Adjustable angle blade blower with a blade angle position sensor

Abstract

Adjustable angle blade blower (10), comprising: a circumferential hub (12) defining a cylinder and having an adjustable angle change piston (40) inside the cylinder, the adjustable angle change piston (40) having a drive side (52) and a return side (54); blades mounted around the circumferential hub (12), the blades being connected to the adjustable angle change piston (40) to adjust the angle of attack of the blades; a rotary unit (26) mounted on the circumferential hub (12) to supply a drive fluid to the adjustable angle change piston (40); and an adjustment angle sensor, which is at least partially designed as part of the rotary unit (26); wherein the adjustment angle sensor is formed by cooperating first and second parts, and wherein the first part is mounted in such a way that it is displaced with the adjustment angle change piston (40), and the second part is mounted inside the rotary unit (26);and wherein the rotary unit (26) comprises a passage through which the drive fluid is directed to the drive side (52) of the adjustment angle change piston (40); and wherein the interacting first and second parts of the adjustment angle sensor are formed within the passage.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] Flexxaire Manufacturing Inc., Edmonton, Canada, manufactures adjustable-angle blade fans. These fans are primarily used for cooling industrial diesel engines. The blade angle is adjusted to control both the direction and volume of airflow generated by the fan. The main advantages of controlling the airflow are twofold: reversing the airflow allows contaminants to be blown away from the radiator, reducing or eliminating overheating caused by a clogged radiator. The second main advantage is the ability to direct the airflow as needed.This allows the blower to blow only as much air as is needed to cool the engine, thus reducing parasitic power losses caused by the blower. This, in turn, results in either fuel savings or increased machine productivity, as the saved power is used to boost productivity. Examples of Flexxaire blowers can be found in the [reference to be added]. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of US Patent No. 7,229,250, granted on June 12, 2007, shown.

[0002] Flexxaire offers blowers where the actual pitch angle is neither measured nor known, but where the pitch angle blade control system monitors the fluid temperature and adjusts the pitch angle as follows: if a temperature is higher than desired, increase the pitch angle incrementally; if all temperatures are below the desired temperature level, decrease the pitch angle incrementally; if all temperatures are within acceptable parameters, do not adjust the pitch angle. This control scheme is a closed-loop system where control is based on fluid temperatures and the pitch angle is unknown. A Flexxaire blower design with a pitch angle adjustment system is shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 20090196747, disclosed on August 6, 2009.

[0003] This system works effectively, but there are a few problems that can only be solved if the actual adjustment angle is known, and therefore an adjustment angle sensor is desirable. The challenge in developing an adjustment angle sensor is that the entire blower rotates at very high speed, except for the axis on the rotating unit. Therefore, measuring the adjustment angle of the rotating blower is challenging in terms of obtaining information about a rotating frame relative to a stationary frame. Summary

[0004] In one embodiment, a compact variable-angle blade blower has an angle adjustment mechanism with a drive fluid. An adjustable angle piston is forced to follow a reciprocating motion under the control of the drive fluid within a circumferential hub from which the blades extend outwards. An adjustable angle sensor is at least partially formed as part of the rotating unit, for example, with parts of the adjustable angle sensor located within the rotating unit. In one embodiment, the adjustable angle sensor comprises a bolt and a coil, wherein either the bolt or the coil is connected such that it moves with the displacement of the adjustable angle piston, and the other part, namely the coil or the bolt, is formed within the rotating unit.

[0005] These and other aspects of the device and the method are set out in the patent claims, which are incorporated here by reference. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] With reference to the figures, the embodiments are now described in which, for example, the same reference numerals denote the same elements and in which:

[0007] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustable angle blade blower, with an adjustable angle change mechanism within a rotary unit;

[0008] Fig. 2 shows a blower blade connection mechanism; and

[0009] Fig. Figure 3 shows another detail of a rotary unit. Detailed description

[0010] In the patent claims, the word "comprise" is used in the sense of "included" and does not preclude the presence of other elements. The indefinite article "a" before a feature in a patent claim does not preclude the presence of multiple features. Each of the individual features described here may be used in one embodiment or in several embodiments, and they should not be interpreted as being essential in all embodiments simply because they are described here or as defined in the patent claims.

