Fan assembly and heat pump

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of heat pumps, and particularly relates to a fan assembly and a heat pump. The fan assembly comprises a hub and a plurality of fan blades arranged on the peripheral side of the hub; a shaft sleeve is arranged in the middle of the hub, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged between the shaft sleeve and the inner wall of the hub and surround the shaft sleeve, at least part of the reinforcing ribs are in an arc shape, a fan comprising a fan assembly is installed in an air channel in the heat pump, and the air channel is located on one side of the heat exchanger. According to the structure, the structural strength and stability of the hub are enhanced, the deformation resistance and reliability of the fan assembly are effectively improved, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat pumps, and more particularly to a fan assembly and a heat pump. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of ventilation equipment, a fan works by generating and guiding airflow. Driven by an electric motor, the fan blades rotate and propel the gas, thereby achieving multiple functions such as air transport, ventilation, and cooling. Fans play an indispensable role in many fields, such as air circulation in industrial ventilation systems, gas exchange in buildings, temperature regulation in cooling equipment, and even specific airflow control in the aerospace industry.

[0003] In existing technology, fans mainly consist of three major components: fan blades, hub, and bushing. The fan blades are responsible for generating airflow, while the hub supports and secures the blades. Hubs are mostly designed with a fully enclosed cylindrical shape to enhance their structural strength and stability. To further strengthen the connection between the hub and bushing, straight reinforcing ribs, equal to or greater than twice the number of fan blades, are typically used to reinforce the fan, ensuring stable operation at high speeds.

[0004] However, when existing fans rotate at high speeds, the coupling effect of centrifugal force and aerodynamic pressure can cause the fan to deform or even break. Furthermore, during start-up, emergency stop, and other scenarios, the hub is subjected to significant torque, making it prone to deformation or even damage. Therefore, existing fans suffer from a tendency to deform during use. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a fan assembly and a heat pump to solve the problem of easy deformation of existing fans during use.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a fan assembly, including: a hub and a plurality of fan blades disposed around the hub; a bushing is disposed in the middle of the hub, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs are disposed between the bushing and the inner wall of the hub, the plurality of reinforcing ribs being disposed around the bushing, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of reinforcing ribs are arc-shaped.

[0007] As an optional implementation, in the fan assembly provided in this application, the intersection point of the extension line of at least some of the reinforcing ribs at the end away from the bushing and the extension line of the trailing edge or leading edge of the fan blade near the hub is located on the hub.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the fan assembly provided in this application has the number of reinforcing ribs being equal to the number of fan blades, or the number of reinforcing ribs being 2N times the number of fan blades.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the fan assembly provided in this application has a flat plate support rib between the inner walls of the hub, and the connection point between the flat plate support rib and the leading edge of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub is on the same plane.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the fan assembly provided in this application has openings on the flat plate support ribs.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the fan assembly provided in this application has an opening shaped like a fan ring.

[0012] As an optional implementation, in the fan assembly provided in this application, when the number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades, the minimum distance between the edge of the opening and the connection point between the leading edge of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub is greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening and the reinforcing rib.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the fan assembly provided in this application has at least one end face of the hub that is non-planar.

[0014] As an optional implementation, in the fan assembly provided in this application, one end of the reinforcing rib connected to the inner wall of the hub is aligned with the crest position of at least one end face of the hub.

[0015] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a heat pump, characterized in that it includes a heat pump housing and a heat exchanger, a duct assembly, and a fan disposed within the heat pump housing. The duct assembly is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger, and the fan is disposed within the duct formed by the duct assembly. The fan includes the fan assembly described in any of the claims of the first aspect above.

[0016] This application provides a fan assembly and a heat pump. The fan assembly includes a hub and multiple fan blades disposed around the hub. A bushing is disposed in the middle of the hub, and multiple reinforcing ribs are disposed between the bushing and the inner wall of the hub. The multiple reinforcing ribs surround the bushing, wherein at least some of the multiple reinforcing ribs are arc-shaped. The fan of the fan assembly is installed in an air duct inside the heat pump, and the air duct is located on one side of the heat exchanger. This structure enhances the structural strength and stability of the hub, effectively improves the deformation resistance and reliability of the fan assembly, and also improves the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 3 ;

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 4 ;

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 5 ;

[0023] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the fan assembly provided in this application Figure 6 .

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments.

