Fan assembly

The fan assembly addresses the challenge of replicating natural wind flow by using an oscillating air outlet with randomly varied vibration speed and magnitude, resulting in improved thermal comfort.

JP2025084811APending Publication Date: 2025-06-03DYSON TECH LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025025584
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-10-17
Filing Date
2025-02-20
Publication Date
2025-06-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional household fans struggle to replicate the flow characteristics of natural wind, which is more effective in providing thermal comfort than stable artificial air flows.

Method used

A fan assembly with an oscillating air outlet, controlled by a controller that randomly varies the vibration speed and magnitude, mimicking the irregular flow of natural wind.

Benefits of technology

The fan assembly effectively recreates the flow characteristics of natural wind, enhancing thermal comfort by providing a more significant thermal response than conventional fans.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a fan assembly that replicates natural outdoor air flows.SOLUTION: A fan assembly is provided including: a base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface; an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow; and an air outlet arranged to emit at least a portion of the air flow from the fan assembly. The air outlet is arranged to be oscillated relative to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the oscillation of the air outlet relative to the base. The controller is arranged to vary an oscillation speed of the air outlet for each oscillation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional household fans used for the purpose of thermal comfort and / or environmental or temperature control usually generate a relatively stable air flow. However, in the study of thermal comfort, it has been shown that natural wind or gentle breeze can bring a greater sense of cold than these stable artificial air flows. In particular, both field studies and control experiments have suggested that natural gentle breeze can bring a greater thermal response or warm feeling to humans when compared with a certain air flow.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a fan assembly that can generate an air flow that reproduces the flow characteristics of natural wind, and thus can be considered to provide a more comfortable sense of cold than that provided by a stable artificial air flow. However, considering the seemingly disorderly or irregular nature of the wind and the scale of its fluid mechanism, it is a difficult task to reproduce the natural outdoor air flow in an indoor environment.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a fan assembly that can generate an air flow that reproduces the flow characteristics of natural wind, and thus can be considered to provide improved thermal comfort to users. Therefore, the present inventors used the turbulent flow statistical method to develop a wind profile at a typical human height and identified some characteristics representing natural wind at such a height. Next, we compare the characteristics determined for natural wind using conventional vibration methodology. However, it has been determined that it is difficult to generate an airflow with the characteristics required for the present invention. The authors then realistically model the identified properties of natural wind over a range of frequencies relevant to humans. It has been discovered that it is possible to make the airflow oscillate non-periodically in a way that can be simulated virtually. In particular, the inventors have demonstrated that certain characteristics of natural wind are observed in the air at vibration velocities that vary from vibration to vibration. It has been found that this can be reproduced by a fan assembly that can oscillate the air outlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, a fan assembly includes a base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface; an airflow generator arranged to generate an airflow; and an air outlet arranged to bleed a portion of the air and arranged to oscillate relative to the base and an air outlet disposed in the air passage. The fan assembly further comprises a base. a controller arranged to control the vibration of the air outlet relative to the The rotors are positioned to vary the vibration velocity of the air outlet with each vibration.

[0006] The controller may be arranged to randomly vary the vibration rate. The controller can be positioned to randomly select the vibration speed to be used for each vibration. The controller randomly selects the vibration speed to be used for each vibration from within the range of vibration speeds. The controller can be arranged to select between an upper and lower speed limit. The vibration speed can be arranged to be selected randomly. The controller can be configured to select a lower speed limit. From a plurality of vibration speeds evenly distributed from the lower limit speed to the upper limit speed, the vibration speed used for each vibration can be arranged to be randomly selected.

[0007] The controller can further be arranged to change the magnitude of the vibration of the air outlet for each vibration as well. The controller can be arranged to randomly change the magnitude of the vibration. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration from within the vibration range. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration from between the upper limit of the vibration and the lower limit of the vibration. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration from a plurality of magnitudes of vibration evenly distributed from the upper limit of the vibration to the lower limit of the vibration. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration from a plurality of magnitudes of vibration evenly distributed from the upper limit of the vibration to the lower limit of the vibration. The controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration from a plurality of magnitudes of vibration evenly distributed from the upper limit of the vibration to the lower limit of the vibration. It can be done.

