openings provide the air inlets 18 of the base

12. A percentage of the total surface area of ​​the cylindrical base is an open area equivalent to the total surface area of ​​the openings. In the illustrated embodiment, the open area is 33% of the total mesh area, each opening has a diameter of 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm from the center of the opening to the center of the opening, providing 0, 6 mm of soil between each opening. The open opening area is required for the air flow in the fan assembly, but large openings can transmit vibrations and engine noise to the outside environment. An open area of ​​approximately 30% to 45% provides a compromise between the lands to inhibit the emission of noise and openings for free and unrestricted air flow in the fan assembly.

The upper base member 42 houses an impeller 52 to extract the flow of primary air through the openings of the grid mesh 50 and in the base 12. Preferably, the impeller 52 is in the form of a mixed flow impeller. The impeller 52 is connected to a rotating shaft 54 ​​which extends outwardly from a motor 56. In this example, the motor 56 is a CD brushless motor with a speed that is variable by the controller 44 in response to manipulation of the dial 22 by a user. The maximum speed of the engine 56 is preferably in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. The motor 56 is housed within a motor hub comprising an upper portion 58 connected to a lower portion 60. The engine hub is retained within the upper base member 42 by a motor hub retainer 63. The upper end of the upper base member 42 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 65. The engine hub retainer 63 is connected to the upper end opening of the upper base member 42, for example by a pressure adjustment connection. The engine 56 and its engine hub are not rigidly connected to the engine hub retainer 63, which allows some movement of the engine 56 within the upper base member 42.

The motor hub retainer 63 comprises portions of curved blades 65a and 65b extending inwardly from the upper end of the motor hub retainer 63. Each curved blade 65a, 65b is superimposed on a portion of the upper portion 58 of the hub. the motor. Therefore, the motor hub retainer 63 and the curved blades 65a and 65b act to secure and hold the engine hub in place during movement and handling. In particular, the motor hub retainer 63 prevents the engine hub from dislodging and falling towards the nozzle 14 if the fan assembly 10 is reversed.

One of the upper portion 58 and the lower portion of the motor hub comprises a diffuser 62 in the form of a stationary disk having spiral fins 62a, and which is located under the impeller 52. One of the spiral fins 62a It has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section when sectioned along a line that passes vertically through the upper base member 42. This spiral fin 62a is shaped to allow a power connection cable to pass through the fin 62a.

The motor hub is located inside, and mounted on, a housing of the impeller 64. The housing of the impeller 64 is, in turn, mounted on a plurality of angularly spaced supports 66, in this example three supports, located within the member of upper base 42 of base 12. A generally tapered log shroud 68 is located within the impeller housing 64. The mortise 68 is configured so that the outer edges of the impeller 52 are in close proximity to, but not in contact with, the inner surface of the mortise 68. A substantially annular inlet member 70 is connected to the bottom of the impeller housing 64 to guide the primary air flow in the impeller housing 64. The upper part of the impeller housing 64 comprises a substantially annular air outlet 71 for guiding the flow of air emitted from the impeller housing 64. Preferably, the base 12 further comprises silencing foam to reduce noise emissions from the base 12 . In this example, the upper base member 42 of the base 12 comprises a disc-shaped foam member 72 located toward the base of the upper base member 42, and a substantially annular foam member 74 located within the engine hub.

A flexible joint member is mounted in the impeller housing 64. The flexible joint member inhibits the return of air to the air inlet member 70 along a path that extends between the outer housing 16 and the impeller housing 64 separating the primary air flow drawn from the outside environment from the air flow emitted from the air outlet 71 of the impeller 52 and the diffuser 62. The seal member preferably comprises a lip seal 76. The seal member has an annular shape and surrounds the impeller housing 64, which extends outwardly from the impeller housing 64 towards the outer housing 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the seal member is greater than the radial distance from the impeller housing 64 to the outer housing 16. Therefore, the outer portion 77 of the seal member is pressed against the outer shell 16 and causes it to extend along the inner face of the outer shell 16, forming a lip. The lip seal 76 of the preferred embodiment tapers and narrows to a tip 78 as it extends away from the impeller housing 64 and towards the outer housing 16. The lip seal 76 is preferably made of rubber.

