Fan assembly

Abstract

A fan assembly (100) includes a nozzle having an opening (14) extending through the nozzle and one or more primary airflow outlets (15). The system further comprises an airflow generator (20) arranged to generate a primary airflow (29) for supply to the one or more primary airflow outlets such that the primary airflow exiting from the one or more primary airflow outlets can draw in an external airflow (30) through the opening. Further, the fan assembly (100) is configured to selectively block external airflow through the opening.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Fans are known to be used to move air in a space. Typically, fans are used to provide a cooling effect (i.e., to make a user feel cooler due to the movement of air). Some fans are also configured to process air by, for example, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, and / or purifying it. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In a first aspect, a fan assembly is disclosed, comprising:

[0003] A nozzle having an opening extending through the nozzle and one or more main airflow outlets; and

[0004] An airflow generator is arranged to generate a main airflow to supply to the one or more main airflow outlets, such that the main airflow discharged from the one or more main airflow outlets can draw in external airflow through the opening;

[0005] The fan assembly is configured to selectively block the external airflow through the opening.

[0006] Providing one or more main airflow outlets capable of drawing in external airflow through the nozzle openings means that, in use, a larger volume of air can be supplied to the user (i.e., compared to the case where air is supplied by only one or more main airflow outlets).

[0007] The ability to selectively block external airflow provides users with a way to alter the nature of the airflow exhausted from the fan assembly, thereby minimizing additional complexity. Selectively blocking external airflow through openings, for example, allows switching between diffused airflow patterns and more targeted airflow patterns.

[0008] In other words, the ability to selectively block external airflow allows users to switch between a high entrainment mode and a low entrainment mode. In the high entrainment mode, there is a high entrainment of external air (i.e., a larger volume of air is drawn in through the opening and then entrained in the main airflow), while in the low entrainment mode, there is a lower entrainment of external air (i.e., a smaller volume of air is drawn in through the opening and then entrained in the main airflow).

[0009] The optional features of the first aspect will now be described. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

[0010] The fan assembly may include an air handling unit for processing air. In this respect, the fan assembly may be referred to as an air handling unit. The air handling unit may be arranged to process the main airflow before it is discharged (via one or more main airflow outlets).

[0011] The air handling unit can be located upstream of the airflow generator (this ensures that only processed air flows through the airflow generator). In other embodiments, the air handling unit can be located downstream of the airflow generator.

[0012] Air handling equipment may include at least one of a heater, cooler, filter, humidifier, dehumidifier, ionizer, air purifier, or, for example, device for adding or removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and / or volatile inorganic compounds (VICs).

[0013] When a fan assembly includes an air handling unit, the ability to selectively block external airflow can improve the effectiveness of such air handling. While the ability to draw in outside air through nozzle openings is ideal for providing a larger volume of air to the user, when the fan assembly is used to supply treated air, the induced (untreated) external airflow can dilute the treated air exiting from one or more main airflow outlets. For example, when the air handling unit includes a heater, the heated main airflow can be cooled by the external airflow drawn in through the openings, meaning that the user in the path of the exhaust (combined) airflow can receive colder air than would be without external airflow.

[0014] The ability to selectively block external airflow through an opening allows for regulation of the amount of dilution. In some cases, this blocking can essentially eliminate dilution. When used to process airflow, this can improve the effectiveness of fan assemblies.

[0015] When the opening is not blocked (as in the high entrainment mode described above), a larger volume of air is supplied to the user (i.e., providing a more efficient fan function), but the treated air is diluted to a greater extent. When the opening is at least partially blocked (as in the low entrainment mode described above), a smaller volume of air can be supplied to the user, but the treated air is less diluted (i.e., more efficient processing function).

[0016] This arrangement is particularly suitable for fan assemblies where the air handling unit has a limited operating time (e.g., where the air handling unit is battery-powered or can be otherwise depleted). In this arrangement, the user can use the fan assembly in a low-entrainment mode when the air handling unit is operational, and switch to a high-entrainment mode when the air handling unit is inoperable (e.g., when the air handling unit has depleted the battery it relies on).

[0017] It is understood that airflow handling can vary between high entrainment and low entrainment modes. For example, the air handling unit may be inactive in high entrainment mode. Similarly, when the fan assembly includes both a main airflow outlet and a secondary airflow outlet (as discussed further below), the fan assembly can be configured such that the treated air is supplied only to either the main outlet or the secondary outlet. For example, in an embodiment where air is exhausted from both one or more main outlets and one or more secondary outlets in low entrainment mode, the fan assembly can be configured such that in low entrainment mode, the treated air (from the air handling unit) is supplied to one or more secondary outlets instead of one or more main outlets.

