Steerable fan structure

Abstract

The application relates to a reversible fan structure which comprises a fixed frame, a spherical frame and a fan assembly; the fixed frame is internally provided with a spherical cavity penetrating through front and back ends; the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame is matched with the spherical cavity, and the internal part is provided with an installation cavity penetrating through front and back ends, and a positioning shaft is fixedly arranged at the central axis of the installation cavity; the fan assembly is installed on the positioning shaft; wherein the spherical frame is actuated to change the orientation of the spherical frame in the spherical cavity, so that the wind direction of the fan assembly is adjusted. The reversible fan structure can change the orientation of the spherical frame in the spherical cavity by actuating the spherical frame, so that the wind direction of the fan assembly in the spherical frame is directed to a specified position, the complex and changeable heat dissipation scene of a server can be met, and the effect of precise heat dissipation is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat sink technology, and in particular to a steerable fan structure. Background Technology

[0002] A radiator is a device or instrument that transfers heat generated by machinery or other equipment during operation to prevent it from affecting normal operation. Common radiators can be classified into several types based on their heat dissipation methods, including air-cooled radiators, heat pipe radiators, liquid-cooled radiators, semiconductor refrigeration, and compressor refrigeration.

[0003] Traditional servers mostly use air cooling. Currently, the fan structure for air cooling is fixed, and the fan cooling principle is to draw air in from one end and deliver air from the other end, resulting in a relatively simple airflow path.

[0004] In actual product applications, due to differences in the specifications and versions of server motherboard components, or differences in the installation positions of motherboard components, there are significant differences in the layout between different servers and between motherboard components of different specifications. Customized air guides are required to direct or divert airflow to components with high heat generation, which cannot meet the complex and varied heat dissipation scenarios of different servers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a steerable fan structure that can meet the complex and ever-changing heat dissipation scenarios of servers and achieve precise heat dissipation, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] A steerable fan structure, comprising:

[0007] The fixed frame has a spherical cavity running through both the front and rear ends;

[0008] A spherical frame, with its outer circumference matching the spherical cavity, has an internal mounting cavity extending through both ends. A positioning shaft is fixed at the central axis of the mounting cavity.

[0009] The fan assembly is mounted on the positioning shaft;

[0010] Specifically, by moving the spherical frame, the orientation of the spherical frame within the spherical cavity is changed, thereby adjusting the airflow direction of the fan assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fixed frame includes a front frame and a rear frame or a top frame and a bottom frame that are symmetrical to each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the surface of the spherical cavity is a smooth spherical surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame is provided with protrusions; when the spherical frame is installed in the spherical cavity, the protrusions are in movably fitted with the surface of the spherical cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the surface of the spherical cavity is provided with protrusions, and the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame is a smooth spherical surface; the spherical frame is installed inside the spherical cavity, and the protrusions are movably fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, a positioning frame is fixed to one end of the mounting cavity, and one end of the positioning shaft is fixed to the positioning frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, a lever is fixed to the side of the positioning frame facing the outside of the mounting cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the top or side of the fixing frame is provided with a mounting hole that extends through the spherical cavity, and a limit switch is installed in the mounting hole; when the limit switch is pressed, the end of the limit switch will abut against the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame and position the spherical frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the limit switch includes a stop post and an elastic element. The stop post is installed in the mounting hole through the elastic element, and the stop post and the mounting hole are positioned by a snap-fit ​​structure. Pressing the stop post until the end of the stop post abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame, at this time, the stop post and the mounting hole are snapped and fixed together by the snap-fit ​​structure. Moving the snap-fit ​​structure releases the snap-fit ​​relationship between the stop post and the mounting hole, and the end of the stop post is pushed away from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame by the elastic element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure includes an elastic snap-fit ​​member installed on the side of the abutment and a slot formed in the mounting hole. When the abutment is pressed, the elastic snap-fit ​​member on the side of the abutment moves toward the slot. At the same time, the elastic snap-fit ​​member is deformed by the size limitation of the mounting hole and moves closer to the abutment until the elastic snap-fit ​​member moves to the slot position and snaps into the slot.

[0019] In one embodiment, the abutment is provided with a soft rubber pad at one end of the spherical frame.