The lip seal 76 further comprises a guide portion for guiding a power connection cable to the motor 56. The guide portion 79 of the illustrated embodiment is shaped in the form of a collar and can be an eyelet.

Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view through the nozzle 14. The nozzle 14 comprises an annular outer shell section 80 connected to and extending over an annular inner shell section 82. Each of these sections can be formed from of a plurality of connected parts, but in the present embodiment each of the outer shell section 80 and the inner shell section 82 is formed from a single respective molded portion. The inner housing section 82 defines the central opening 24 of the nozzle 14, and has an outer peripheral surface 84 that is shaped to define the Coanda surface 28, the diffuser surface 30, the guide surface 32 and the tapered surface 34.

The outer housing section 80 and the inner housing section 82 together define an annular inner passage 86 of the nozzle 14. Thus, the inner passage 86 extends around the opening 24. The inner passage 86 is delimited by the peripheral surface interior 88 of the outer housing section 80 and the inner peripheral surface 90 of the inner housing section 82. The outer housing section 80 comprises a base 92 that is connected to, and above, the open upper end of the upper base member 42 of the base 12, for example by a snap fit connection. The base 92 of the outer housing section 80 comprises an opening through which the primary air flow enters the inner passage 86 of the nozzle 14 from the upper end of the upper base member 42 of the base 12 and the open upper end of the motor hub retainer 63.

The mouth 26 of the nozzle 14 is located towards the rear of the fan assembly 10. The mouth 26 is defined by overlapping, or opposite, portions 94, 96 of the inner peripheral surface 88 of the outer housing section 80 and of the outer peripheral surface 84 of the inner housing section 82, respectively. In this example, the mouth 26 is substantially annular and, as illustrated in Figure 4, has a substantially U-shaped cross section when sectioned along a line that passes diametrically through the nozzle 14. In this example, the overlapping portions 94, 96 of the inner peripheral surface 88 of the outer shell section 80 and of the outer peripheral surface 84 of the inner shell section 82 are shaped so that the mouth 26 is taped toward an outlet 98 arranged to direct the primary flow over the Coanda surface 28. The outlet 98 is in the form of an annular groove, which preferably has a relatively constant width in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm. In this example, the outlet 98 has a width of approximately 1.1 mm. The spacers may be spaced around the mouth 26 to push away the overlapping portions 94, 96 of the inner peripheral surface 88 of the outer shell section 80 and of the outer peripheral surface 84 of the inner shell section 82 to maintain the width from output 98 to the desired level. These spacers may be integral with either the inner peripheral surface 88 of the outer shell section 80 or the outer peripheral surface 84 of the inner shell section 82.

Turning now to Figures 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c), the upper base member 42 can be moved relative to the intermediate base member 40 and the lower base member 38 of the base 12 between a first fully inclined position, as illustrated in Figure 5 (b), and a second fully inclined position, as illustrated in Figure 5 (c). This X axis is preferably inclined at an angle of approximately 10 ° as the main body moves from a position without inclination, as illustrated in Figure 5 (a) to one of the two fully inclined positions. The outer surfaces of the upper base member 42 and the intermediate base member 40 are shaped so that adjacent portions of these outer surfaces of the upper base member 42 and the base 12 are substantially level when the upper base member 42 is in the position without inclination.

With reference to Figure 6, the intermediate base member 40 comprises an annular lower surface 100 that is mounted on the lower base member 38, a substantially cylindrical side wall 102 and a curved upper surface 104. The side wall 102 comprises a plurality of openings 106. The user-operated dial 22 protrudes through one of the openings 106, while the user-operated buttons 20 are accessible through the other openings 106. The curved upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member 40 is concave in shape. , and can be described as a generally chair form. An opening 108 is formed on the upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member 40 to receive an electric cable 110 (shown in Figure 3) extending from the motor 56.

Turning to Figure 3, the electrical cable 110 is a ribbon cable attached to the motor in the joint 112. The electrical cable 110 extending from the motor 56 passes out of the lower portion 60 of the motor hub through the flap in spiral 62a. The passage of the electrical cable 110 follows the conformation of the impeller housing 64 and the guide portion 79 of the lip seal 76 is shaped to allow the electrical cable 110 to pass through the flexible joint member. The lip seal collar 76 allows the electrical cable to be held and held within the upper base member 42. A sleeve 114 accommodates the electrical cable within the lower portion of the upper base member 42.