[0025] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Hub; 2. Bushing; 3. Reinforcing rib; 4. Fan blade; 5. Tail edge; 6. Leading edge; 7. Flat plate support rib; 8. Opening; 9. End face. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions 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] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0028] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] As a type of ventilation equipment, a fan works by generating and guiding airflow. Driven by an electric motor, the fan blades rotate and propel the gas, thereby achieving multiple functions such as air transport, ventilation, and cooling. Fans play an indispensable role in many fields, such as air circulation in industrial ventilation systems, gas exchange in buildings, temperature regulation in cooling equipment, and even specific airflow control in the aerospace industry.

[0031] In existing technology, fans mainly consist of three key components: fan blades, hub, and bushing. The function of the fan blades is to generate airflow, while the hub is responsible for supporting and fixing these blades. To improve the strength and stability of the structure, the hub is usually designed as a fully enclosed cylindrical shape. In addition, to enhance the connection strength between the hub and the bushing, it is generally reinforced with straight ribs, the number of which is equal to or greater than twice the number of fan blades. This design ensures that the fan can operate stably even at high speeds, effectively improving its performance and reliability.

[0032] Existing fans, when operating at high speeds, may experience structural deformation or even damage due to the coupling effect of centrifugal force and aerodynamic pressure. Similarly, during start-up, stopping, or emergency braking, the hub experiences significant torque, which can also lead to deformation or damage. Therefore, existing fans are prone to deformation in these usage scenarios.

[0033] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a fan assembly and a heat pump. The fan assembly includes a hub and multiple fan blades distributed around the hub. A bushing is located at the center of the hub, and multiple reinforcing ribs are arranged around the bushing between the bushing and the inner wall of the hub. At least some of the reinforcing ribs are designed to be arc-shaped. This fan assembly is installed in an air duct inside the heat pump, which is located on one side of the heat exchanger, ensuring efficient airflow and heat exchange through the heat exchanger. This effectively improves the fan assembly's resistance to deformation and its overall reliability during high-speed operation and frequent start-stop cycles, and also enhances the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump.

[0034] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] This application provides a fan assembly, such as Figure 1 As shown, a fan assembly of this embodiment includes: a hub 1 and a plurality of fan blades 4 disposed around the hub; a bushing 2 is disposed in the middle of the hub 1, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 are disposed between the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the hub 1, the plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 are disposed around the bushing 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 are arc-shaped.

[0036] A fan assembly mainly consists of a hub 1, multiple fan blades 4 disposed around the hub 1, a bushing 2 located in the middle of the hub 1, and multiple reinforcing ribs 3 between the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the hub 1. The hub 1 serves as the central part for mounting and fixing the fan blades 4. In the fan assembly, it not only supports the fan blades 4 but also transmits power to the entire fan system through the motor shaft.

[0037] In this structure, a bushing 2 is located in the center of the hub 1 for direct connection to the fan drive shaft. The presence of the bushing 2 allows the fan to be more securely fixed to the motor shaft, reducing vibration and instability during operation. Multiple reinforcing ribs 3 are arranged between the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the hub 1. These reinforcing ribs effectively enhance the overall structural strength of the fan assembly.

[0038] This structural design effectively disperses the enormous tensile force exerted by centrifugal force on the fan blades 4 and hub 1 when the fan rotates at high speed. Furthermore, when the fan starts, stops, or suddenly stops, the hub 1 experiences significant pressure due to torque. The application of reinforcing ribs 3 effectively resists these forces, preventing deformation of the hub 1 and fan blades 4, thereby extending the lifespan of the fan assembly. Simultaneously, this design enhances the stability of the fan assembly, reduces operating noise, and improves the user experience.

[0039] In summary, this fan assembly, through the combined design of hub 1, fan blades 4, bushing 2, and reinforcing ribs 3, not only enhances the overall structural strength and stability of the fan, but also effectively improves its durability and reliability.

[0040] This application provides a fan assembly, comprising: a hub 1 and a plurality of fan blades 4 disposed around the hub 1; a bushing 2 is disposed in the middle of the hub 1, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 are disposed between the bushing 2 and the inner wall of the hub 1, the plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 being disposed around the bushing 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 are arc-shaped; this structure enhances the structural strength and stability of the hub 1, and effectively improves the deformation resistance and reliability of the fan assembly.

[0041] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the intersection of the extension line of at least some of the reinforcing ribs 3 at the end away from the bushing 2 and the extension line of the tail edge 5 or the front edge 6 near the hub 1 is located on the hub 1.