[0018] One or more main airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge the main airflow away from the opening.

[0019] The opening in the nozzle may include a central axis. One or more main airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge the main airflow in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis.

[0020] One or more main airflow outlets may be arranged around the periphery of the opening. One or more main airflow outlets may extend at least partially around the periphery of the opening. One or more main airflow outlets may extend substantially completely around the periphery of the opening.

[0021] The nozzle may have a front side and a rear side. An opening may extend from the front side to the rear side. One or more main airflow outlets may be located at or near the front side of the nozzle. One or more main airflow outlets may be located within an opening in the nozzle. In some embodiments, one or more main airflow outlets may be located near the end of an opening on the rear side of the nozzle.

[0022] The fan assembly may include one or more secondary airflow outlets to discharge secondary airflow into an opening. The one or more secondary airflow outlets may, for example, be arranged to discharge secondary airflow inward from a nozzle into the opening. This arrangement can improve the air supply to the user when external airflow through the opening is blocked (i.e., in low entrainment mode). In low entrainment mode, for example, secondary airflow may be discharged from one or more secondary airflow outlets into the opening to fill the opening (e.g., substantially fill the opening with air from one or more secondary airflow outlets). Filling the opening in this way means that the opening itself acts as an outlet or jet for the fan assembly. This effective “jet” has a larger cross-sectional area than that provided by the main airflow outlet, and therefore provides a greater projection (or throw) of treated air toward the user. Therefore, one result of providing the described one or more secondary airflow outlets is (at least in low entrainment mode) that the treated air is further propelled from the fan assembly. Thus, the user is able to receive a larger proportion of treated air compared to a situation without one or more secondary airflow outlets.

[0023] Secondary airflow can be supplied from an airflow generator to one or more secondary airflow outlets. For example, a fan assembly may include an airflow guide to regulate the ratio of the secondary airflow to the primary airflow (i.e., the ratio of the airflow supplied from the airflow generator to one or more secondary outlets to one or more primary outlets). The airflow guide may include or may be a valve.

[0024] In other embodiments, the secondary airflow may be supplied by a separate airflow generator. That is, the fan assembly may include a main airflow generator and a secondary airflow generator, the main airflow generator being arranged to supply main airflow to one or more main outlets, and the secondary airflow generator being arranged to supply secondary airflow to one or more secondary airflow outlets.

[0025] The airflow generator, or each airflow generator, may include a motor and an impeller (and may be referred to as a compressor, blower, or fan).

[0026] One or more secondary airflow outlets may be located upstream of one or more main airflow outlets (relative to the direction of external airflow through the opening). When the nozzle includes a front side and a rear side, one or more secondary airflow outlets may be located behind one or more main airflow outlets (i.e., one or more secondary airflow outlets may be located between the rear side of the nozzle and one or more main airflow outlets).

[0027] One or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge secondary airflow at an angle to the central axis of the opening. One or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge secondary airflow in an inward-forward direction (i.e., a direction having an inward component toward the central axis of the opening and a forward component toward the front side of the nozzle). One or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge secondary airflow in an inward-rearward direction (i.e., a direction having an inward component toward the central axis of the opening and a rearward component toward the rear side of the nozzle). One or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge secondary airflow in an inward direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction and the opposite rearward direction. As can be understood, one or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged to discharge secondary airflow in a combination of two or more of the aforementioned inward-forward, inward-rearward, and inward directions.

[0028] One or more secondary airflow outlets may include slots, multiple slots, and / or multiple holes extending around (e.g., partially or completely around) the periphery of an opening. One or more secondary airflow outlets may extend circumferentially around the opening. One or more secondary airflow outlets may be arranged as multiple rings that extend at least partially around the opening and are spaced apart from each other along the opening.

[0029] One or more main airflow outlets may include slots, multiple slots, and / or multiple holes extending around the periphery of the (partial or complete) opening (e.g., at the front side of the nozzle). Typically, one or more main airflow outlets may be configured to discharge an annular air jet in a forward direction.