The intermediate base member 40 further comprises four support members 120 for supporting the upper base member 42 on the intermediate base member 40. The support members 120 protrude upwardly from the upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member 40, and are arranged in such a way that they are substantially equidistant from each other, and substantially equidistant from the center of the upper surface

104. A first pair of support members 120 is located along the line BB indicated in Figure 9 (a), and a second pair of support members 120 is parallel to the first pair of support members

120. Referring also to Figures 9 (b) and 9 (c), each support member 120 comprises a cylindrical outer wall 122, an open upper end 124 and a closed lower end 126. The outer wall 122 of the support member 120 surrounds a rolling element 128 in the form of a spherical bearing. The rolling element 128 preferably has a radius that is slightly smaller than the radius of the outer cylindrical wall 122 so that the rolling element 128 is retained by and can be moved within the support member 120. The rolling element 128 is pushed out of the upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member by an elastic element 130 located between the closed lower end 126 of the support member 120 and the rolling element 128 so that part of the rolling element 128 protrudes beyond the open upper end 124 of the support member 120. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 130 is in the form of a helical spring.

Returning to Figure 6, the intermediate base member 40 also comprises a plurality of rails for retaining the upper base member 42 on the intermediate base member 40. The rails also serve to guide the movement of the upper base member 42 in relation to the intermediate base member 40 so that there is substantially no twisting or turning of the upper base member 42 in relation to the intermediate base member 40 as moves from or to an inclined position. Each of the rails extends in a direction substantially parallel to the X axis. For example, one of the lanes is along the line DD indicated in Figure 10 (a). In the present embodiment, the plurality of rails comprises a pair of relatively long inner rails 140 located between a pair of relatively short outer rails 142. Referring also to Figures 9 (b) and 10 (b), each of the inner rails 140 has a cross section in the form of an inverted L, and comprises a wall 144 that extends between a respective pair of support members 120 and which is connected to, and erected from, the upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member

40 Each of the inner rails 140 further comprises a curved flange 146 that extends along the length of the wall 144, and which protrudes orthogonally from the top of the wall 144 to the adjacent outer guide rail 142. Each of the outer rails 142 also has a cross-section in the form of an inverted L, and comprises a wall 148 that is connected to, and erected from, the upper surface 52 of the intermediate base member 40 and a curved flange 150 that is extends along the length of the wall 148, and protruding orthogonally from the top of the wall 148 away from the adjacent inner guide rail 140.

Now with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the upper base member 42 comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 160, an annular lower end 162 and a curved base 164 that is distanced from the lower end 162 of the upper base member 42 to define a recess The grid 50 is preferably integrated with the side wall 160. The side wall 160 of the upper base member 42 has substantially the same outside diameter as the side wall 102 of the intermediate base member 40. The base 164 is convex in shape, and can generally be described as having a saddle upside down in a slack . An opening 166 is formed in the base 164 to allow the cable 110 to extend from the base 164 of the upper base member 42 in the sleeve 114. Two pairs of stop members 168 extend upwards (as illustrated in Figure 8) from the periphery of the base 164. Each pair of stop members 168 is located along a line extending in one direction. substantially parallel to the X axis. For example, one of the pairs of butt members 168 is located along the line DD illustrated in Figure 10 (a).

A convex tilt plate 170 is connected to the base 164 of the upper base member 42. The tilt plate 170 is located within the recess of the upper base member 42, and has a curvature that is substantially the same as that of the base 164 of the upper base member 42. Each of the stop members 168 protrudes through a respective one of a plurality of openings 172 located around the periphery of the tilt plate 170. The tilt plate 170 is shaped to define a pair of convex strokes 174 to engage the rolling members 128 of the intermediate base member 40. Each stroke 174 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the X axis, and is arranged to receive the members of rolling 128 of a respective pair of support members 120, as illustrated in Figure 9 (c).