[0042] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, A is a point where the extension line of the reinforcing rib 3 away from the bushing 2 intersects the extension line of the tail edge 5 near the hub 1.

[0043] First, the fan assembly is prone to deformation when rotating at high speed or subjected to external forces, affecting the fan's performance and lifespan. To improve the fan assembly's resistance to deformation, a reinforcing rib 3 structure was adopted.

[0044] In the design of the fan assembly, the reinforcing rib 3 has a specific connection configuration. Specifically, one end of the reinforcing rib 3 is connected to the bushing 1, while the other end is connected to the hub 1. This connection method can effectively distribute the force on the blades to the hub 1, because the hub 1, as the core part of the fan assembly, has stronger structural strength and stability.

[0045] Furthermore, when the extension line of the reinforcing rib 2 away from the bushing 2 (that is, the side connected to the inner wall of the hub 1) intersects the extension line of the trailing edge 5 or the leading edge 6 near the hub 1, and the intersection point is exactly located on the hub 1, the deformation resistance of the fan assembly can be further improved. This design not only optimizes the structural layout of the fan assembly, but also improves the stability and durability of the fan.

[0046] In one alternative implementation, the number of reinforcing ribs 3 is equal to the number of fan blades 4, or the number of reinforcing ribs 3 is 2N times the number of fan blades 4.

[0047] In the design of the fan assembly, there is a certain relationship between the number of reinforcing ribs 3 and the number of fan blades 4. This relationship not only affects the structural strength of the fan assembly, but also has a significant impact on its performance and service life.

[0048] When the number of reinforcing ribs 3 is equal to the number of fan blades 4, it means that each fan blade 4 corresponds to one reinforcing rib 3, thus ensuring that each fan blade 4 is adequately supported and reinforced. This layout helps to evenly distribute the forces on the fan assembly, reduce deformation and vibration, and improve the stability and durability of the fan assembly.

[0049] The number of reinforcing ribs 3 can also be 2N times the number of fan blades 4 (N is a positive integer). That is, the number of reinforcing ribs 3 is two, four, six, etc., times the number of fan blades 4. This layout is typically used in fan assemblies that require higher strength and rigidity. By increasing the number of reinforcing ribs 3, the structural strength of the fan assembly can be further improved, enabling it to withstand greater forces and torques.

[0050] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, a flat plate support rib 7 is provided between the inner walls of the hub 1, and the connection point between the flat plate support rib 7 and the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 is on the same plane.

[0051] In the design of the fan assembly, in addition to using reinforcing ribs 3 to enhance structural strength, flat plate support ribs 7 are also provided between the inner walls of the hub 1. This design further improves the overall stability and durability of the fan. Specifically, the connection point between the flat plate support ribs 7 and the leading edge 5 of the fan blades 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 is located on the same plane. This design not only strengthens the internal structure of the fan assembly, but also optimizes the distribution and transmission of force.

[0052] First, the flat plate support rib 7, as a structural reinforcement element, is placed between the inner walls of the hub 1. Its main function is to provide additional support to enhance the rigidity of the entire fan assembly. Unlike the reinforcing rib 3, the flat plate support rib 7 directly connects to the inner wall of the hub 1 with its planar shape, forming a robust support system. This design is particularly suitable for applications requiring the resistance to large centrifugal forces, as the flat plate support rib 7 effectively distributes the force over a larger area, reducing the risk of localized stress concentration. Furthermore, since the connection point between the flat plate support rib 7 and the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 is located on the same plane, it means that it can provide more direct and effective support during the rotation of the fan blade 4.

[0053] Secondly, the coplanar design of the connection point between the flat plate support rib 7 and the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 connecting to the outer wall of the hub 1 optimizes the force transmission path. When the fan operates at high speed, the leading edge of the fan blade 4 is subjected to significant airflow resistance and centrifugal force. If these forces cannot be effectively dispersed and absorbed, they may cause deformation or even damage to the fan blade 4. By setting the connection point between the flat plate support rib 7 and the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 connecting to the outer wall of the hub 1 on the same plane, the force generated by the fan blade 4 during operation can be directly transmitted to the hub 1 and evenly distributed throughout the structure through the flat plate support rib 7. This not only enhances the overall stability of the fan assembly but also improves its resistance to external impacts. For example, at the moment the fan starts or stops, or when encountering sudden changes in airflow, the flat plate support rib 7 can quickly respond and adjust the force distribution, ensuring that the fan is always in a stable operating state.