[0008] The controller can be configured with a plurality of vibration modes. In that case, the controller can be arranged to change the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration when in at least one of the plurality of vibration modes. The controller can be arranged to change both the vibration speed of the air outlet and the magnitude of the vibration for each vibration when in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes. The controller can be arranged to maintain the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration (i.e., use a single constant vibration speed for each vibration) when in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes. The controller can be arranged to maintain the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration (i.e., use a single constant vibration speed for each vibration) when in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes. The controller can be arranged to maintain the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration (i.e., use a single constant vibration speed for each vibration) when in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes. That is, it can be arranged to use a single constant vibration speed for each vibration. The controller can be arranged to maintain the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration when in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes. It can be arranged to maintain the outlet in a stationary state.

[0009] The controller can be configured with a first vibration mode and a second vibration mode. The first vibration mode is different from the second vibration mode. In that case, the controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration when in the first vibration mode. Next, the controller can be arranged to maintain the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration (i.e., use a single constant vibration speed for each vibration) when in the second vibration. The controller can be configured with a third vibration mode. In that case, it can be arranged to maintain the air outlet in a stationary state when in the third vibration mode. The controller can be configured with a fourth vibration mode. In that case, it can be arranged to change both the vibration speed and the magnitude of the vibration of the air outlet for each

[0010] The fan assembly may include a nozzle, and the air outlet is provided on the nozzle. The fan body can accommodate an air flow generator, and includes an air inlet for drawing an air flow into the body by the air flow generator and an air outlet downstream of the air flow generator for releasing the air flow from the body. Next, the nozzle can be attached onto the air outlet of the body. Next, the nozzle can be arranged to receive the air flow discharged from the air outlet of

[0011] The nozzle can include a nozzle body fixed to the base. Then, the air outlet can be arranged to vibrate with respect to the nozzle body. The fan assembly can include a fan body. In that case, the nozzle is attached to the fan body. Next, the air Arrange the nozzle to vibrate relative to the base such that the outlet vibrates relative to the base. This can be done. The fan body may be fixedly attached to the base, in which case the air outlet Arrange the nozzle to vibrate relative to the fan body such that it vibrates relative to the base. Alternatively, the fan body may include the base, in which case the air outlet is the base Arrange the nozzle to vibrate relative to the fan body such that it vibrates relative to the base. The nozzle can be fixed relative to the fan body, in which case the air outlet is the base Arrange the fan body to vibrate relative to the base such that it vibrates relative to the base. is possible.

[0012] The fan assembly may include two or more air outlets, in which case the two or more air outlets can be arranged to vibrate independently relative to the base. The controller can be configured to independently vary the vibration speed of each of the two or more air outlets for each vibration and can be arranged to ensure that for each vibration, the vibration speed of each of the two or more air outlets is different from the vibration speed of the other of the two or more air outlets. The controller may be configured to ensure that for each vibration, the vibration speed of each of the two or more air outlets is different from the vibration speed of the other of the two or more air outlets.

[0013] The fan assembly can be provided with a further air outlet arranged to discharge at least a portion of the air flow from the fan assembly, and this further air outlet is arranged to vibrate relative to the base, and the controller is arranged to control the vibration of the further air outlet relative to the base. The controller can be arranged to independently vary the vibration speed of both the air outlet and the further air outlet for each vibration. The controller can, for each vibration, Arrange it so as to ensure that the vibration speed of the mouth is different from the vibration speed of the further air outlet. This can be done.

[0014] A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and two or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The two or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of each of the two or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to independently change the vibration speed of each of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration.

[0015] A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration. A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and one or more air outlets each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The one or more air outlets are arranged to vibrate with respect to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the vibration of the one or more air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to change the vibration speed of the one or more air outlets for each vibration. The fan assembly can include two or more air outlets arranged to vibrate independently with respect to the base. In that case, the controller can be arranged to independently change the vibration speeds of the two or more air outlets for each vibration.