The tilt plate 170 also comprises a plurality of slides, each of which is arranged to be located, at least partially below a respective lane of the intermediate base member 40 and, therefore, cooperate with said lane to retain the member of upper base 42 in the intermediate base member 40 and to guide the movement of the upper base member 42 in relation to the intermediate base member 40. Therefore, each of the slides extends in a direction substantially parallel to the X axis. For example, one of the slides is along the line DD indicated in Figure 10 (a). In the present embodiment, the plurality of runners comprises a pair of relatively long inner slides 180 located between a pair of relatively short outer slides 1 82. Referring also to Figures 9 (b) and 10 (b), each of the inner slides 180 has a cross section in the form of an inverted L, and comprises a substantially vertical wall 184 and a curved flange 186 that protrudes orthogonally and inward from part of the upper part of the wall 184. The curvature of the curved flange 186 of each inner slide 180 is substantially the same as the curvature of the curved flange 146 of each inner rail 140. Each of the outer runners 182 also has a cross-section in the form of an inverted L, and comprises a substantially vertical wall 188 and a curved flange 190 that extends along the length of the wall 188, and which protrudes orthogonally and inwards from the top of the wall 188. Again, the curvature of the curved flange 190 of each outer slide 182 is substantially the same as the curvature of the curved flange 150 of each outer carriel 142. The tilt plate 170 further comprises an opening 192 for receiving the electric cable 110.

To connect the upper base member 42 to the intermediate base member 40, the tilt plate 70 is reversed from the orientation illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, and the strokes 174 of the tilt plate 170 are placed directly behind and in line with the support members 120 of the intermediate base member 40. The electric cable 110 extending through the opening 166 of the upper base member 42 can be passed through the openings 108, 192 in the tilt plate 170 and in the intermediate base member 40, respectively, for the post connection to controller 44, as illustrated in Figure 3. The tilt plate 170 slides on the intermediate base member 40 so that the rolling elements 128 engage the races 1 74, as illustrated in Figures 9 (b) and 9 (c), the curved flange 190 of each outer slide 182 is positioned below the curved flange 150 of an respective outer rail 142, as illustrated in Figures 9 (b) and 10 (b), and the curved flange 186 of each inner slide 180 is positioned below the curved flange 146 of an inner rail 140, respectively, as illustrated in Figures 9 (b), 10 (b) and 10 (c).

With the tilt plate 170 centrally positioned in the intermediate base member 40, the upper base member 42 is lowered over the tilt plate 170 so that the stop members 168 are within the openings 172 of the tilt plate 170, and the tilt plate 170 is housed within the recess of the upper base member 42. The intermediate base member 40 and the upper base member 42 are then inverted, and the base member 40 moves along the direction of the X axis to reveal a first plurality of openings 194a located on the tilt plate 170. Each of these openings 94a is aligned with a tubular projection 196a at the base 164 of the upper base member 42. A self-tapping screw is screwed into each of the openings 194a to enter the underlying shoulder 196a, thereby partially connecting the tilt plate 170 to the upper base member 42. The intermediate base member 40 then moves in the reverse direction to reveal a second plurality of openings 194b located on the tilt plate 170. Each of these openings 194b is also aligned with a tubular projection 196b at the base 164 of the upper base member 42. A self-tapping screw is screwed into each of the openings 194b to introduce the underlying projection 196b to complete the plate connection of inclination 170 to the upper base member 42.

When the upper base member 42 is attached to the intermediate base member 40 and the lower surface 43 of the lower base member 38 is positioned on a support surface, the upper base member 42 rests on the rolling elements 128 of the support members 120. The elastic elements 130 of the support members 120 push the rolling elements 128 away from the closed lower ends 126 of the support members 120 at a distance that is sufficient to inhibit the scraping of the upper surfaces of the intermediate base member 40 when the upper base member 42 is tilted. For example, as illustrated in each of Figures 9 (b), 9 (c), 10 (b) and 10 (c) the lower end 162 of the upper base member 42 is pushed out of the upper surface 104 of the intermediate base member 40 to avoid contact between them when the upper base member 42 is inclined. In addition, the action of the elastic elements 130 pushes the concave upper surfaces of the curved tabs 186, 190 of the runners against the convex bottom surfaces of the curved tabs 146, 150 of the rails.