[0030] The (lateral) cross-sectional area of ​​the opening can be greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​one or more main airflow outlets. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening can be, for example, taken at the front opening of the opening, where the opening leads to the front side of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening can be at least 0.01 m². 2 For example, at least 0.05 m 2 For example, at least 0.1 m 2 The width (e.g., diameter) of the opening can be 60 to 180 mm, or, for example, 80 to 160 mm, or, for example, 100 to 140 mm. The width (e.g., diameter) of the opening can be 200 mm to 400 mm, or, for example, 250 mm to 350 mm, or, for example, about 300 mm. More generally, the opening can have a width (e.g., diameter) of 60 mm to 400 mm.

[0031] The length of the opening (i.e., in the direction along the central axis of the opening) may be at least 0.5 times the width (e.g., diameter) of the opening, or at least 0.8 times the width (e.g., diameter), or at least greater than the width (e.g., diameter). When the nozzle includes a front side and a rear side and the opening extends from the rear side to the front side, the length of the opening may be the distance from the rear side to the front side.

[0032] The opening may have a circular cross-sectional shape (i.e., truncated transversely to the direction extending between the front and rear sides of the nozzle). The opening may, for example, have an elliptical, oblong, rectangular, square, or triangular cross-sectional shape. The nozzle may have a shape complementary to the shape of the opening. For example, the nozzle may have a circular or oblong annular shape.

[0033] The fan assembly may include a controller configured to control the fan assembly. The controller may be configured to control the fan assembly according to a high entrainment mode and a low entrainment mode. The high entrainment mode is suitable for use when the fan assembly does not obstruct external airflow. The low entrainment mode is suitable for use when the fan assembly at least partially obstructs airflow.

[0034] The fan assembly may include a user input device configured to receive user input. The user input device may be provided on (e.g., mounted to) the nozzle of the fan assembly, or may be detached from the nozzle (e.g., in the form of a remote control device, including, for example, a mobile phone). The user input device may include, for example, a touchscreen, a microphone, a button, etc. The user input device may be operatively connected to a controller. The user input device may be configured to generate a mode switching signal in response to receiving user input. The controller may be configured to respond to the mode switching signal by switching between a high-bandwidth mode and a low-bandwidth mode (e.g., by toggling). In this way, the user can select the operating mode of the fan assembly.

[0035] This switching can be performed in other ways. For example, the mode switching signal can be generated when a person is detected approaching the nozzle (e.g., via a proximity sensor) and / or when a threshold temperature is detected. Alternatively or additionally, the mode switching signal can be generated based on air quality (e.g., in conjunction with the proximity of a person).

[0036] In the high entrainment mode, the secondary airflow includes a first velocity (i.e., air at a first velocity can be discharged from one or more secondary air outlets). In the low entrainment mode, the secondary airflow includes a second velocity (i.e., air at a second velocity can be discharged from one or more secondary air outlets). The second velocity can be greater than the first velocity.

[0037] For example, the controller can be configured to control the fan assembly in a high entrainment mode, such that the secondary airflow (exhausted from one or more secondary airflow outlets) is negligible. For example, in high entrainment mode, the secondary airflow is negligible compared to the primary airflow. In some embodiments, air may not be exhausted from one or more secondary airflow outlets in high entrainment mode (but air may be exhausted from one or more secondary airflow outlets in low entrainment mode). That is, in some embodiments, the secondary airflow outlets may be, for example, disabled or blocked. In such embodiments, in high entrainment mode, air may be exhausted essentially only from one or more primary airflow outlets. These differences in airflow velocity can be controlled by a controller that controls one or more of, for example, an airflow generator, additional airflow generators, and / or airflow guides (if present).

[0038] Controlling the fan assembly in this way means that one or more secondary airflow outlets can be filled (e.g., substantially filled with air) in low entrainment mode, but can be left unvented (or can vent negligible air) in high entrainment mode in order to avoid disrupting the entrainment of the external airflow through the opening.

[0039] The velocity of the main airflow exiting from one or more main air outlets (e.g., controlled by a controller) can be greater in high entrainment mode than in low entrainment mode. For example, the controller can be configured to control the fan assembly in low entrainment mode such that the main airflow (exiting from one or more main airflow outlets) is negligible. For example, in low entrainment mode, the main airflow is negligible compared to the secondary airflow. That is, in some embodiments, the main airflow outlets can be, for example, disabled or blocked. In such embodiments, in low entrainment mode, air can be exited essentially only from one or more secondary airflow outlets.

[0040] Typically, the fan assembly can be configured such that, in a low entrainment mode (which could be when the opening is blocked), air is discharged only from the primary outlet (e.g., when there are no secondary outlets), only from the secondary outlets, or from both the primary outlets and the secondary outlets. As will be further described below, in any of these scenarios, the opening may be blocked (which could be a physical barrier or aerodynamic obstacle as described below).