[0054] Furthermore, this design helps reduce noise levels and improve the user experience. Because the flat support ribs 7 can more effectively disperse and absorb vibrations caused by rotation, vibration noise due to structural instability is reduced. At the same time, this design also improves fan efficiency because it reduces energy loss, allowing more power to be used for actual airflow output.

[0055] In summary, by setting the flat support rib 7 between the inner walls of the hub 1 and setting the connection point between the rib 7 and the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 on the same plane, the design of the fan assembly not only enhances the structural strength and stability of the fan and optimizes the distribution and transmission of force, but also improves the working efficiency of the fan and reduces the noise level.

[0056] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the flat plate support rib 7 has an opening 8.

[0057] Several openings 8 are designed in the flat support rib 7 of the fan hub 1. These openings 8 are set on the premise of ensuring that the structural strength is not affected, and are intended to reduce the overall weight of the fan, optimize the airflow channel or reduce costs.

[0058] First, the primary purpose of opening 8 is to reduce the overall weight of hub 1. The designed layout of opening 8 allows for a significant reduction in material usage without sacrificing structural strength, thereby lowering the overall weight of the fan. This is crucial for improving fan efficiency, as a lighter fan assembly can start and run more efficiently, reducing the driving force required by the motor and thus improving overall energy efficiency. Furthermore, a lighter fan also means lower inertia, making it easier to control its speed and further enhancing operational flexibility and responsiveness.

[0059] Secondly, the perforation 8 layout optimizes airflow channels, reduces airflow resistance, and improves the fan's heat dissipation performance. One of the main functions of a fan is to promote airflow for effective heat dissipation. However, in practical applications, the fan's own design can also become a factor hindering smooth airflow. By arranging the perforations 8 on the flat support ribs 7, a more unobstructed airflow channel can be created, allowing air to pass through the fan more freely without unnecessary obstruction. This design helps improve the fan's heat dissipation efficiency, and is particularly suitable for applications requiring high-efficiency heat dissipation, such as electronic equipment cooling systems or automotive engine cooling systems.

[0060] Finally, the 8-aperture design reduces material usage, thereby effectively lowering production costs. By reducing raw material usage without affecting product performance, not only can material costs be directly reduced, but processing time and energy consumption can also be decreased, indirectly lowering production costs.

[0061] In summary, designing openings 8 on the flat support ribs 7 of the fan hub 1 is a solution that balances functionality and economy. It not only significantly reduces the overall weight of the fan and improves energy efficiency while maintaining structural strength, but also enhances heat dissipation performance by optimizing airflow channels and helps reduce production costs.

[0062] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the shape of opening 8 is a fan ring shape.

[0063] The opening 8 on the flat support rib 7 of the fan hub 1 adopts a fan ring shape design, which not only improves the overall performance of the fan, but also optimizes the airflow path and structural strength. The fan ring shape opening 8 design brings significant advantages to the fan, satisfying functional requirements while balancing structural strength and weight.

[0064] First, the fan-ring shaped opening 8 better matches the fan's airflow path. When the fan is running, air needs to flow through the hub 1 area to the blades and then be propelled outwards. If the airflow encounters obstruction or a non-smooth path during this process, it will directly affect the fan's cooling efficiency and airflow uniformity. Due to its unique geometry, the fan-ring shaped opening 8 can more naturally guide the airflow along a predetermined path, reducing turbulence and drag. This design helps the airflow pass more smoothly through the hub 1 area, thereby improving the fan's cooling efficiency and ensuring a more uniform airflow distribution.

[0065] On the other hand, compared to other shapes of openings 8, the fan ring shape can more effectively reduce the weight of the hub 1 while maintaining sufficient structural strength. For fan assemblies, weight reduction is one of the key factors in improving energy efficiency. A lighter fan assembly not only reduces the energy required for startup and operation but also reduces the burden on the motor and extends its service life. The fan ring shape cleverly utilizes the spatial distribution of materials, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing structural strength. This is because the fan ring shape can retain sufficient material in critical areas to maintain necessary rigidity and stability, while reducing material usage in non-critical areas through the openings 8.

[0066] In summary, the fan ring-shaped opening 8 design brings several improvements to the fan hub 1. It not only optimizes the airflow path, improves heat dissipation efficiency and airflow uniformity, but also effectively reduces the weight of the hub 1 while ensuring structural strength. This is of great significance for improving the overall performance of the fan and reducing energy consumption.

[0067] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades 4, the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub 1 is greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the reinforcing rib.