[0011] A compact variable-angle blade blower achieves changes in the angle of rotation by using a pressurized drive fluid (for example, hydraulic oil or air) via the stroke of a single piston against a return spring force along the axis of the blower's rotation. The blade shafts are rigidly connected to the piston such that axial displacement of the piston results in rotation of the blade shafts. The fluid is transferred to the rotary blower via a rotating unit. The fluid supply line is connected to the non-rotating axis of the rotating unit. The other components of the rotating unit rotate with the blower.

[0012] A novel solution for integrating a circuit board and a measuring coil into the rotary unit axis is presented. A bolt is attached to the piston for changing the angle of rotation. This bolt rotates with the blower, but the rotary unit axis remains stationary. When the angle of rotation is changed, the measuring bolt moves axially within the measuring coil, thereby altering the coil's inductance. By measuring this change in inductance, the penetration depth of the measuring bolt can be determined, and thus the axial position of the piston, which correlates with a specific blade angle. The measuring coil is exposed to high-pressure hydraulic oil, so suitable means are implemented to route the wires from the measuring coil to the circuit board (which is not exposed to the high-pressure hydraulic oil).The wires extend through a feedthrough filled with a suitable potting compound that seals the wires and can withstand hydraulic pressure.

[0013] An exemplary embodiment of a compact adjustable-angle blade blower is described below. As in the Fig. Figure 1 shows an adjustable angle vane blower. 10 a circumferential hub 12 on, in which the shovel axles 13 the shovel blades 14 are mounted and extend outwards in a conventional manner. For each blade 14 does a sleeve allow 16 and storage facilities 18 that the shovel blade 14 can rotate at least partially around a radially extending axis that passes through the blade 14 extends. The shovel blade 14 It ends radially inside a blade connection piece. 20The shovel blade 14 can typically rotate between a normal angular position and an inverted angular position, and can be adjusted over a continuous range of possible intermediate positions between this normal angular position and the inverted angular position, including a neutral position in which the blades 14 parallel to the plane of rotation of the blades 14 are arranged on the back side of the circumferential hub. 12 is a back or mounting plate using suitable means 24 attached. The mounting plate 24 This allows the adjustable angle blade blower to 10 It is mounted directly on a rotating part of the engine (not shown), typically part of a heavy machine, so that the entire variable-angle blade fan rotates with it, independent of a rotary unit. 26 .

[0014] A front panel 30is attached to the front of the circumferential hub using suitable means 12 securely fastened. One or more parts of the circumferential hub. 12 , the mounting plate 24 and the front panel 30 together they form a housing which defines a cylinder that contains an annular cylindrical section 32 features. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential hub acts 12 , the mounting plate 24 and the front panel 30 together to define the cylinder, but this is not strictly necessary. An outer cylindrical wall 34 the front panel 30 and an inner cylindrical wall 36 The walls of the ring-shaped cylindrical section are formed 32 A piston for changing the angle of adjustment 40 It is mounted inside the cylinder. The adjusting angle piston 40 is at one end 42 closed and at the other end 44, which is located within the annular cylindrical section 32 What is shown is a ring-shaped piston section. 46 formed, which is between an outer piston wall 48 and an inner piston wall 50 is trained. Different drive configurations can be used to control the adjustment angle change piston. 40 to drive. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting angle change piston has 40 a drive side 52 and a return page 54 up. While the parts 12 , 24 and 30 While together they form a housing in this embodiment, other housing configurations are conceivable, for example with a change in shape, configuration, orientation or number of parts.

[0015] The rotary unit 26 is inside the cylindrical wall 36absorbed, and creates a drive fluid supply to the drive side 52 of the adjusting angle change piston 40 The rotary unit 26 can be secured in place by suitable means, such as a coil spring 53 A drive fluid line is in use. 56 on the rotary unit 26 connected. The drive fluid line 56 leads to a drive fluid control system 100 The control system 100 It can be designed according to the principles described in U.S. Patent No. 7,229,250, issued on June 12, 2007. The rotary unit 26 is designed as shown and is made with reference to Fig. 3 described, so that the drive fluid line 56 remains stationary, while the adjustable angle blade blower 10 rotates. Furthermore, the rotary unit 26and in particular their internal parts are designed to function as an adjustment angle sensor. The annular piston section 46 has a ring-shaped slit 58 on the return page 54 of the adjusting angle change piston 40 on, in which a return spring 60 lies. The return spring 60 presses against the return side 54 of the adjusting angle change piston 40 deep inside the slot 58 and against the mounting plate 24 , to adjust the angle change piston 40 to the front of the adjustable angle vane blower 10 to burden, as it is in the Fig. Figure 1 shows what could correspond to a normal blade position. The supply of drive fluid through the rotary unit 26 into the space between the front panel 30 and the closed end 42 of the adjusting angle change piston 40presses the adjustment angle change piston 40 against the force of the return spring 60 in the direction of the position that is in the Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a reversing angle position for the blades. A double-acting piston could also be used as a return drive – however, this is not as easy to build as a return drive with a return spring. 60 .