[0041] The fan assembly may include a physical barrier to selectively physically block external airflow through the opening.

[0042] The barrier may be part of the nozzle or attachable (e.g., mountable) to the nozzle. The barrier may completely block the opening (e.g., substantially completely preventing outside air from entering and passing through the opening). In other embodiments, the barrier may only partially block the opening (e.g., some outside air may be able to enter and pass through the opening).

[0043] A physical barrier can be releasably mounted to the nozzle. The physical barrier can be mounted to the nozzle so that, during installation, it is upstream of the main airflow outlet and / or the secondary airflow outlet (relative to the direction of external airflow through the opening). The physical barrier can be mounted to the nozzle so that, during installation, it is located behind the nozzle. Releasable mounting can be provided, for example, by a magnet (and a corresponding ferrous element), snap-fit ​​engagement, clip, push-in fit (e.g., interference fit), etc. Releasable mounting allows the user to selectively block the opening with the physical barrier.

[0044] The physical barrier can be complementary in shape to the opening. The physical barrier can be complementary in shape to the nozzle. The physical barrier can be disc-shaped. The physical barrier can be planar.

[0045] Physical barriers can be flexible or rigid. Barriers can include plates, sheets, membranes, panels, etc., configured to extend at least partially through the opening.

[0046] Physical barriers can be porous. Physical barriers can include porous media (e.g., they can be formed from fibrous materials). Physical barriers can be in the form of filters (i.e., used to filter air passing through openings).

[0047] The physical barrier can move through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the opening can be less obstructed by the physical barrier (i.e., compared to the extended position). In the extended position, the opening can be more obstructed by the physical barrier (i.e., compared to the retracted position).

[0048] The fan assembly may include an actuator configured to move a physical barrier between a retracted position and an extended position (i.e., automatically). The actuator may include, for example, a motor. The actuator may be operatively connected to a controller for control by the controller. The controller may be configured to control the actuator to move the physical barrier to the retracted position in a high-clamp mode (e.g., when switched via a user input device). The controller may also be configured to control the actuator to move the physical barrier to the extended position in a low-clamp mode (e.g., when switched via a user input device).

[0049] In other embodiments, the physical barrier may be configured to be manually moved between a retracted position and an extended position (e.g., by a user).

[0050] The physical barrier may include, for example, a retractable roller shutter. In this respect, the physical barrier may be flexible so that it can be rolled up in the retracted position. The physical barrier may include a curtain (e.g., a flexible nozzle slidably mounted to a nozzle).

[0051] Physical barriers may include louvers. For example, a physical barrier may include multiple blades / leaves / louvers that are rotatably mounted to a nozzle (i.e., such that their respective axes of rotation extend transversely to the opening).

[0052] A physical barrier may include a diaphragm mechanism, sometimes referred to as an iris valve. Therefore, a physical barrier may include (e.g., overlapping) blades that collectively define a central orifice. The blades may be movable (e.g., slidable) to change the size of the orifice. In this way, movement of the blades can provide regulation of the amount of external air that can flow into the opening. The central orifice may be, for example, circular, hexagonal, triangular, etc. The central orifice may be defined by the inner edges of the blades (i.e., a portion of each inner edge defines a portion of the periphery of the central orifice). Movement of each blade adjusts the size of the portion of the orifice defined by the inner edge of each blade (such that the size of the orifice increases and decreases with this movement).

[0053] A physical barrier may include one or more holes passing through it, or it may be configured to extend only partially through the opening. In this way, a physical barrier may provide only partial blocking of the opening. As mentioned above, a physical barrier may be porous (and therefore may provide this partial blocking in this way).

[0054] The fan assembly may include a barrier sensor configured to detect whether a physical barrier at least partially blocks the opening. For example, in the case of a releasably mounted physical barrier, the sensor may be configured to detect whether the barrier is mounted. For example, the fan assembly may include a Hall effect sensor (or optical sensor) for detecting the presence of the barrier when mounted to the nozzle. A controller may be operatively connected to the barrier sensor. The controller may be configured to switch between a high-entrainment mode and a low-entrainment mode in response to the barrier sensor detecting a physical barrier at least partially blocking the opening.

