Impeller and fan

Abstract

The utility model discloses an impeller and a fan, and relates to the technical field of impeller machinery, the impeller comprises a main body and a top cover; the top cover is connected with the main body, the top cover is provided with a plurality of balance ribs, and the plurality of balance ribs are uniformly arranged on the surface of the top cover. According to the technical scheme, the balance stability of the impeller can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wind turbine technology, and in particular to an impeller and a wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of fluid machinery, the impeller, as a core working component, has a decisive impact on the stability, noise control, and lifespan of the equipment due to its dynamic balance performance. Current mainstream technologies, to ensure impeller dynamic balance, generally adopt a structural design where the balance weight is separate from the impeller. This is specifically manifested in the addition of independent balance weights through welding, riveting, or threaded connections after subsequent dynamic balancing testing, or in the pre-designed mounting positions for the balance weights. This design is primarily based on considerations of manufacturing convenience (facilitating correction of inherent mass unevenness), design flexibility (adjustability), and independence in material selection.

[0003] However, this split structure has the following limitations: the additional counterweights or drilled holes can easily cause reliability risks, such as the counterweights may loosen and fall off under vibration or corrosion, and the drilled holes and connections may easily form stress concentration points, which may aggravate corrosion or affect the seal. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose an impeller and a fan that aims to improve the balance and stability of the impeller.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an impeller, the impeller comprising:

[0006] Main body; and

[0007] The top cover is connected to the main body and is provided with multiple balancing ribs, which are evenly arranged on the surface of the top cover.

[0008] In one embodiment, the top cover has an opening located at the center of the top cover; a plurality of the balancing ribs are arranged at intervals around the opening.

[0009] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a flat cover and a raised structure disposed on the flat cover. The raised structure is located at the center of the flat cover and has the opening. A plurality of the balancing ribs are located on the raised structure and are arranged around the opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, the balancing rib extends along the height direction of the protruding structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the surface of the balancing rib facing away from the top cover is a streamlined arc surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the balancing ribs is provided with a cavity, and the cavity is filled with damping material.

[0013] In one embodiment, a flexible transition area is provided at the location where each of the balancing ribs connects to the top cover.

[0014] In one embodiment, the balancing rib is a composite material rib.

[0015] In one embodiment, the balancing ribs and the top cover are integrally formed.

[0016] This utility model also proposes a fan, the fan comprising:

[0017] A housing having an inner cavity; and

[0018] The impeller as described above is installed in the inner cavity.

[0019] The impeller of this invention includes a main body and a top cover, with the top cover connected to the main body. The top cover is provided with multiple balancing ribs, which are evenly distributed on the surface of the top cover. In this way, the circumferentially distributed balancing ribs achieve a symmetrical distribution of rotating mass, eliminating static imbalance at its source. During high-speed operation, the centrifugal forces of each balancing rib mutually restrain each other, effectively offsetting dynamic even imbalance, suppressing oscillation vibration, and eliminating the risk of counterweight displacement, thereby improving the balance and stability of the impeller. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the impeller proposed in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 1. Impeller; 10. Main body; 20. Top cover; 20a. Balancing ribs; 20b. Opening; 21. Flat cover; 22. Raised structure; 2. Outer shell.

[0025] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0027] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0029] In existing technologies, impeller dynamic balancing in fluid machinery mainly relies on separate balance block structures. Traditional solutions achieve balancing by drilling holes to remove weight or adding independent balance blocks, but these methods pose reliability risks. The connection interface between the balance block and the impeller is prone to loosening due to vibration, and localized depressions created by drilling may cause stress concentration. During long-term operation, corrosive media can easily accumulate at the connection gaps, leading to a decline in structural integrity.

[0030] To address these issues, researchers noticed that the inherent flaws of the split structure stemmed from the mechanical connection between the additional components and the main body. By analyzing the force characteristics of the impeller during operation, they discovered that the balancing function could be achieved by optimizing the main structure itself. The design approach shifted to integrating the balancing unit with the top cover, avoiding the introduction of independent connection interfaces. Based on fluid dynamics principles, the uniformly distributed reinforcing structure not only meets the mass regulation requirements but also maintains the stability of the surface flow field.