[0020] The aforementioned steerable fan structure, by matching the outer periphery of the spherical frame with the spherical cavity inside the fixed frame, allows the orientation of the spherical frame within the spherical cavity to be changed by moving the spherical frame. This enables the fan assembly within the spherical frame to direct airflow towards a specified location, meeting the complex and varied heat dissipation requirements of servers and achieving precise heat dissipation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steerable fan structure according to one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spherical frame after it has been rotated to the left according to one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a limit switch according to one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation state of a steerable fan structure in a server according to one embodiment of this application.

[0025] In the diagram: 100, fixed frame; 110, spherical cavity; 120, mounting hole; 130, slot; 200, spherical frame; 210, mounting cavity; 300, protrusion; 400, positioning frame; 500, positioning shaft; 600, toggle lever; 700, fan assembly; 800, limit switch; 810, stop post; 820, elastic element; 830, elastic clip. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, a steerable fan structure includes:

[0032] The fixed frame 100 has a spherical cavity 110 that runs through both the front and rear ends.

[0033] The spherical frame 200 has an outer circumferential surface that matches the spherical cavity 110, and an internal mounting cavity 210 that runs through both the front and rear ends. A positioning shaft 500 is fixed at the central axis of the mounting cavity 210.

[0034] Fan assembly 700 is mounted on positioning shaft 500.

[0035] Specifically, moving the spherical frame 200 changes its orientation within the spherical cavity 110, thereby adjusting the airflow direction of the fan assembly 700.

[0036] The aforementioned steerable fan structure, by matching the outer periphery of the spherical frame 200 with the spherical cavity 110 inside the fixed frame 100, allows the orientation of the spherical frame 200 within the spherical cavity 110 to be changed by moving the spherical frame 200. This enables the fan assembly 700 within the spherical frame 200 to direct airflow towards a specified location, thus meeting the complex and varied heat dissipation scenarios of servers and achieving precise heat dissipation.

[0037] It should be noted that the fan assembly 700 in this embodiment adopts the fan structure used in traditional servers, that is, the motor and fan blades are coaxially mounted together, which can effectively save fan space.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fixed frame 100 includes a front frame and a rear frame or an upper frame and a lower frame that are symmetrical to each other.

[0039] Specifically, the front frame and rear frame, or the upper frame and lower frame, divide the spherical cavity 110 into two equal parts. The two parts can be connected by fasteners or by snap-fit ​​devices on their mating surfaces. In use, first divide the fixing frame 100 into two equal parts, then snap the spherical frame 200 into the spherical cavity 110 of one part of the fixing frame 100, and then snap the other part of the fixing frame 100 onto the spherical frame 200 to complete the installation of the spherical frame 200. Removal is done by reversing the steps.

[0040] In this embodiment, the surface of the spherical cavity 110 is a smooth spherical surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 is provided with protrusions 300; when the spherical frame 200 is installed in the spherical cavity 110, the protrusions 300 are in contact with the surface of the spherical cavity 110.

[0041] In this embodiment, the surface of the spherical cavity 110 is provided with protrusions 300, and the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 is a smooth spherical surface; the spherical frame 200 is installed inside the spherical cavity 110, and the protrusions 300 are movably fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200.

[0042] Specifically, by setting the surface of the spherical cavity 110 or the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 as a smooth spherical surface, and providing protrusions 300 on the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 or the surface of the spherical cavity 110, the two fit together, so that a point-to-surface matching structure is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 and the surface of the spherical cavity 110, the friction during the rotation process is reduced to the greatest extent, and the adjustment of the fan assembly 700 is time-saving and labor-saving, resulting in a better user experience.

[0043] In this embodiment, a positioning frame 400 is fixed at one end of the mounting cavity 210, and one end of the positioning shaft 500 is fixed on the positioning frame 400.

[0044] Specifically, the edge of the positioning frame 400 is connected to one end face of the spherical frame 200, and a space is left at the connection between the two. The mounting cavity 210 is connected to the external environment through the space between the positioning frame 400 and the end face of the spherical frame 200, which is used to drive the gas flow of the fan assembly 700.

[0045] In this embodiment, a toggle lever 600 is fixed on the side of the positioning frame 400 facing the outside of the mounting cavity 210.