[0068] In the design of the fan hub 1, when the number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades 4, there exists a specific spatial layout relationship: the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 (located on the flat support rib 7) and the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blades 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 is designed to be greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the reinforcing rib. This design ensures that the opening 8 is further away from the connection point between the fan blades 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 relative to the reinforcing rib, aiming to optimize the overall performance of the fan.

[0069] From a structural strength perspective, the reinforcing ribs are the main structural elements supporting the fan blade 4. To ensure the functional integrity of these critical support points, a certain safe distance must be maintained between the reinforcing ribs and the openings 8. This is because while the openings 8 help reduce weight, optimize airflow channels, or lower costs, if they are too close to the reinforcing ribs, they may weaken their supporting effectiveness and affect the overall structural stability. In contrast, the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1, although a critical support point, is less sensitive to the location of the openings 8 compared to the reinforcing ribs. Therefore, allowing the openings 8 to be closer to the reinforcing ribs and further away from the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blade 4 and the outer wall of the hub 1 in the design ensures structural strength while also reducing weight and optimizing material usage to some extent.

[0070] Furthermore, from an aerodynamic perspective, this layout helps optimize the airflow path through the hub 1, reducing airflow disturbance and energy loss, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the fan. Specifically, when the fan is running, air needs to flow through the hub 1 area to the blades and ultimately be pushed out. If the airflow encounters unnecessary obstruction or turbulence during this process, it will directly affect the fan's heat dissipation efficiency and airflow uniformity. By making the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub 1 greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the reinforcing rib, the airflow can be guided more naturally along the predetermined path, reducing the probability of turbulence. This not only helps improve the fan's heat dissipation performance but also ensures a more uniform airflow distribution, providing a more stable cooling effect.

[0071] In summary, when the number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades 4, by designing the position of the opening 8, the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the connection point between the leading edge 6 of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub 1 is greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening 8 and the reinforcing rib. This design combines the advantages of structural strength and aerodynamics, ensuring the structural integrity and support performance of the fan assembly, optimizing the airflow channel, reducing energy loss, and improving the overall efficiency of the fan.

[0072] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, at least one end face 9 of the hub 1 is non-planar.

[0073] Wherein, all points on at least one end face 9 of the hub 1 are not located in the same cross section along the axial direction of the hub 1. The end face 9 can be wavy or sawtooth.

[0074] In the fan design, at least one end face 9 of the hub 1 is non-planar, which means that the edge of the end face 9 of the hub 1 has an undulating shape.

[0075] First, the non-planar structure enhances the structural strength of the wheel hub 1. Traditional flat or circular designs are prone to stress concentration at certain points when facing external stress, which may lead to material damage. However, the non-planar structure, with its undulating shape, can more evenly distribute the force applied to the wheel hub 1, thereby reducing the potential risks caused by localized stress concentration.

[0076] Secondly, from an aerodynamic perspective, the non-planar design offers significant advantages. During fan operation, air must flow through the hub area (1) to the blades and be propelled outwards. If the airflow encounters obstruction or turbulence during this process, it directly impacts the fan's cooling efficiency and airflow uniformity. The non-planar structure guides airflow more smoothly through the hub area (1), reducing airflow disturbance and energy loss. This is because the non-planar edges more naturally adapt to the airflow direction, reducing air resistance and allowing the airflow to pass through the fan assembly more smoothly and efficiently. This design helps improve the fan's cooling performance and ensures a more uniform airflow distribution, providing a more stable cooling effect.

[0077] Furthermore, non-planar structures also have a positive impact on noise control. By altering the airflow path and velocity distribution, non-planar designs can effectively reduce noise levels caused by airflow. This is particularly beneficial in applications requiring a quiet environment, such as cooling systems in home appliances, office equipment, or medical facilities. This design can optimize airflow to reduce unnecessary noise generation, providing users with a more comfortable operating experience.

[0078] In summary, the non-planar structure design of the hub 1 end face 9 cleverly combines the advantages of structural strength, aerodynamics, and noise control. It not only improves the reliability and durability of the fan assembly but also optimizes the airflow path, reduces energy loss, and helps lower operating noise.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the end of the reinforcing rib 3 that connects to the inner wall of the hub 1 is aligned with the crest position of at least one end face 9 of the hub 1.

[0080] In the fan design, the end of the reinforcing rib 3 that connects to the inner wall of the hub 1 is aligned with the crest of the non-planar structure. This design not only enhances the overall structural strength of the fan assembly, but also optimizes the path of airflow through the hub 1.