[0031] Therefore, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2This application proposes an impeller 1 including a main body 10 and a top cover 20. The top cover 20 is connected to the main body 10 and has a plurality of evenly arranged balancing ribs 20a on its surface.

[0032] In this embodiment, the main body 10 refers to the main load-bearing component of the impeller 1, which can be integrally formed by casting or forging. Fluid channels can be provided inside to support the entire impeller 1. The top cover 20 refers to the structural component covering the main body 10, which can be made of the same material as the main body 10 and connected by welding or bolts to achieve reliable fixation. The balancing ribs 20a refer to the strip-shaped structures protruding from the surface of the top cover 20, which can be directly formed on the surface of the top cover 20 by machining. Dynamic balance compensation is achieved by adjusting the volume distribution of the ribs. Uniform arrangement means that the spacing and direction of the balancing ribs 20a on the surface of the top cover 20 are consistent. Specifically, a ring array or radial layout can be used to ensure symmetrical mass distribution.

[0033] Specifically, the main body 10 and the top cover 20 form an integral load-bearing structure. The balancing ribs 20a, as an inherent component of the top cover 20, have their geometric parameters precisely controlled during the manufacturing stage. The balancing ribs 20a extend uniformly along the surface of the top cover 20, compensating for initial mass deviations through the symmetry of material distribution. During rotation, the centrifugal forces generated by the balancing ribs 20a cancel each other out, eliminating the need for additional counterweights. The continuous connection interface between the top cover 20 and the main body 10 eliminates the gaps of traditional connection methods, preventing the localized accumulation of corrosive media.

[0034] In traditional designs, there is a mechanical connection interface between the balance block and the main body 10. However, in this design, the balance ribs 20a and the top cover 20 form a seamless whole, fundamentally avoiding the risk of loosening or corrosion at the connection points. The localized concentrated mass distribution of traditional balance blocks can easily cause sudden stress changes, while the uniformly distributed balance ribs 20a make load transfer more continuous.

[0035] This application achieves symmetrical distribution of rotating mass through circumferentially distributed balancing ribs 20a, eliminating static imbalance at the source; during high-speed operation, the centrifugal forces of each balancing rib 20a restrain each other, effectively offsetting dynamic couple imbalance, suppressing oscillation vibration, and eliminating the risk of counterweight displacement, thereby improving the balance stability of the impeller 1.

[0036] It is worth noting that when an imbalance is found in the impeller 1 during use, the balance ribs 20a at the unbalanced position of the impeller 1 can be cut directly to make the impeller 1 run in a balanced manner. This adjustment and processing method is convenient and the processing cost is not high.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This application further proposes that the top cover 20 is provided with an opening 20b, the opening 20b being located at the center of the top cover 20; and multiple balancing ribs 20a are arranged at intervals around the opening 20b.

[0038] The opening 20b refers to a through-hole structure that penetrates the thickness of the top cover 20. It can be implemented using a circular or regular polygonal hole, with its central axis coinciding with the rotation axis of the top cover 20. The central opening 20b ensures that the point of application of the balancing force coincides with the center of mass of the impeller 1, eliminating eccentric additional torque. The spaced arrangement around the opening 20b means that the balancing ribs 20a are evenly distributed along a circumference centered on the opening 20b. This can be achieved using a ring array layout, with the central angles between adjacent ribs remaining equal. This layout ensures dynamic balance accuracy while forming a continuous support structure.

[0039] Specifically, the balancing ribs 20a are arranged in a ring array around the opening 20b, ensuring that the balancing force generated by each rib is radially symmetrically distributed within the plane of rotation. The opening 20b serves as a stress-relieving area, dispersing the radial stress generated by centrifugal force. The spaced-apart balancing ribs 20a form multiple independent support units in the circumferential direction. When the impeller 1 rotates at high speed, the load borne by each rib is evenly transferred to the main body 10 of the top cover 20 through the area surrounding the opening 20b, avoiding localized stress concentration. This structure also maintains the symmetry of the mass distribution of the rotating body, achieving dynamic balance without the need for post-assembly compared to traditional separate balancing blocks.

[0040] This solution arranges multiple balancing ribs 20a around the opening 20b at intervals, which not only meets the requirement of symmetrical distribution of balancing forces, but also disperses mechanical loads through a continuous support structure, eliminating the failure risk of welding / riveting points in traditional solutions.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application further proposes a combination scheme of a flat cover 21 and a central protrusion structure 22 for the top cover 20 of the impeller 1, wherein the protrusion structure 22 is provided with an opening 20b and the balancing ribs 20a are arranged around the opening 20b in a concentrated manner.