[0046] Specifically, the central axis of the actuating lever 600 coincides with the central axis of the positioning shaft 500, and the end of the positioning lever protrudes from the spherical cavity 110. This structure makes the actuating lever 600 easier to move and allows the spherical frame 200 to rotate in any direction to adjust the rotation angle. At the same time, when the spherical frame 200 rotates to a certain angle, it can be limited.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, by moving the lever 600 to one side of the fixed frame 100 at a certain angle, the wind driving direction of the fan assembly 700 can be changed, thus achieving the effect of blowing air to a designated location.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the top or side end of the fixed frame 100 is provided with a mounting hole 120 that extends through to the spherical cavity 110. A limit switch 800 is installed in the mounting hole 120. When the limit switch 800 is pressed, the end of the limit switch 800 will abut against the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame 200 and position the spherical frame 200.

[0049] The limit switch 800 includes a stop post 810 and an elastic element 820. The stop post 810 is installed in the mounting hole 120 through the elastic element 820. The stop post 810 and the mounting hole 120 are positioned by a snap-fit ​​structure. Press the stop post 810 until the end of the stop post 810 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200. At this time, the stop post 810 and the mounting hole 120 are snapped and fixed together by the snap-fit ​​structure. Move the snap-fit ​​structure to release the snap-fit ​​relationship between the stop post 810 and the mounting hole 120. The end of the stop post 810 will be pushed away from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical frame 200 by the elastic element 820.

[0050] Specifically, the snap-fit ​​structure includes an elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 installed on the side of the abutment 810 and a snap-fit ​​groove 130 opened in the mounting hole 120. When the abutment 810 is pressed, the elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 on the side of the abutment 810 moves towards the snap-fit ​​groove 130. At the same time, the elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 is deformed due to the size limitation of the mounting hole 120 and moves closer to the abutment 810 until the elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 moves to the position of the snap-fit ​​groove 130 and snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove 130. Moving the elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 closer to the abutment 810 until the elastic snap-fit ​​element 830 is no longer snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove 130, at this time the abutment 810 will move away from the spherical cavity 110 by being pushed by the elastic element 820.

[0051] In this embodiment, a soft rubber pad is provided at one end of the abutment 810 that abuts against the spherical frame 200.

[0052] Specifically, the soft rubber pad can be made of any elastic material to ensure that when the end of the abutment 810 abuts against the outer circumference of the spherical frame 200, an interference fit is formed between it and the spherical frame 200 to prevent the spherical frame 200 from shifting or rotating.

[0053] When assembling the structure, the fixed frame 100 is first divided into two equal parts. Then, the spherical frame 200 is installed in the spherical cavity 110 of the fixed frame 100. The fixed frame 100 is then assembled together to fix the spherical frame 200, forming the main body of the fan structure. In use, the fan structure is installed in the designated position inside the server cavity. If the heat source inside the server does not align with the direction of the fan structure, the lever 600 on the spherical frame 200 is moved to rotate the spherical frame 200 within the spherical cavity 110 until the fan assembly 700 inside the spherical frame 200 is fanning towards the heat source inside the server. At this point, the limit switch 800 is pressed, causing the abutment 810 to move downwards. During the movement of the abutment 810, the elastic clip 830 on the side of the abutment 810 deforms due to the limiting effect of the mounting hole 120, and it is not connected to the abutment. One end of the post 810 will move closer to the abutment post 810 until the elastic clip 830 moves entirely into the range of the mounting hole 120. Since there is a slot 130 in the mounting hole 120, when the elastic clip 830 moves into the slot 130, the end of the elastic clip 830 that has been deformed by the mounting hole 120 will return to its original position, that is, one end of the elastic clip 830 is engaged in the slot 130. Since the abutment post 810 is installed in the mounting hole 120 through the elastic element 820, the abutment post 810 will be fixed in this position and cannot move due to the thrust of the elastic element 820 and the matching effect between the elastic clip 830 and the slot 130. The abutment post 810 will abut against the surface of the spherical frame 200, which can limit the spherical frame 200 and prevent the spherical frame 200 from rotating, thus affecting the fan assembly 700's heat dissipation of the designated target area. When the spherical frame 200 needs to be readjusted, simply press the elastic clip 830 on the side of the abutment post 810 to bring the elastic clip 830 close to the abutment post 810, so that the elastic clip 830 can disengage from the slot 130. At this time, under the influence of the elastic element 820, the abutment post 810 will move away from the spherical frame 200, and the spherical frame 200 can then rotate.