[0016] The outer cylinder wall 34 can be a guide surface or a guide wall for the adjustment angle change piston 40 to develop. That means that the dimensions of the outer piston wall 48 and the inner cylindrical wall 34 can be selected in such a way that the outer piston wall 48 as precisely as possible with the inner cylindrical wall 34 is formed while the movement of the adjusting angle change piston 40within the cylinder. To prevent damage to a seal along the guide surface, an annular seal is used. 62 , by means of the inner cylindrical wall 39 as well as by means of the inner piston wall 50 prevents the drive fluid, which runs between the front panel 30 and the closed end 42 of the adjusting angle change piston 40 The injected fluid exits the cylinder. The ring-shaped seal 62 It could, for example, be a U-shaped seal.

[0017] As it is in the Fig. As shown in 2, this is the adjusting angle change piston. 40 with the blower blades 14 connected to adjust the angle of attack of the blower blades 14 to control with suitable means, such as a pen 64 , which is separated from the blower blade connector 20 into a mounting base 66into a shift block 68 extends into the part of the adjusting angle change piston. 40 is, and the one on the other parts of the adjustment angle change piston 40 for example by head screws 70 and spacers 72 is assured.

[0018] The adjustable angle blade blower is in operation. 10 in its normal operating position, with the blades 14 are in their full normal angular position (corresponding to cooling). For example, the Fig. 1 the adjustment angle change piston 40 in a neutral position. The full normal angular position can be achieved, for example, with an adjustable angle-changing piston. 40 correspond, which goes completely to the left in the Fig. The procedure is as follows: If a change in the angle of attack or adjustment is desired, drive fluid, for example hydraulic fluid, can be supplied through the rotary unit.26 The system is pulsed according to an integral control scheme. Fluid is incrementally supplied in a series of pulses between the front panel. 30 and the closed end 42 of the adjusting angle change piston 40 The angle of attack of the blades changes gradually. 14 in the direction of full reverse thrust. Any desired operating position can be selected, depending on the amount of drive fluid flowing through the rotary unit. 26 The system is fluid-pulsed. For example, each pulse can correspond to a change in the adjustment or angle of attack of one degree. Other methods for changing the adjustment angle with the flow of the drive fluid can also be used.

[0019] Variations of this basic design, shown here, can be used for the adjustable angle fan. An example of a seal variation, where the seal... 62through a seal on the guide wall 34 has been replaced, is in the Fig. Figure 3 of the published US filing, No. 20090196747, is shown. While this design addresses the damage to the seal in the guide wall... 34 While this design takes a risk, it offers the additional advantage that the larger diameter allows for a lower pressure of the drive fluid. However, there is a corresponding disadvantage: a larger quantity of hydraulic fluid is required, which is generally undesirable.

[0020] During operation, it is sometimes useful to know the exact position of the paddle blades. 14 to know. For example, it can happen after cleaning, when the shovel blades 14 It is desirable that the blades be driven into the full reversal position by means of the drive fluid. 14 to be returned to the position in which the paddle blades 14before cleaning. An adjustment angle sensor can be used for this purpose. According to one embodiment, which is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in 3, the adjustment angle sensor is at least partially inside the rotary unit. 26 incorporated. The rotary unit 26 includes a housing 74 , which is inside the cylindrical wall 36 is secured, as well as a non-rotating section 76 , which is based on storage 78 inside the housing 74 is mounted. During operation of the adjustable angle blade blower 10 does the case rotate? 74 with the components of the adjustable angle blade blower, with the exception of the stationary part of the rotary unit 26 , the drive fluid line 56 and the cable, such as the cable 80, which is connected to the angle adjustment sensor. In this embodiment, the adjustment angle sensor is conveniently located on the drive fluid supply line. 56 arranged where these are located in the rotary unit 26 enters.