[0016] A base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, and an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow, and a first air outlet and a second air outlet each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly are also provided. The first and second air outlets are arranged to vibrate independently of the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller arranged to control the respective vibrations of the first and second air outlets with respect to the base. The controller is arranged to independently change the vibration speed of each of the first and second air outlets for each vibration. Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Next, a fan assembly including a nozzle will be described that can generate an air flow that reproduces the flow characteristics of natural wind and can thus be regarded as providing thermal comfort to the user. As used herein, the term "fan assembly" refers to a fan assembly configured to generate and deliver an air flow for purposes of thermal comfort and / or environmental or temperature control. Such a fan assembly can generate one or more of a dehumidified air flow, a humidified air flow, a purified air flow, a filtered air flow, a cooled air flow, and a heated air flow. The fan assembly includes a base disposed to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator disposed to generate an air flow, and an air outlet disposed to discharge at least a portion of the air flow from the fan assembly, the air outlet being disposed to vibrate relative to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller disposed to control the vibration of the air outlet relative to the base, the controller being disposed to vary the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration.

[0020]

[0021] As used herein, the term "vibration" refers to a motion that repeatedly switches between a motion in a first direction and a motion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In particular, vibration can include back-and-forth motion between two fixed end points and / or around a fixed center point, but the term "vibration" as used herein is not limited to such a motion pattern. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Unintended, including forward and backward movement between variable endpoints, and / or that movement has no fixed center point. Thus, as used herein, the terms "vibration" and "single vibration" refer to complete movement in a specific direction. For example, vibration includes movement in a specific direction that occurs between the immediately preceding and immediately

[0022] following direction changes. As used herein, the term "vibration speed" refers to the speed or rate of vibration (i.e., the speed of movement during vibration). For example, in the case of a fan assembly, the vibration of the air outlet typically involves rotation of the air outlet about the axis of rotation such that the speed at which the air outlet vibrates includes the rotational speed or angular velocity in radians or degrees per second. In that case, as used herein, the term "magnitude of vibration" refers to the size or extent of the vibration. For example, in the case of a fan assembly where the vibration of the air outlet involves rotation of the air outlet about the axis of rotation, the magnitude of vibration will include the angle of vibration / rotation, i.e., the angle through which the air outlet rotates during vibration. As used herein, the term "vibration frequency" refers to the number of individual vibrations

[0023] occurring within a period of time and can be expressed in Hertz (Hz). Thus, the vibration frequency is defined by the combination of the vibration speed and the magnitude of vibration for each vibration. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is arranged to randomly vary the vibration speed of the air outlet for each vibration. In particular, the can, whereby the controller is between the upper limit and the lower limit of the vibration speed is arranged to randomly select the vibration speed. As a further example, the controller is a random number generator is used to select one of a range of values that all have an equal probability of being selected, and then a lookup is performed to identify the vibration speed corresponding to the randomly selected value may be arranged. When using this approach, the controller stores a lookup table containing the vibration speed for each available value, or is preferably configured to be able to access the lookup table, and these vibration speeds are separated at equal intervals from the lower limit of the vibration speed to the upper limit of the vibration speed.

[0024] In any embodiment, the controller is arranged to vary both the vibration speed and the magnitude of the vibration for each vibration of the air outlet. In that case, the controller can be arranged to randomly vary the magnitude of the vibration of the air outlet for each vibration. In particular, the controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration used for each vibration from within a predetermined range of magnitudes of vibration. For example, this predetermined range of magnitudes of vibration can be defined by the upper limit and the lower limit of the magnitude of the vibration, whereby the controller can be arranged to randomly select the magnitude of the vibration that is between the upper limit and the lower limit of the magnitude of the vibration.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to select the parameters for each vibration (e.g., from a predetermined range that approximately corresponds to vibration frequencies of 0.15 Hz to 2 Hz, preferably 0.2 Hz , configured to select (vibration speed and vibration magnitude). In this regard, the frequency range of human perception is usually 0.15 Hz to 2 Hz, while most perceptions are found to be included in 0.2 Hz ~1.5 Hz.