[0055] As an alternative to (or in addition to) physical barriers, selective obstruction of external airflow through the opening can be provided aerodynamically (i.e., by providing an airflow that provides such obstruction). For example, one or more secondary airflow outlets can be configured to selectively and aerodynamically obstruct external airflow through the opening. One or more secondary airflow outlets can be configured to discharge secondary airflow through the opening to at least partially obstruct external airflow through the opening (i.e., such obstruction occurs aerodynamically). One or more secondary airflow outlets can be configured to form an air curtain across the opening (i.e., provided by the secondary airflow).

[0056] In this way, the secondary airflow outlet can have a dual function: blocking external airflow through the opening (optionally to varying degrees) and filling the opening.

[0057] In such embodiments (where selective blocking is aerodynamically provided by one or more secondary airflow outlets), one or more secondary airflow outlets may be located upstream of one or more main airflow outlets. One or more secondary airflow outlets may be located at or near the upstream end of the opening (e.g., at or near the rear side of the nozzle).

[0058] The fan assembly (e.g., a nozzle) may also include one or more tertiary airflow outlets arranged to discharge tertiary airflow into an opening. The one or more tertiary outlets may be spaced apart from one or more secondary outlets along the opening (e.g., in a direction parallel to the central axis of the opening).

[0059] One or more tertiary airflow outlets may include slots, multiple slots, and / or multiple holes extending around (e.g., partially or completely around) the periphery of an opening. One or more tertiary airflow outlets may extend circumferentially around the opening. One or more tertiary airflow outlets may be arranged as multiple rings that extend at least partially around the opening and are spaced apart from each other along the opening.

[0060] The nozzle can be supported on a base. The base can be cylindrical. The base can accommodate one or more of an airflow generator (and optionally additional airflow generators), an airflow guide, and / or an air handling unit. The base may include an airflow inlet or multiple inlets (e.g., for supplying air to the airflow generator, airflow guide, and / or air handling unit).

[0061] The air handling unit can be arranged to process the secondary and / or tertiary airflows before the respective secondary and / or tertiary airflows are discharged (i.e., discharged via one or more secondary and / or tertiary airflow outlets, respectively).

[0062] In a second aspect, a method for operating a fan assembly is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0063] The fan assembly is operated in a high entrainment mode by discharging the main airflow to draw in external airflow through the openings of the fan assembly; and

[0064] The fan assembly is operated in a low-clamp mode by at least partially blocking the opening.

[0065] The optional features of the second aspect will now be described. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

[0066] The fan assembly may be as described above with respect to the first aspect. The fan assembly may include one or more of the optional features of the first aspect described above.

[0067] Operating the fan assembly in a low entrainment mode may include discharging secondary airflow into an opening. This secondary airflow may at least partially obstruct external airflow passing through the opening.

[0068] Operating the fan assembly in a low entrainment mode may include not discharging the main airflow (or discharging a negligible main airflow). In other embodiments, operating the fan assembly in a low entrainment mode may include discharging the main airflow.

[0069] Operating the fan assembly in high entrainment mode may include not discharging secondary airflow (or discharging negligible secondary airflow).

[0070] Blocking an opening may include blocking the opening with a physical barrier. The barrier may be as described in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the fan assembly according to the first embodiment in a high-entrainment mode;

[0072] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the fan assembly in the first embodiment in low-entrainment mode;

[0073] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the components of the fan assembly in the first embodiment of the high-entrainment mode;

[0074] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the components of the fan assembly in the first embodiment of the low-entrainment mode;

[0075] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of the components of the fan assembly in the first embodiment of another low-entrainment mode;

[0076] Figure 3 This is a front view of the fan assembly according to the second embodiment in low-entrainment mode;

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic top cross-sectional view of the fan assembly according to the third embodiment in low-entrainment mode;

[0078] Figure 5 This is a schematic top cross-sectional view of the fan assembly according to the fourth embodiment in low-entrainment mode;

[0079] Figure 6 This is a schematic top cross-sectional view of the fan assembly according to the fifth embodiment in low-entrainment mode; and

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic top cross-sectional view of the fan assembly according to the sixth embodiment in low-entrainment mode. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Figure 1A and 1B A fan assembly 100 (in this case, an air handling assembly) is shown, comprising an annular nozzle 11 having a front side 12 and a rear side 13, and an opening 14 extending through the nozzle 11 to open at the front side 12 and the rear side 13 for external airflow 30 to flow through the nozzle 11. An inner peripheral surface 18 of the nozzle 11 defines the boundary of the opening 14 extending through the nozzle 11.