To incline the upper base member 42 in relation to the intermediate base member 40, the user slides the upper base member 42 in a direction parallel to the X axis to move the upper base member 42 towards one of the fully inclined positions illustrated in Figures 5 (b) and 5 (c), causing the rolling elements 128 to move along the tracks 174. Once the upper base member 42 is in the desired position, the user releases the upper base member 42, which is held in the desired position by the frictional forces generated through contact between the concave upper surfaces of the flanges curves 186, 190 of the runners and the convex bottom surfaces of the curved tabs 146, 150 of the rails that act to resist movement under the gravity of the upper base member 42 towards the position without inclination illustrated in Figure 5 (a). The fully inclined positions of the upper base member 42 are defined by the edge of one of each pair of stop members 168 with a respective inner rail 140.

To operate the fan assembly 10, the user presses one corresponding to one of the buttons 20 on the base 12, in response to what the controller 44 activates the motor 56 to rotate the impeller 52. The rotation of the impeller 52 causes that a primary air flow is drawn into the base 12 through the air inlets 18. Depending on the speed of the engine 56, the primary air flow may be between 20 and 30 liters per second. The primary air flow passes sequentially through the impeller housing 64, the upper end of the upper base member 42 and the open upper end of the motor hub retainer 63 to enter the inner passage 86 of the nozzle 14. The flow of primary air emitted from the air outlet 71 is in a forward and upward direction. Inside the nozzle 14, the primary air flow is divided into two air currents that pass in opposite directions around the central opening 24 of the nozzle 14. Part of the primary air flow entering the nozzle 14 in a lateral direction passes to the inner passage 86 in a lateral direction without a significant orientation, another part of the primary air flow entering the nozzle 14 in a direction parallel to the X axis it is guided by the curved blade 65a, 65b of the motor hub retainer 63 to allow air flow to pass to the inner passage 86 in a lateral direction. The blade 65a, 65b allows the air flow to be directed away from a direction parallel to the X axis. As the air currents pass through the inner passage 86, the air enters the mouth 26 of the nozzle 14. The air flow in the mouth 26 is preferably substantially uniform in the opening 24 of the nozzle 14. Within each section of the mouth 26, the flow direction of the portion of the air stream is substantially reversed. The portion of the air stream is constrained by the tapered section of the mouth 26 and is emitted through the outlet 98.

The primary air flow emitted from the mouth 26 is directed over the Coanda surface 28 of the nozzle 14, causing secondary air flow to be generated by the entrainment of air from the outside environment, specifically from the region around the outlet 98 from mouth 26 and from around the back of the nozzle 14. This secondary air flow passes through the central opening 24 of the nozzle 14, in which it is combined with the primary air flow to produce a total air flow, or air flow, that projects out of the nozzle 14. Depending on the speed of the engine 56, the mass flow of air flow ka projected forward from the fan assembly 10 may be up to 400 liters per second, preferably up to 600 liters per second, and the maximum speed of the air flow may be in the range of 2.5 to 4 m / s.

The uniform distribution of the primary air flow along the mouth 26 of the nozzle 14 ensures that the air flow passes uniformly over the surface of the diffuser 30. The surface of the diffuser 30 causes the average speed of the air flow be reduced by moving the air flow through a region of controlled expansion. The relatively shallow angle of the diffuser surface 30 with respect to the central axis X of the opening 24 allows the expansion of the air flow to occur gradually. A hard or fast divergence could otherwise cause the air flow to be interrupted, generating vortices in the expansion region. Such vortices can lead to increased turbulence and associated noise in the air flow that may be undesirable, particularly in a household product, such as a fan. The air flow projected forward beyond the surface of the diffuser 30 may tend to continue with the divergence. The presence of the guide surface 32 which extends substantially parallel to the central axis X of the opening 30 also converges with the air flow. As a result, the air flow can efficiently exit from the nozzle 14, allowing the air flow to be able to quickly experience at a distance of several meters from the fan assembly 10.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description provided above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

For example, the motor hub retainer and the gasket member may have a different size and / or shape than those described above and may be placed in a different position within the fan assembly. The technique of creating an air tight seal with the joint member may be different and may include additional elements, such as glue or fixings. The gasket member, guide portion, blades and retainer of the motor hub can be formed of any material with adequate strength and flexibility or stiffness, for example, foam, plastic, metal or rubber. The movement of the upper base member 42 in relation to the base can be motorized, and operated by the user through the depression of one of the buttons 20.