[0042] In this embodiment, the flat cover 21 refers to a planar or near-planar structure covering the top of the main body 10. Specifically, it can be manufactured using a stamping process and serves as the basic component supporting the raised structure 22. The raised structure 22 refers to an annular bulge extending vertically or obliquely upward from the surface of the flat cover 21. Specifically, it can be connected to the flat cover 21 by spinning or welding and is used to centrally arrange the balancing ribs 20a and support the opening 20b structure.

[0043] Specifically, the opening 20b is machined at the center of the raised structure 22, and the balancing ribs 20a are arranged in a ring array around the opening 20b on the surface of the raised structure 22. During the rotation of the impeller 1, the balancing ribs 20a eliminate the mass deviation caused by centrifugal force through symmetrical distribution, and the raised structure 22 concentrates the balancing function in the center of rotation area, avoiding the local stress concentration caused by traditional separate balancing blocks.

[0044] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively solves the structural reliability problem caused by the addition of balance blocks in traditional impeller 1, eliminates stress concentration areas caused by drilling and welding, and improves dynamic balance stability through the layout of centrally symmetrical balance ribs 20a.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application further proposes that the balancing rib 20a be extended along the height direction of the raised structure 22.

[0046] The extension of the ribs along the height of the raised structure 22 means that the spatial distribution direction of the balancing ribs 20a is completely aligned with the axial direction of the raised structure 22. This can be achieved by keeping the rib axis parallel to the central axis of the raised structure 22. When the impeller 1 rotates and generates centrifugal force, the raised structure 22, as the main load-bearing component, bears the tensile load axially. At this time, the deformation direction of the balancing ribs 20a is orthogonal to the direction of the centrifugal force. By arranging the ribs along the height direction, the bending stiffness direction of the ribs is perpendicular to the centrifugal force direction, thereby generating uniform axial tensile stress rather than local bending stress in the centrifugal force field. This layout allows the strain energy distribution of the balancing ribs 20a to superimpose with the strain energy field of the raised structure 22, effectively suppressing the stress abrupt change at the connection interface caused by differences in stiffness between different components.

[0047] This solution uses an axially extending rib layout to ensure that the rib bearing direction is completely aligned with the centrifugal force direction, eliminating the shear stress component caused by the lateral force component and thus improving the uniformity of stress distribution.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, this application further proposes that the surface of the balancing rib 20a facing away from the top cover 20 is a streamlined arc surface.

[0049] In this embodiment, the streamlined arc surface refers to a curved surface structure with continuous curvature and no sharp edges. Specifically, it can be implemented using circular arcs, elliptical arcs, or parabolic curved surfaces, and its radius of curvature can be adjusted according to the fluid velocity distribution. This feature eliminates abrupt changes in surface structure, allowing the fluid to flow smoothly along the arc surface. The surface facing away from the top cover 20 refers to the side of the balancing rib 20a away from the axial extension direction of the top cover 20. Specifically, it can be located on the downstream side of the fluid flow path. This location design concentrates the fluid impact area at the beginning of the streamlined arc surface, preventing flow separation.

[0050] Specifically, when fluid flows through the balancing ribs 20a, the streamlined arc surface guides the fluid to gradually change its flow direction along the curvature, avoiding the formation of turbulence or vortices behind the ribs. A gradual pressure gradient is formed at the initial contact point of the arc surface with the fluid, while the final point merges gently with the surrounding fluid, reducing flow resistance. The continuous distribution of the arc surface's curvature allows surface stress to diffuse evenly from the contact area to both sides, avoiding localized stress peaks. The smooth surface also reduces the residence time of solid particles or corrosive media in the fluid, lowering the risk of surface erosion.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application further proposes a technical solution of constructing a cavity inside each balancing rib 20a and filling the cavity with damping material.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cavity refers to a hollow structure formed inside the balancing rib 20a, which can be achieved through molding or additive manufacturing processes. Its spatial shape can be designed as columnar, honeycomb, or mesh. This design alters the mechanical transmission path of the balancing rib 20a, allowing vibrational energy to be dissipated preferentially through the internal friction of the damping material. The damping material refers to a polymer composite material with viscoelastic properties, specifically silicone rubber, polyurethane foam, or butyl rubber. These materials convert mechanical energy into heat energy through the frictional movement of molecular chains when subjected to alternating stress.