[0082] The fan assembly 100 also includes a main airflow outlet 15 in the form of an annular groove, which is disposed on the front side 12 of the nozzle 11 at the periphery of the opening 14 (wherein the opening 14 opens at the front side 12 of the nozzle 11). In other embodiments, the main airflow outlet 15 may be disposed away from the front side of the nozzle 11 (e.g., the main airflow outlet 15 may be disposed within the opening 14). The main airflow outlet 15 is configured to discharge an annular main airflow 29 from it in a substantially forward direction (i.e., substantially parallel to the central axis 34 of the opening 14 and away from the front side 12 of the nozzle 11). Discharging the main airflow 29 in this way draws external airflow 30 into the opening 14 to flow through the opening 14 in a forward direction (i.e., from the rear side 13 to the front side 12 of the nozzle 11). The external airflow 30 exits from the front end 36 of the opening 14 at the front side 12 of the nozzle 11 and is entrained in the annular main airflow 29 discharged from the main airflow outlet 15.

[0083] A plurality of secondary airflow outlets 19, in the form of circumferentially spaced holes, are provided in the inner peripheral surface 18 of the annular portion 16 (to form a ring of holes). As will be understood, an additional ring of circumferentially spaced holes (spaced along the opening 14) may be provided. The secondary airflow outlets 19 are arranged to guide secondary airflow 31 into the opening 14 (in use, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the external airflow 30 passing through the opening 14).

[0084] The nozzle 11 is mounted on a cylindrical base 17. The airflow generator 20, air handling unit 21, and airflow guide 22 are housed within the base 17. These are internal components and therefore not shown in the main display. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the text, but in Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The diagram is schematically depicted. An airflow generator 20 (which may be a compressor) is in fluid communication with each of the main outlet 15 and a plurality of secondary outlets 19, and is configured to supply airflow to these outlets 15, 19. For this purpose, the airflow generator 20 draws air into the base 17 through a circumferential airflow inlet 23 extending circumferentially around the base 17, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1A and 1B As shown in the best embodiment (in other embodiments, the inlet 23 may not extend circumferentially).

[0085] Air handling unit 21 processes air upstream of airflow generator 20 (but may also be downstream). Air handling unit 21 may include one or more of the following: heater, cooler, filter, humidifier, dehumidifier, ionizer, air purifier, or device for adding or removing VOCs and / or VICs. These functions may also be separated between upstream and downstream (e.g., upstream filter and downstream heater).

[0086] Airflow guide 22 is downstream of both air handling unit 21 and airflow generator 20. Airflow guide 22 is configured to control airflow to main outlet 15 and multiple secondary outlets 19. Figure 2A In this configuration, the airflow guide 22 is positioned such that all airflow generated by the airflow generator 20 is directed to the main airflow outlet 15. Figure 2B In this configuration, the airflow guide 22 is positioned such that all airflow generated by the airflow generator 20 is directed to multiple secondary airflow outlets 19.

[0087] The airflow guide 22 can also partially divert the flow to the main outlet 15 and multiple secondary outlets 19. This mode in Figure 2C As shown in the figure, and can be used as Figure 2B It is provided as an alternative or supplement to the low-entrainment mode.

[0088] Return to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The fan assembly 100 also includes a physical barrier 24 configured to selectively block external airflow 30 from entering the opening 14 through the rear side 13 of the nozzle 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the physical barrier 24 is in the form of a panel configured to be releasably mounted to the nozzle 11 (e.g., by magnet, snap-fit, etc.) for positioning at the rear side 13 of the nozzle 11. The physical barrier 24... Figure 1A It was shown as not installed in [the context], and [the text abruptly ends here]. Figure 1B The nozzle is releasably mounted to the nozzle 11 (e.g., via a magnet, snap-fit, push-in engagement, etc.). As can be seen from the figure, the physical barrier 24 extends fully to the rear end 35 of the opening 14 to prevent any external air from entering the opening 14 through the rear side 13 of the nozzle 11.

[0089] The provision of a releasable physical barrier 24 allows the fan assembly 100 to operate in two alternating modes: a high-entrainment mode (such as...) Figure 1A and 2A (as shown) and low entrainment mode (such as) Figure 1B and 2B (As shown). The fan assembly 100 is controlled between these modes by a controller 32, which is operatively connected to the airflow guide 22 and a user input device 25, which takes the form of a button disposed on the base of the nozzle (the operative connection between the controller 32 and these components is not explicitly shown for clarity). In other embodiments, the user input device 25 may be located remotely from the nozzle 11 and the base 17 (e.g., it may be a remote control, mobile phone, etc.). When pressed by the user, the user input device 25 sends a signal to the controller, instructing the controller to switch between a low-entrainment mode and a high-entrainment mode.

