Fan structure

Abstract

A fan structure comprises a fan blade, a motor and a fan frame. The motor has a rotating shaft connected with the fan blades. The fan frame wraps the motor and the fan blades to form a flow channel, the fan frame is provided with a bottom wall and a side wall, the side wall comprises a first hard piece and a first soft piece, the hardness of the first hard piece is larger than that of the first soft piece, and the first soft piece serves as part of the wall face of the flow channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan structure, particularly to a fan structure facilitating automated assembly. Background Art

[0002] During the operation of a fan, its motor inevitably generates vibrations, resulting in collisions and noise. Generally, fans are installed in electronic systems that require heat dissipation. Therefore, the vibrations generated during fan operation are still transmitted within the system.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a fan structure with an integrally formed vibration damping structure to overcome the deficiency of insufficient vibration damping effect in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention proposes a fan structure to solve the problems of the prior art.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a fan structure includes a fan blade, a motor, and a fan frame. The motor has a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade. The fan frame wraps the motor and the fan blade to form a flow channel. The fan frame has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall includes a first rigid member and a first soft member, where the hardness of the first rigid member is greater than that of the first soft member and the first soft member serves as part of the wall surface of the flow channel.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first rigid member and the first soft member are exposed in the flow channel.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flow channel is an arc-shaped flow channel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first rigid member and the first soft member are of an integrally formed structure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the axial height of the first soft member is greater than the axial height of the fan blade.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the axial height of the first soft member is less than the axial height of the fan blade.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall includes a second rigid member and a second soft member, and the second rigid member surrounds the second soft member.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fan structure further includes an electrical connector, and the second soft member surrounds the electrical connector.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second soft member is located between the second rigid member and the electrical connector.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a fan structure includes a fan blade, a motor, and a fan frame. The motor has a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade. The fan frame wraps the motor and the fan blade to form a flow channel. The fan frame has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall includes a first plastic part and a first dissimilar material part. The first dissimilar material part has a lower hardness than the first plastic part. The first dissimilar material part faces the fan blade on a horizontal plane.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hardness range of the first dissimilar material part is Shore A 30° to 70°.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first dissimilar material part includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first dissimilar material part includes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first dissimilar material part includes thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the side wall is an integrally formed structure of the first dissimilar material part and the first plastic part by two-shot injection or secondary injection.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall includes a second plastic part and a second dissimilar material part. The second dissimilar material part has a lower hardness than the second plastic part.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fan structure further includes an electrical connector. The second dissimilar material part surrounds the electrical connector.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second dissimilar material part is located between the second plastic part and the electrical connector.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second dissimilar material part has the same material as the first dissimilar material part.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a fan structure includes a fan blade, a motor, and a base. The motor has a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade. The motor is fixed on the base. The base includes a rigid part and a soft part. The soft part wraps the periphery of the rigid part and the soft part faces the fan blade on a horizontal plane.

[0025] In summary, the fan structure of the present invention that is conducive to automated assembly disposes dissimilar material parts with relatively low hardness on the side wall of the fan frame, around the electrical connector, the periphery of the base, and the wrapping parts of the assembled parts. When the fan structure is assembled into the system, the interface of the dissimilar material part and the wall of the abutting system has a sealing and waterproof effect, and the dissimilar material part also provides a vibration damping effect.

[0026] The following will describe the above description in detail with embodiments and provide a further explanation of the technical solution of the present innovation. Description of the Drawings

[0027] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present innovation more obvious and understandable, the description of the accompanying drawings is as follows:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the fan structure of an embodiment of the present innovation;

[0029] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 the state of the fan structure removing the dissimilar material parts of the side wall;

[0030] Figure 3 is showing Figure 1 the side view of the fan structure;

[0031] Figure 4 is showing Figure 1 the sectional view of the fan structure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the fan structure of another embodiment of the present innovation;

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the fan structure of another embodiment of the present innovation;

[0034] Figure 7 shows Figure 6 the state of the base of the fan structure removing the dissimilar material parts; and

[0035] Figure 8 is showing Figure 6 the exploded view of the fan structure.