[0053] Specifically, when the impeller 1 vibrates during operation, the hollow structure of the balancing rib 20a transmits the vibrational energy to the damping material. Under alternating stress, the damping material undergoes periodic deformation, converting the mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy through internal friction between molecular chains. This energy conversion mechanism effectively reduces the vibrational energy transmitted to the connection point at the root of the rib, alleviating stress concentration in that area. Simultaneously, the closed hollow structure prevents external corrosive media from penetrating the rib, protecting the performance stability of the damping material.

[0054] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In another embodiment, this application further proposes to provide a flexible transition area at the location where each balancing rib 20a connects to the top cover 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, the flexible transition region refers to the material stiffness gradient structure at the connection interface, which can be implemented using a gradually varying thickness of elastic material layer, a corrugated transition section, or an irregular cross-section structure. This region alters the mechanical impedance distribution through local elastic deformation, forming a gradual mechanical impedance band between the balancing rib 20a and the top cover 20. The connection location refers to the contact area between the base of the balancing rib 20a and the surface of the top cover 20, which can be implemented using a rounded corner transition, a dovetail-shaped interlocking structure, or a composite material interface layer. This region reconstructs the load transfer path through geometric optimization, reducing interface abrupt effects while maintaining structural connection strength.

[0056] Specifically, when impeller 1 rotates at high speed, the combined alternating stress formed by the centrifugal load and the fluid excitation force causes stress concentration at the root of the balancing rib 20a. The flexible transition region absorbs part of the mechanical energy through its own elastic deformation, dispersing the peak stress onto the gradually changing cross section of the transition region. During vibration transmission, the material damping characteristics within the transition region convert mechanical vibration energy into heat dissipation, forming a mechanical filter effect for vibration attenuation. This region, by adjusting its geometric parameters, forms a multi-level stiffness distribution, making the stress distribution curve at the connection point tend to be flat, effectively suppressing the initiation and propagation of microcracks.

[0057] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application further proposes that the balancing rib 20a is a composite material rib.

[0058] In this embodiment, the composite material ribs refer to structural components composed of fiber reinforcement phases and resin matrices. Carbon fiber or glass fiber can be used as the reinforcement material, and epoxy resin or thermoplastic polymer can be used as the matrix material. The thermal expansion coefficient of the composite material ribs is matched to that of the top cover 20 substrate through fiber orientation design. This matching of thermal expansion coefficients means that the deformation of the composite material ribs and the top cover 20 material tends to be consistent when the temperature changes. This can be achieved by adjusting the fiber content, layup angle, and resin matrix type, avoiding stress concentration at the interface due to differences in thermal expansion.

[0059] Compared to existing technologies, traditional counterweights are made of metal materials, whose coefficients of thermal expansion differ from those of the impeller 1 top cover 20 substrate. This difference makes them prone to interfacial stress during temperature changes, leading to cracking or detachment at the joints. In contrast, this invention uses the interlayer toughness of composite materials to suppress vibration-induced fatigue failure; at the same time, it reduces the overall mass of the impeller 1, thereby reducing the inertial load during high-speed rotation.

[0060] Please see Figure 1and Figure 2 This application further proposes that the balancing rib 20a and the top cover 20 are integrally formed.

[0061] In this embodiment, the integral molding structure refers to the fact that the balancing rib 20a and the top cover 20 are formed into a continuous whole through the same processing step during manufacturing. Specifically, this can be achieved using casting or injection molding processes, so that there is no physical interface between the balancing rib 20a and the top cover 20. This structure eliminates the connection interface between the traditional separate balancing block and the top cover 20, avoiding potential defects introduced by the connection process.

[0062] Specifically, in the casting or injection molding process, the geometric features of the top cover 20 and the balancing rib 20a are formed simultaneously through a mold. During manufacturing, molten material is injected into a pre-set mold cavity, and after cooling, the top cover 20 and the balancing rib 20a form an inseparable whole. Since no secondary processing such as welding, riveting, or threaded connections is required, stress concentration or corrosion initiation points will not occur in the connection area between the balancing rib 20a and the top cover 20, and loosening or detachment will not occur under vibration conditions.