[0090] The high-entrapment mode is intended for use when the physical barrier 24 is not installed to the nozzle 11 (i.e., so as not to block the opening, as...). Figure 1A (As shown). Therefore, for example, the user can manually remove the physical barrier 24 and then press the user input device 25 to enter the high entrainment mode. In this mode, the controller controls the airflow guide 22 to direct the airflow from the airflow generator 20 only to the main airflow outlet 15. Thus, in the high entrainment mode, essentially all the airflow supplied by the airflow generator 20 is discharged through the main outlet 15. Essentially no air is discharged from the multiple secondary airflow outlets 19.

[0091] By configuring the fan assembly 100 in this way, the annular main airflow 29 discharged from the main airflow outlet 15 can induce external air to move from the rear side 13 of the nozzle 11 through the opening 14 to the front side 12 of the nozzle 11. This external airflow 30 is then entrained in the annular air jet to flow towards the user. The overall effect is that a larger amount of air can be supplied to the user (which may be particularly beneficial for cooling the user).

[0092] However, as mentioned above, one effect of this arrangement is that any treated air processed by the air handling unit 21 is diluted by the external airflow 30 entrained in the annular jet. The low entrainment mode solves this problem. The low entrainment mode is the operating mode of the fan assembly 100, designed so that when the physical barrier 24 is releasably mounted to the rear side 13 of the nozzle 11 (to block the opening 14, as...) Figure 1B (As shown) When used. Therefore, the user can releasably attach the physical barrier 24 to the nozzle 11 and then press the user input device 25 to switch the fan assembly 100 to a low-entrainment mode. In other embodiments, the fan assembly 100 may be configured to automatically detect the presence of the physical barrier 24 (e.g., via a Hall effect sensor).

[0093] In low-bandgap mode, such as from Figure 1B and 2B As is evident, the controller directs the airflow guide 22 to direct virtually all the airflow generated by the airflow generator 20 to multiple secondary airflow outlets 19. Virtually no air exits from the main airflow outlet 15. By directing the airflow into opening 14 (via the secondary airflow outlets 19) instead of directing the airflow forward from the main airflow outlet 15, opening 14 can be used as a large-scale jet from which the treated air is discharged. The significantly larger cross-sectional area of ​​opening 14 compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the main airflow outlet 15 means that the treated air can be propelled a greater distance from the nozzle 11 (i.e., this arrangement has a greater "throw distance," allowing a larger volume of treated air to reach the user). In this way, Figures 1A to 2CThe fan assembly 100 provides users with the option to receive a large amount of air for purposes such as cooling, or to receive a smaller amount of air but with significantly reduced dilution of the treated air.

[0094] As can be understood, the physical barrier 24 can take various other forms, such as blinds (e.g., roller blinds) or curtains. Figure 3 Another variation is shown. Figure 3 The physical barrier 24 of the fan assembly 200 is in the form of a diaphragm mechanism, sometimes referred to as an iris valve, which includes a plurality of blades 26 extending through the opening 14 to surround (and define) a central aperture 27 through which external air can pass. The blades 26 are slidably mounted such that sliding the blades 26 increases or decreases the size of the aperture 27 (i.e., depending on the direction of movement of the blades 26). In this way, the opening 14 can be selectively blocked to change the amount of external airflow 30 passing through the opening 14.

[0095] In addition to changing the physical barrier 24, the airflow exhausted by the fan assembly 200 in low entrainment mode can also be changed. Figures 4 to 7 An example of this situation is illustrated schematically. These figures are schematic in nature and provide cross-sectional views taken horizontally through the nozzle of the respective fan assembly (similar to...). Figure 1A and 1B (as shown in the image).

[0096] exist Figure 4 In this variant, the fan assembly 300 does not include any secondary airflow outlets. Instead, the main airflow 29 flows from the main airflow outlet 15 in both high-entrainment and low-entrainment modes. This indicates that... Figures 1A to 2C The variant shown is a less complex one, but because the opening 14 is not fully filled (i.e., it is not substantially filled with air by the secondary airflow outlet), the fan assembly 300 may be less effective at pushing the processed air toward the user.

[0097] exist Figure 5 In a variant, the fan assembly 400 includes both a main airflow outlet 15 and a secondary airflow outlet 19, and is configured such that in a low entrainment mode, the corresponding main airflow 29 and secondary airflow 31 are discharged from both the main airflow outlet 15 and the secondary airflow outlet 19.