[0036] Description of the Reference Numerals

[0037] 100: Fan structure,

[0038] 106: Control circuit board,

[0039] 108: Motor,

[0040] 108a: Rotating shaft,

[0041] 110: Fan frame,

[0042] 112: Bottom wall,

[0043] 112a: Plastic part,

[0044] 112b: Dissimilar material part,

[0045] 113: Flow channel,

[0046] 114: Side wall,

[0047] 114a: Different material part,

[0048] 114b: Plastic part,

[0049] 114c: Different material part,

[0050] 115: Air outlet,

[0051] 116: Fan blade,

[0052] 117: Assembly part,

[0053] 117a: Assembly hole,

[0054] 119: Wrapping part,

[0055] 119a: Assembly hole,

[0056] 122: Direction,

[0057] 126: Electrical connector,

[0058] 200: Fan structure,

[0059] 208: Motor,

[0060] 208a: Rotating shaft,

[0061] 210: Base,

[0062] 212: Plastic part,

[0063] 213: Assembly part,

[0064] 213a: Assembly hole,

[0065] 215: Wrapping part,

[0066] 215a: Assembly hole,

[0067] 214: Different material part,

[0068] 216: Fan blade,

[0069] 218: Different material part,

[0070] 226: Electrical connector,

[0071] H: Axial height,

[0072] H1: Axial height,

[0073] h: Axial height. Detailed implementation manner

[0074] For a more detailed and complete description of the present innovation, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings and the various embodiments described below. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar components. On the other hand, well-known components and steps are not described in the embodiments to avoid unnecessary limitations to the present innovation. In the embodiments and the scope of the patent application, unless otherwise specifically defined in the context for articles, "a" and "the" may generally refer to a single one or more.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 4 , Figure 1 A perspective view showing the fan structure of an embodiment of the present innovation, Figure 4 showing Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the fan structure. The fan structure 100 includes a fan blade 116, a motor 108, and a fan frame 110. The motor 108 has a rotating shaft 108a connected to the fan blade 116 to drive the fan blade 116 to rotate. The fan frame 110 encloses the motor 108 and the fan blade 116 to form a flow channel 113. The fan frame 110 includes a bottom wall 112 and a side wall 114, and the side wall 114 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 112. In some embodiments of the present innovation, the flow channel 113 is an arc-shaped flow channel.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present innovation, the side wall 114 includes a different material part 114a and a plastic part 114b. The different material part 114a has a smaller hardness than the plastic part 114b. Therefore, the different material part 114a can be referred to as a soft part, and the plastic part 114b can be referred to as a hard part. Specifically, when the flow channel of the fan is composed of the aforementioned soft part and the aforementioned hard part, since the hardness of the hard part is greater than that of the soft part and the soft part serves as part of the wall surface of the flow channel 113 or faces the fan blade 116 directly on a horizontal plane, the air flow loss and the operating volume during the operation of the fan can be further reduced. In addition, the aforementioned horizontal plane refers to a plane whose normal direction is parallel to the rotating shaft 108a.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present innovation, the different material part 114a and the plastic part 114b are an integrally formed structure. In some embodiments of the present innovation, the different material part 114a and the plastic part 114b form an integrally formed structure by a two-shot injection process. In some embodiments of the present innovation, the different material part 114a and the plastic part 114b form an integrally formed structure by a secondary injection process. In some embodiments of the present innovation, both the different material part 114a and the plastic part 114b of the side wall 114 are exposed in the flow channel 113. In addition, the plastic part 114b can also be changed to use metal or alloy as needed, and at this time, the air flow loss and the operating volume during the operation of the fan can be further reduced.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present novelty, the different material part 114a can be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or latex. In some embodiments of the present novelty, the hardness range of the different material part 114a is 30° to 70° Shore A (Shore hardness A).

