Axial fan with tip fences

Abstract

An axial flow fan includes a generally hollow casing defining an inlet end and an outlet end of the axial flow fan. A diameter of the casing increases from the inlet end to the outlet end. An impeller is rotatably mounted within the casing. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of fan blades extending from a root located at the hub to a blade tip. A diameter of the blade tip of each of the plurality of fan blades increases from the inlet end to the outlet end. A tip fence is located at the blade tip of at least one of the plurality of fan blades and a length of the tip fence measured perpendicular to the fan blades is greater than a thickness of the at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 624,483 filed Jan. 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a refrigerated display merchandiser, and more particularly, to a fan assembly for use in a refrigerated display merchandiser where food and / or beverages are displayed.[0003]Typically, supermarkets and convenient stores are equipped with display cases or merchandisers, which may be open or provided with doors, for presenting fresh food or beverages to customers, while maintaining the fresh food and beverages in a refrigerated environment. The refrigeration systems of such merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior of the cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an axial flow fan used in a refrigerated display cabinet to circulate air. The fan includes a hollow casing with a diameter that increases towards the outlet end. The fan also includes a hub and a plurality of fan blades that extend from the hub to a blade tip. The blade tip of each fan blade has a greater diameter than the thickness of the fan blade. The fan also has a tip fence that extends beyond the blade tip and the fence remains constant in thickness. The fan can be mounted in the refrigerated display cabinet and the hub and fan blades can be integrally formed or separately formed and then coupled together. The technical effects of the patent include an improved air circulation system that helps to keep the product display area cool and a more efficient fan design that reduces noise and improves air flow.

Problems solved by technology

Although the display case has a relatively low pressure duty requirement, the path of the air provided to the evaporator fan is torturous and includes multiple 90 degree turns and downstream obstructions.

Accordingly, integration of axial fan without affecting both performance and noise of the merchandiser can be challenging.

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