[0063] In some specific embodiments, the mold cavity is designed to include the outline of the balancing ribs 20a. During casting, the molten metal fills the cavity to form a top cover 20 with the balancing ribs 20a. In the injection molding process, the polymer material fills the balancing rib 20a area through the mold runner, and after solidification, forms an integrated structure. This solution directly forms a continuous integral of the balancing structure and the top cover 20 through an integrated molding process, avoiding the existence of a connection interface and reducing processing steps.

[0064] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model also proposes a fan, including a housing 2 and an impeller 1. The housing 2 has an inner cavity, and the impeller 1 is installed in the inner cavity. The specific structure of the impeller 1 is as described in the foregoing embodiments. Since this fan adopts all the technical solutions of all the foregoing embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0065] The outer casing 2 refers to the external shell structure surrounding the impeller 1, which can be formed by stamping metal sheets or molding composite materials. Its function is to provide rigid support for the impeller 1 and form a closed operating space. The inner cavity refers to the cavity structure inside the outer casing 2 that houses the impeller 1. This can be defined by the geometry of the outer casing 2, and its function is to provide a controlled fluid environment for the impeller 1 to operate. The impeller 1 being installed in the inner cavity means that the impeller 1 is rigidly connected to the outer casing 2 through a shaft connection or flange fixation, which can be achieved by interference fit or bolt fastening. Its function is to suppress the transmission of unbalanced torque of the impeller 1 through structural constraints.

[0066] Specifically, the outer casing 2 forms a closed system by enclosing the impeller 1, limiting the impact of external airflow disturbances on the operation of the impeller 1, while absorbing the vibration energy generated by the rotation of the impeller 1 through its own rigidity. The rigid connection between the impeller 1 and the outer casing 2 makes them form an integral structure, avoiding the risk of imbalance caused by loose connection interfaces in traditional separate balance blocks. The geometry of the inner cavity can be designed as a gradually narrowing flow channel to guide the fluid to flow stably along the rotation direction of the impeller 1, further reducing vibrations caused by eddies.

[0067] Compared to existing technologies, traditional wind turbines rely on independent balancing blocks or perforated 20b structures to correct the dynamic balance of impeller 1. This presents a risk of interface failure between the balancing block and impeller 1, and the perforated 20b structure is prone to causing localized stress concentration. This solution eliminates the interface of the additional balancing structure through the integrated design of the outer casing 2 and impeller 1. The constraint effect of the outer casing 2 directly suppresses vibration transmission, while avoiding the weakening of impeller 1's strength by the perforated 20b structure.

[0068] Through the above technical solution, this application can reduce the risk of loosening or breakage of the impeller 1 balancing structure under long-term vibration environment, reduce the equipment failure rate caused by the detachment of the balance weight, and extend the service life of the fan. The rigid connection system between the impeller 1 and the outer casing 2 can effectively suppress the impact of unbalanced torque on the external structure, reduce operating noise, and eliminate the need for subsequent installation of balance weights or weight removal operations.

[0069] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An impeller, characterized in that, The impeller includes: Main body; and The top cover is connected to the main body and is provided with multiple balancing ribs, which are evenly arranged on the surface of the top cover.

2. The impeller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover has an opening located at the center of the top cover; a plurality of the balancing ribs are arranged at intervals around the opening.

3. The impeller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover includes a flat cover and a raised structure disposed on the flat cover. The raised structure is located at the center of the flat cover and has the opening. A plurality of the balancing ribs are located on the raised structure and are arranged around the opening.

4. The impeller as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The balancing ribs extend along the height direction of the raised structure.

5. The impeller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the balancing rib facing away from the top cover is a streamlined arc surface.

6. The impeller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned balancing ribs is provided with a cavity, and the cavity is filled with damping material.

7. The impeller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A flexible transition area is provided at the location where each of the aforementioned balancing ribs connects to the top cover.

8. The impeller as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The balancing ribs are composite material ribs.

9. The impeller as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The balancing ribs and the top cover are integrally formed.

10. A fan, characterized in that, The fan includes: A housing having an inner cavity; and The impeller as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the impeller is mounted in the inner cavity.

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