[0021] The adjustment angle sensor according to this illustrated embodiment is connected by a metallic bolt. 82 trained, who is attached to the adjusting angle change piston 40 is fixed and which runs along the rotational axis of the blower 10 into the rotary unit 26 extends into. The bolt 82 extends into a passage 84 within the rotary unit 26 , which as part of the drive fluid supply into the annular cylinder section 32 is used inside. The bolt 82 extends sufficiently far into the rotating unit 26 into a coil 86 to enter, which is about at least part of the passage 84is formed around it. In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 3 is the passage 84 through a rotating sealing element 86 and through a non-rotating sleeve 88 defined. The coil 86 In this case, it is in the non-rotating sleeve. 88 trained. The coil 86 can also be in a rotating part of the rotary unit 26 They would be trained, but that would complicate the electrical connections and is therefore not preferred.

[0022] The coil 86 is with wires 89 through an extension 90 the passage 84 connected, which are within the non-rotating part of the rotary unit 26 has been recorded. The extension 90 is in the Fig. 3 as a hole in an end cap 92 the rotary unit 26formed and is sealed by a suitable sealing compound to create a fluid-tight seal against the drive fluid which escapes from the passage 84 exits where the wires 89 the passage 84 leave. The wires 89 end at an adjustment angle sensor circuit board 94 , which are in the end cap 92 is recorded. The adjustment angle sensor circuit board 94 connects the cables 80 with a suitable control mechanism 100 for checking the angle of attack or adjustment of the blades of the variable angle fan.

[0023] The sealing element 86 the rotary unit 26 is made from a sleeve 96 formed, which are in the case 74 with seals 98 between the housing 74 and the sleeve 96 is fitted to carry the propulsion fluid in the passage 84 to hold a feather 97The sleeve presses 96 in the direction of direct surface contact with the sleeve 76 and forms a surface seal at their contact point. Conventional methods can be used to hold the parts together, such as retaining rings.

[0024] The drive fluid control system 100 includes an electronic control device and a valve or series of valves that control the fluid which flows through the drive fluid line 56 is supplied. The control system 100 It itself is conventional and can be one which is in the Fig. 7 of US publication, No. 20090196747. The valves can be of any of the configurations shown in the Fig. 3 to Fig.The valves shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,229,250, or other suitable valves, can be used to control the fluid flow to the variable-angle blade fan. According to one embodiment, the valves can direct fluid pulses through or across the line. 56 and supply the adjustment angle sensor. Sensor signals from the adjustment angle sensor are transmitted via the line. 80 sent back to the control unit. The control unit of the control system 100 It can be a dedicated electronic device, or it can be a virtual device: an existing programmable control device can be programmed to directly control the valves (for example, the ECM module (engine control module) of a conventional vehicle).

[0025] There are several parameters that influence a machine's cooling requirements and, consequently, the required fan angle. The types and number of these parameters vary from machine to machine, depending on the systems the fan is intended to cool (for example, an air conditioning condenser, a hydraulic oil cooler, an air-to-air aftercooler, engine coolant, etc.). Some machines have ECMs (electronic control modules) that already measure all these parameters, allowing this information to be used. Some machines have fan speed outputs to control the speed of variable-speed fans. These outputs already take all the relevant parameters into account. As a result of these differences, various types of control can be used.

[0026] There are a multitude of inputs that connect to the control device of the control system. 100These can be used individually or in combination, for example: A. The input can be an analog input, such as temperature sensors (these are sensors used exclusively by the blower control – meaning they must be installed with the control system), which measure, for example, the intake air temperature, the coolant temperature, etc., and / or pressure sensors (these are sensors used exclusively by the blower control – meaning they must be installed with the control system), as well as a blower air pressure control line or the air conditioning condenser core pressure. B. The input can be a control signal, such as a PWM blower drive signal. Many motor manufacturers have programmed a PWM blower speed signal, which is commonly used and drives the motor.This signal can be used to control the adjustment angle by applying an algorithm that converts this proportional signal into an integrated signal – for example, using a fixed point of 80% of the fan speed. If the speed is below this value, the adjustment angle is increased; if it is above, the adjustment angle is decreased. The input can be a digital input, such as from temperature switches instead of temperature sensors; an air conditioning compressor input – a digital signal indicating that the air conditioning compressor is running; a backup alarm input (to suppress cleaning); a fire suppression input; an operator input, such as a manual cleaning button; or ECM / CAN bus inputs. ECM / CAN bus inputs provide a communication link, allowing data from other electronic devices to be used, thus eliminating otherwise redundant sensors.For example, most ECMs monitor the engine temperature. By connecting to the ECM, the control system does not need its own dedicated engine temperature sensor. Other digital inputs include a J1939 CAN interface (or the diagnostic port) to retrieve data from sensors, a direct ECM interface, other control devices already present in the equipment where the blower will be used, an IQAN hydraulic control device, or a transmission control device.