[0098] exist Figure 6 In the variant, the fan assembly 500 (similar to...) Figure 5The fan assembly includes a main airflow outlet 15 and a secondary airflow outlet 19. In this variant, selective obstruction of the external airflow 30 is provided by the secondary airflow outlet 19. That is, the secondary airflow outlet 19 is configured to block the inflow of external air into the opening 14 by forming an air curtain (via the secondary airflow 31) on the rear side of the opening 14. In this respect, the secondary airflow outlet 19 has a dual function: blocking the external airflow into the opening 14; and filling the opening 14 with treated air.

[0099] Figure 7 The variant is similar to Figure 6 A variation of the fan assembly 600 includes another set (e.g., a third set) of airflow outlets 28. In this case, the tertiary airflow outlets 28 are configured to discharge a tertiary airflow 33 in an inward-forward direction to fill the opening 14 with treated air. That is, the tertiary airflow 33 is discharged into the opening 14 at an angle to the central axis 34 of the opening 14 and toward the front side 12 of the nozzle 11. Secondary airflow outlets 19 are located behind the tertiary airflow outlets 28 and are configured to block external airflow 30 passing through the opening 14 by discharging air passing through the opening 14 (i.e., these additional airflow outlets 19 provide a barrier to external airflow).

[0100] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, are expressed in their particular form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, and may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement the invention in its various forms.

[0101] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon presentation of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0102] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0103] Any chapter headings used in this article are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0104] Throughout this specification, including the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and “including”, as well as variations such as “comprising,” “including,” and “including,” shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integer or step or group of steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of steps.

[0105] It should be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. A range may be expressed herein as from “about” a particular value and / or to “about” another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about,” it should be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to numerical values ​​is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A fan assembly, comprising: A nozzle having an opening extending through the nozzle and one or more main airflow outlets; and An airflow generator is arranged to generate a main airflow to supply to the one or more main airflow outlets, such that the main airflow discharged from the one or more main airflow outlets can draw in external airflow through the opening; The fan assembly is configured to selectively block the external airflow through the opening.

2. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more main airflow outlets are arranged to discharge the main airflow from the opening.

3. The fan assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The nozzle includes one or more secondary airflow outlets to discharge secondary airflow into the opening.

4. The fan assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The secondary airflow is supplied from the airflow generator to the one or more secondary airflow outlets.

5. The fan assembly of claim 4, further comprising an airflow guide to adjust the ratio of the secondary airflow to the primary airflow.

6. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the opening includes a central axis, and the one or more secondary airflow outlets are arranged to discharge the secondary airflow at an angle to the central axis.

7. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a controller configured to control the fan assembly according to: High-level entrainment mode, in which, The secondary airflow includes a first velocity; and In the low entrainment mode, the secondary airflow includes a second velocity, which is greater than the first velocity.

8. The fan assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to control the fan assembly in the high entrainment mode such that the secondary airflow is negligible.

9. The fan assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the fan assembly in the low entrainment mode such that the main airflow is negligible.

10. The fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a physical barrier to selectively physically block the external airflow through the opening.

11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein the physical barrier is releasably mounted to the nozzle.

12. The fan assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The physical barrier is porous.

13. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the physical barrier may be configured among: In the retracted position, the opening is substantially less obstructed by the physical barrier; and In the extended position, the opening is further blocked by the physical barrier.

14. The fan assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the physical barrier comprises a plurality of blades to collectively define a central aperture, and wherein the plurality of blades are movable to change the size of the central aperture.

15. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein, The one or more secondary airflow outlets are configured to selectively and aerodynamically block external airflow from passing through the openings.

16. The fan assembly of claim 15, wherein, The nozzle includes one or more tertiary airflow outlets, which are arranged to discharge air into the opening.

17. The fan assembly of claim 16, wherein, The one or more tertiary outlets are spaced apart from the one or more secondary outlets along the opening.

18. The fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more main airflow outlets include one or more slots that extend at least partially around the periphery of the opening.

19. The fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the one or more main airflow outlets.

20. The fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an air handling device arranged to handle the main airflow before it is discharged from one or more main airflow outlets.

21. The fan assembly of claim 19, wherein, The air handling apparatus includes at least one of a heater, cooler, filter, humidifier, dehumidifier, ionizer, air purifier, or device for adding or removing VOCs and / or VICs.

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