[0081] First, the crest is the strongest point with the most uniform stress distribution in a non-planar structure. This means that at this location, the material can withstand greater external forces without deformation or damage. By aligning one end of the reinforcing rib to the crest, the strength characteristics of the non-planar structure can be maximized, thereby enhancing the overall stability and durability of hub 1. As the main supporting element, the reinforcing rib's function is to disperse and resist the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation of the fan and other external loads.

[0082] Secondly, this alignment helps optimize the airflow path through hub 1, reducing airflow resistance and improving fan cooling efficiency. The non-planar structure itself has the ability to guide airflow smoothly, reducing the likelihood of turbulence. When the reinforcing ribs are positioned with this in mind, aligned with the crests of the non-planar structure, they not only do not obstruct airflow but also assist the non-planar structure in guiding airflow better. This layout allows air to flow more smoothly inside hub 1, reducing energy loss and improving overall heat dissipation.

[0083] In summary, aligning one end of the reinforcing rib with the crest of the non-planar structure not only enhances the overall stability and durability of the fan assembly, but also optimizes the airflow channel, reduces energy loss, improves the fan's heat dissipation efficiency, and helps reduce noise levels.

[0084] This application also provides a heat pump, characterized in that it includes a heat pump housing and a heat exchanger, a duct assembly, and a fan disposed within the heat pump housing. The duct assembly is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger, and the fan is disposed within the duct formed by the duct assembly. The fan includes the fan assembly provided above.

[0085] First, the heat pump housing is the foundation of the heat pump. It not only protects other components but also effectively isolates the internal components from the influence of the external environment. The housing design takes into account dustproof, waterproof, and other protective needs, ensuring that the equipment can operate stably in a variety of harsh environments. At the same time, considering aesthetics and footprint, the housing's shape has also been optimized to meet modern aesthetic standards while saving space.

[0086] Next is the heat exchanger, one of the most critical components of a heat pump, responsible for heat transfer. An air duct assembly is located on one side of the heat exchanger; this layout helps improve heat exchange efficiency. By placing the air duct assembly directly next to the heat exchanger, smoother airflow is ensured, allowing heat to be effectively absorbed or released in the shortest possible time.

[0087] The air duct assembly is a crucial component connecting the heat exchanger and the fan, and its presence is essential for the overall airflow management of the heat pump. The air duct assembly not only determines how air flows into and out of the heat exchanger but also significantly impacts the overall energy efficiency ratio. Positioning the air duct assembly close to the heat exchanger helps shorten the heat exchange path, further improving efficiency.

[0088] Finally, the fan, as a key component responsible for driving airflow in the entire heat pump, is housed within the air duct formed by the air duct assembly. The fan directly affects performance indicators such as airflow, pressure loss, and noise level. The fan incorporates the aforementioned fan assembly, with optimized blade shapes designed to provide stronger and more stable airflow support, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the heat pump.

[0089] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fan assembly, characterized in that, include: A hub and multiple fan blades disposed around the hub; A bushing is provided in the middle of the hub, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided between the bushing and the inner wall of the hub. The plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged around the bushing, wherein at least some of the plurality of reinforcing ribs are arc-shaped.

2. The fan assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least some of the reinforcing ribs have an extension line extending from the end away from the bushing that intersects with an extension line extending from the trailing or leading edge of the fan blade near the hub, at a point located on the hub.

3. The fan assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades, or the number of reinforcing ribs is 2N times the number of fan blades.

4. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A flat plate support rib is provided between the inner walls of the hub, and the connection point between the flat plate support rib and the leading edge of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub is on the same plane.

5. The fan assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flat plate support rib has openings.

6. The fan assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening is in the shape of a fan ring.

7. The fan assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the number of reinforcing ribs is equal to the number of fan blades, the minimum distance between the edge of the opening and the connection point between the leading edge of the fan blade and the outer wall of the hub is greater than the minimum distance between the edge of the opening and the reinforcing rib.

8. The fan assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, At least one end face of the hub is non-planar.

9. The fan assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end of the reinforcing rib that connects to the inner wall of the hub is aligned with the crest position of at least one end face of the hub.

10. A heat pump, characterized in that, The device includes a heat pump housing and a heat exchanger, a duct assembly, and a fan disposed within the heat pump housing. The duct assembly is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger, and the fan is disposed within the duct formed by the duct assembly. The fan includes a fan assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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