[0027] The outputs of the control device of the control system 100The unit can have two or three digital solenoid driver outputs (depending on the valve configuration), as well as an optional digital output to indicate when the blower is being cleaned (for example, connecting a dashboard indicator light to the control unit). The control unit can be either a virtual unit (a program running on an existing programmable control unit) or a dedicated electronic unit. It will determine the adjustment angle requirements by evaluating sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted from the adjustment angle sensor via one or more wires. 80 received, which is part of the rotating unit 26The control device will then adjust the fan's pitch or angle by pulsing the appropriate valves through signals sent along conventional connections, as described in the principles of operation outlined in U.S. Patent No. 7,229,250—though other methods may be employed. Variations of the control system may be applicable to some machines, while other variations will be usable on other machines: large OEMs (for example, Caterpillar) will utilize the virtual control device to save on costs and complexity, whereas smaller OEMs will likely lack the capability to reprogram an engine ECM and will therefore require a separate device.

[0028] Minor modifications can be made to the embodiments as described above without removing them from the scope of protection of the patent claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0029] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0030] US 7229250 [0001, 0015, 0024, 0027] US 20090196747

[0024]

Claims

[1] Adjustable angle vane blower, with: a hub defining a cylinder and having an adjustable angle change piston inside the cylinder, wherein the adjustable angle change piston has a drive side and a return side; Blades mounted around the hub, the blades being connected to the adjustment angle change piston to adjust the angle of attack of the blower blades; a rotary unit mounted on the hub to supply a drive fluid to the adjusting angle change piston; and an adjustment angle sensor, which is at least partially designed as part of the rotary unit. [2] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable angle sensor is formed by cooperating first and second parts, and wherein the first part is mounted such that it is displaced with the adjustable angle change piston, and the second part is mounted inside the rotary unit. [3] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 2, wherein the rotary unit comprises a passage through which the drive fluid is directed to the drive side of the adjustable angle change piston; and wherein the cooperating first and second parts of the adjustable angle change sensor are formed within the passage. [4] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 3, wherein the first part comprises a bolt and the second part comprises a coil. [5] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the adjustable angle change sensor comprises a printed circuit board which is received in a non-rotating part of the rotary unit. [6] Adjustable angle vane blower, with: a circumferential hub that has a front and a back; a mounting plate on the back of the circumferential hub; Blower blades extending radially outwards from the circumferential hub; a front plate on the front of the circumferential hub; wherein the circumferential hub and / or the mounting plate and / or the front plate define a cylinder which has an annular cylindrical section; wherein the annular cylinder section has an outer cylinder wall and an inner cylinder wall; an adjustable angle-changing piston mounted in the cylinder, wherein the adjustable angle-changing piston has an annular piston section with an outer piston wall and an inner piston wall, and the adjustable angle-changing piston has a drive side and a return side; wherein the adjusting angle piston is connected to the blower blades to control the angle of attack of the blower blades; a rotary unit which is accommodated within the inner cylindrical wall, wherein the rotary unit provides a drive fluid supply to the drive side of the adjusting angle change piston; a piston return drive on the return side of the adjustable angle change piston; and an adjustment angle sensor, which is at least partially designed as part of the rotary unit. [7] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 6, wherein the adjustable angle sensor is formed by cooperating first and second parts, and wherein the first part is mounted such that it is displaced with the adjustable angle changing piston, and the second part is mounted inside the rotary unit. [8] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 7, wherein the drive fluid supply comprises a fluid supply line coupled to the rotary unit; and wherein the rotary unit comprises a passage through which the drive fluid is directed to the annular cylinder section; and wherein the cooperating first and second parts of the adjustable angle change sensor are formed within the passage. [9] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 8, wherein the first part comprises a bolt and the second part comprises a coil. [10] Adjustable angle vane blower according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the adjustable angle change sensor comprises a printed circuit board which is received in a non-rotating part of the rotary unit.