[0026] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are external views of an embodiment of the fan assembly 1000 according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the fan assembly 1000, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the fan assembly 1000. Next, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the fan assembly 1000.

[0027] The fan assembly 1000 includes a main body or stand 1100 having an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow passing through the fan assembly 1000, and a nozzle 1200 attached to a fan main body 1100 arranged to discharge an air flow from the fan assembly 1000. The fan main body 1100 includes an air inlet 1101 through which an air flow is drawn into the fan main body 1100 by the air flow generator, and an air outlet / vent 1102 downstream of the air flow generator for discharging the air flow from the fan main body 1100 to the nozzle 1200. Next, the nozzle 1 200 includes a first air outlet 1201 and a second air outlet 1202 respectively arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly 1000.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the fan main body 1100 includes a cylindrical housing / casing 1103 having side walls, a closed lower end, and an open upper end. Next, the air inlet 1101 of the fan main body 1100 is provided on the side wall of the casing 1103. In the illustrated embodiment 1100 of the air inlet 1101 to the main body of the fan assembly 1000 is the outer casing 11​​​​​​​ It has a row of openings formed in the side wall of 03. However, the air inlet 1101 Alternatively, it may include one or more grills or meshes attached within a window formed in the side wall Next, the closed lower end of the outer casing 1103 provides a base 1104 (i.e., the lower surface) on which the fan assembly 100 0 is placed / supported, while the open upper end provides an air outlet / vent 1102 from which the air flow is discharged from the fan body 1100 into the nozzle 1200.

[0029] The air flow generator is disposed within the fan body 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow gen erator is provided by an electric impeller housed within an impeller housing 1105 supported towards the upper end inside the fan body 1100 Specifically, the air flow generator includes an impeller 1106 connected to a rotating shaft 1107 extending outward from the motor 1108. In the illustrated embodiment, the impeller 1106 is in the form of a mixed-flow impeller, and the motor 1108 is a DC brushless motor.

[0030] Various electronic components of the fan assembly 1000, including a controller 1109 configured to control various functions of the fan assembly 1000, are also disposed within the fan body 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 1109 includes electronic components mounted on a circuit board having an electronic interface with both the vibration motor 1110 and the air flow generator. For example, the electronic components of the controller 1109 may include a processor such as a central processing unit or a microprocessor and a memory. In that case, the memory includes a primary storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) directly accessible by the processor, and a program ​ Any computer program / software application implemented by a processor and can be composed of both any secondary storage device for data such as a

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior of the casing 1103 is separated into a lower part and an upper part by a platform 1111 disposed within the casing 1103 at the lower end of the casing 1103. Thereby, the raised surface of the platform 1111 divides the interior of the outer casing 1103 into an upper part and a lower part. The lower part includes the part inside the casing 1103 below the surface, and the upper part includes the part above the surface. Thereby, the lower part provides a compartment 1112, and various electronic components of the fan assembly 1000 including the controller 1109 are accommodated within the compartment 1112. The platform 1111 is placed on the electronic device, forming a cover that