[0079] In some embodiments of the present novelty, the bottom wall 112 includes a plastic part 112a and a different material part 112b. The different material part 112b has a smaller hardness than the plastic part 112a, and the plastic part 112a surrounds the periphery of the different material part 112b. Therefore, the different material part 112b can be called the soft part, and the plastic part 112a can be called the hard part. In some embodiments of the present novelty, the plastic part 112a of the bottom wall 112 and the plastic part 114b of the side wall 114 are formed by the same process. In some embodiments of the present novelty, the different material part 112b and the different material part 114a can be the same material or different materials, such as the above-mentioned ethylene propylene diene monomer, thermoplastic elastomer, or thermoplastic vulcanizate. In some embodiments of the present novelty, the different material part 112b and the plastic part 112a are an integrally formed structure. In some embodiments of the present novelty, the different material part 112b and the plastic part 112a are formed into an integrally formed structure by a two-shot injection process or a secondary injection process.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present novelty, the fan structure 100 further includes a control circuit board 106 and an electrical connector 126. The electrical connector 126 and the motor 108 are located on two opposite surfaces of the control circuit board 106. The electrical connector 126 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 106 and is used to be inserted into a corresponding slot in the system to connect to the controller and the power supply. The different material part 112b is used to surround the electrical connector 126 as a waterproof and shockproof barrier.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 , Figure 2 shows Figure 1 the state of the fan structure with the different material part of the side wall removed. The fan structure 100 includes a plurality of assembly parts 117 extending outward from the side wall 114. Each assembly part 117 has an assembly hole 117a. In some embodiments of the present novelty, each assembly part 117 is covered by a covering part 119 to form a smaller assembly hole 119a (the same as Figure 8The covering relationship between the covering member 215 and the assembled member 213). In some embodiments of the present invention, the covering member 119 and the dissimilar material member 114a may be of the same material, such as the above-mentioned ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate. Since the assembled member 117 is covered by the covering member 119, when a fastening member (such as a screw) passes through the assembly hole 119a to fix the assembled member 117 to a system, the vibration generated during the operation of the fan structure 100 will be reduced by the covering member 119 and is less likely to be transmitted to other components of the system.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 , Figure 3 showing Figure 1 a side view of the fan structure. When the fan structure 100 is assembled in a system, the top edge of the dissimilar material member 114a of the side wall 114 is used to abut against the wall surface of the system, and the electrical connector 126 is used to insert into the corresponding slot in the system. The dissimilar material member 114a is a material with a hardness range of Shore A 30° to 70°, and has a sealing, waterproofing and vibration damping effect when abutting against the wall surface of the system. In some embodiments of the present invention, the dissimilar material member 112b is located between the plastic member 112a and the electrical connector 126, so that when the dissimilar material member 112b surrounding the electrical connector 126 is inserted into the corresponding slot in the system, abutting against the wall surface of the system also has a sealing, waterproofing and vibration damping effect. In some embodiments of the present invention, the axial height H of the dissimilar material member 114a is greater than the axial height h of the fan blade 116. When the fan structure 100 operates, the air flow enters the fan along the direction 122 and is then output from the air outlet 115.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 5 which shows a cross-sectional view of the fan structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this example and Figure 4 the embodiment lies in the different axial heights of the dissimilar material members of the side wall 114. In some embodiments of the present invention, the axial height H1 of the dissimilar material member 114c of the side wall 114 is less than the axial height h of the fan blade 116, and it can be applied to systems with different wall surface heights. The top edge of the dissimilar material member 114c of the side wall 114 is used to abut against the wall surface of the system. The dissimilar material member 114c is a material with a hardness range of Shore A 30° to 70°, and has a sealing, waterproofing and vibration damping effect when abutting against the wall surface of the system.