[0054] Before using the aforementioned steerable fan structure, separate the two parts of the fixing frame 100, snap the spherical frame 200 into one part of the fixing frame 100, and then cover the other part of the fixing frame 100 with the original fixing frame 100, so that the two fixing frames 100 re-form a whole. Then install the fixing frame 100 in the designated installation position in the server. If it is necessary to adjust the airflow direction of the fan assembly 700, simply move the lever 600 to rotate the spherical frame 200, so that the spherical frame 200 rotates in the spherical cavity 110 until the end of the spherical frame 200 faces the predetermined position, ensuring the correct airflow direction.

[0055] When the fan assembly 700 is adjusted to the predetermined position and needs to be fixed, press the stop post 810 to move it downwards by 2-3 mm (this can be adjusted according to the actual application; this is just an example). The soft rubber pad at the bottom of the stop post 810 will interfere with the outer circumference of the spherical frame 200, pressing it against the spherical frame 200 and preventing it from rotating, thus ensuring its reliability and stability. Pressing the stop post 810 again will unlock the limit switch 800, and the stop post 810 will spring back upwards by 2-3 mm. At this time, the spherical fan can rotate normally to adjust the angle.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple rotatable fan structures are installed inside the server. To prevent the fans from blowing or drawing air only to one location, the spherical frame 200 of the side fan structure is rotated so that the airflow direction of the fan assembly 700 of the side fan structure is tilted to both sides, thereby maximizing the airflow range of the fans inside the server and increasing the heat dissipation effect.

[0057] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0058] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steerable fan structure, characterized in that, include: The fixed frame has a spherical cavity running through both the front and rear ends; A spherical frame, with its outer circumference matching the spherical cavity, has an internal mounting cavity that extends through both the front and rear ends, and a positioning shaft is fixed at the central axis of the mounting cavity; and a fan assembly, mounted on the positioning shaft; The spherical frame is moved to change its orientation within the spherical cavity, thereby adjusting the airflow direction of the fan assembly. The fixed frame includes a symmetrical front and rear frame or an upper and lower frame. The surface of the spherical cavity is a smooth sphere, and the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame has protrusions. When the spherical frame is installed within the spherical cavity, the protrusions are in contact with the surface of the spherical cavity. Alternatively, the surface of the spherical cavity has protrusions, and the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame is a smooth sphere. When the spherical frame is installed within the spherical cavity, the protrusions are in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame. A positioning frame is fixed at one end of the mounting cavity, and one end of the positioning shaft is fixed to the positioning frame. A toggle lever is fixed on the side of the positioning frame facing the outside of the mounting cavity. A mounting hole penetrating into the spherical cavity is provided at the top or side of the fixed frame, and a limit switch is installed in the mounting hole. Pressing the limit switch causes its end to abut against the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame, positioning the spherical frame.

2. The steerable fan structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limit switch includes a stop post and an elastic element. The stop post is installed in the mounting hole through the elastic element, and the stop post and the mounting hole are positioned by a snap-fit ​​structure. Press the stop post until the end of the stop post abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame. At this time, the stop post and the mounting hole are snapped and fixed together by the snap-fit ​​structure. Move the snap-fit ​​structure to release the snap-fit ​​relationship between the stop post and the mounting hole. The end of the stop post will be pushed away from the outer circumferential surface of the spherical frame by the elastic element.

3. The steerable fan structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure includes an elastic snap-fit ​​element installed on the side of the abutment and a snap-fit ​​groove opened in the mounting hole. When the abutment is pressed, the elastic snap-fit ​​element on the side of the abutment moves toward the snap-fit ​​groove. At the same time, the elastic snap-fit ​​element is deformed due to the size limitation of the mounting hole and moves closer to the abutment until the elastic snap-fit ​​element moves to the position of the snap-fit ​​groove and snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove.

4. The steerable fan structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutment is abutting against one end of the spherical frame and is provided with a soft rubber pad.

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