[0084] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 6 which shows a perspective view of the fan structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 showing Figure 6 the state where the dissimilar material members (214, 218) of the base of the fan structure are removed, Figure 8 showing Figure 6Exploded view of the fan structure, where a part of an assembly 213 and a covering part 215 are cut off. The fan structure 200 is a frameless axial fan. The fan structure 200 includes a fan blade 216, a motor 208, and a base 210. The motor 208 has a rotating shaft 208a connected to the fan blade 216 to drive the fan blade 216 to rotate. The motor 208 is fixed on the base 210. The base 210 includes a plastic part 212 and a different material part 214. The different material part 214 has a lower hardness than the plastic part 212. Therefore, the different material part 214 can be called a soft part, and the plastic part 212 can be called a hard part. In some embodiments of the present invention, the different material part 214 is coated on the periphery of the plastic part 212. In some embodiments of the present invention, the different material part 214 can be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and its hardness range is Shore A 30° to 70°. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plastic part 212 is circular and includes a plurality of assemblies 213 extending outward from the circumference. Each assembly 213 has an assembly hole 213a. In some embodiments of the present invention, each assembly 213 is also covered by a covering part 215 to form a smaller assembly hole 215a (refer to Figure 8 the cut-off part to know the covering relationship between the covering part 215 and the assembly 213). In some embodiments of the present invention, the covering part 215 and the different material part 214 can be the same material, such as the above-mentioned ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). Since the assembly 213 is covered by the covering part 215, when a fastening member (such as a screw) passes through the assembly hole 215a to fix the assembly 213 to a system, the vibration generated during the operation of the fan structure 200 will be reduced by the covering part 215 and is less likely to affect other components of the system. When the fan structure 200 is assembled in a system, the bottom surface of the different material part 214 of the base 210 is used to abut against the wall surface of the system, and the electrical connector 226 is used to insert into the corresponding slot in the system. The different material part 214 is a material with a hardness range of Shore A 30° to 70°, and has a sealing, waterproofing, and vibration damping effect when abutting against the wall surface of the system. In some embodiments of the present invention, a different material part 218 extends from the different material part 214 and surrounds the electrical connector 226. When the electrical connector 226 is inserted into the corresponding slot in the system, the different material part 218 abutting against the wall surface of the system also has a sealing, waterproofing, and vibration damping effect. In some embodiments of the present invention, the different material part 218 and the different material part 214 can be the same material, such as the above-mentioned ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0085] The fan structure of the present invention that facilitates automated assembly is provided with dissimilar material parts with relatively low hardness around the side walls of the fan frame, around the electrical connectors, on the periphery of the base, and on the covering parts of the assembled parts. When the fan structure is assembled into the system, the interface between the dissimilar material parts and the system wall surface in contact has a sealing and waterproof effect, and the dissimilar material parts also provide a vibration damping effect.

[0086] Although the present invention has been shown above in the form of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to that defined by the appended patent application scope.

Claims

1. A fan structure, wherein: Include: a fan leaf; a motor having a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade; and A fan frame covers the motor and the fan blade to form a flow channel, wherein the fan frame has a bottom wall and a side wall, the side wall includes a first hard component and a first soft component, wherein the hardness of the first hard component is greater than the hardness of the first soft component and the first soft component serves as a partial wall surface of the flow channel.

2. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first hard component and the first soft component are both exposed in the flow channel.

3. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel is an arc-shaped flow channel.

4. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first hard component and the first soft component are an integrally formed structure.

5. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The axial height of the first soft component is greater than the axial height of the fan blade.

6. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The axial height of the first soft component is smaller than the axial height of the fan blade.

7. The fan structure according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall includes a second hard component and a second soft component, and the second hard component surrounds the second soft component.

8. The fan structure according to claim 7, wherein: The invention also comprises an electric connector, and the second soft component surrounds the electric connector.

9. The fan structure according to claim 8, wherein: The second soft component is located between the second hard component and the electrical connector.

10. A fan structure, wherein: Include: a fan leaf; a motor having a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade; and A fan frame covers the motor and the fan blade to form a flow channel, wherein the fan frame has a bottom wall and a side wall, the side wall includes a first plastic part and a first heterogeneous material part, the first heterogeneous material part has a smaller hardness than the first plastic part, wherein the first heterogeneous material part directly faces the fan blade on a horizontal plane.

11. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The hardness range of the first heterogeneous material component is Shore A 30° to 70°.

12. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The first different material component includes EPDM rubber.

13. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The first dissimilar material component includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

14. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The first dissimilar material component includes thermoplastic vulcanizate.

15. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The side wall is an integrally formed structure of the first heterogeneous material component and the first plastic component through double injection or secondary injection.

16. The fan structure according to claim 10, wherein: The bottom wall includes a second plastic part and a second different material part. The second different material part has a lower hardness than the second plastic part.

17. The fan structure according to claim 16, wherein: The invention also comprises an electrical connector, and the second heterogeneous material component surrounds the electrical connector.

18. The fan structure according to claim 17, wherein: The second different material component is located between the second plastic component and the electrical connector.

19. The fan structure according to claim 16, wherein: The second different-material component and the first different-material component are made of the same material.

20. A fan structure, wherein: Include: a fan leaf; a motor having a rotating shaft connected to the fan blade; and A base is provided on which the motor is fixed, wherein the base comprises a hard component and a soft component, wherein the soft component covers the periphery of the hard component and the soft component directly faces the fan blade on a horizontal plane.

Images