[0032] Next, the nozzle 1200 is attached to the fan body 1100 on the air outlet 1102 and is arranged to receive the air flow discharged from the air outlet 1102 of the fan body 1100. The nozzle 1200 includes a nozzle body 1203, an air inlet 1204 arranged to receive the air flow from the body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000, and a pair of air outlets 1201, 1202 arranged to discharge the air flow from the fan assembly 1000. Next, It is provided with a vibration mechanism for vibrating the body 1203. The nozzle vibration mechanism drives a drive member and includes a vibration motor 1110 arranged to drive, and a driven member arranged to rotate around a rotation axis by the drive member . The driven member is provided on the nozzle body 1203, and both the vibration motor 1110 and the drive member are provided on the main body 1 of the fan assembly 1000. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the nozzle vibration mechanism . In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member includes a pinion 1114, in which case the driven member includes an arcuate rack or ring gear 1205, and the rack 1205 includes a set of teeth that mesh with the teeth provided on the pinion 1 . Specifically, the drive member includes a spur gear or straight-cut gear having teeth protruding radially in a straight line and aligned parallel to the rotation axis, and the driven member includes a spur rack or straight-cut rack having a plurality of teeth protruding radially in a straight line and aligned parallel to the rotation axis.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 1203 has a general shape of a cut sphere, and a circular surface of the nozzle 1200 is formed by a first cut, and a circular base of the nozzle 1 200 is formed by a second cut. The air inlet 1204 of the nozzle 1200 is then provided in the base of the nozzle 1200, while the first air outlet 1201 and the second air outlet 12 02 are diametrically opposed on the surface of the nozzle 1200. Next, the nozzle 1200 further includes an internal air passage 1206 extending between the air inlet 1204 and both the first and second air outlets 1201, 120 . Therefore, the first air outlet The first outflow air flow discharged from 1201 and the second outflow air flow discharged from the second air outlet 1202 each include at least a part of the inflow air flow entering the nozzle 1200 through the air inlet 1204.

[0034] As described above, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the fan body 1100 includes the base 11 04, and the nozzle 1200 is arranged to vibrate with respect to the fan body 1100 such that the air outlets 1201 and 1202 vibrate with respect to the base 1204. Therefore, the controller 1209 is configured to control the vibration of the air outlets 1201 and 1202 with respect to the base 1104 by controlling the nozzle vibration mechanism. In particular, the controller 1109 is configured to control the vibration motor 1110 arranged to drive the pinion 1114 that provides the driving member to the main body 1100 of the fan assembly 1000. When controlling the nozzle vibration mechanism, the controller 1109 is configured to implement any one of four different vibration modes, and operates in one of these four modes in response to a command received from the user interface of the fan assembly 1000. Specifically, the four vibration modes include a stationary mode in which no vibration occurs, a conventional vibration mode in which the vibration speed is constant for all vibrations, a first wind synthesis mode in which the vibration speed changes between consecutive vibrations but the magnitude of the vibration is constant, and a second wind synthesis mode in which both the vibration speed and the magnitude of the vibration change between consecutive vibrations. In particular, in both the first and second wind synthesis modes, the controller 1109 randomly selects the vibration speed used for each vibration from within a predetermined range of vibration speeds. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ configured to randomly change the vibration speed for each vibration.

[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 are external views of a further embodiment of the fan assembly 2000 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the fan assembly 2000, and FIG. 6 shows a front view of the fan assembly 200 0. Next, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of the fan assembly 2000.

[0036] The fan assembly 2000 includes a main body or stand 2100 having an air flow generator arranged to generate an air flow through the fan assembly, and a nozzle 2200 attached to the fan main body 2100 and arranged to discharge the air flow from the fan assembly 2000. Next, the fan main body 2100 includes an air inlet 2101 through which the air flow is drawn into the main body 2100 by the air flow generator, and an air outlet / vent 2102 downstream of the air flow generator for discharging the air flow from the fan main body 2100 into the nozzle 2200. Next, the nozzle 220 0 includes a first air outlet 2201 and a second air outlet 2202, which are each arranged to discharge at least a part of the air flow from the fan assembly 2000. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 2100 of the fan assembly 2000 includes a substantially cylindrical main body upper portion 2103 attached to a substantially cylindrical main body lower portion 2104. The main body upper portion 2103 of the fan assembly 200 0 includes a cylindrical housing / casing 2105 having side walls.

[0037] Next, the air inlet 2101 to the main body 2100 of the fan assembly 2000 includes a row of openings formed in the side walls of the casing 210 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 2000 ​ The air inlet 2101 to the main body 2100 is a row of openings formed in the side wall of the casing 2105. However, the air inlet 2101 can alternatively include one or more grills or meshes attached within a window formed in the side wall. Next, the upper end of the upper body 2103 provides an air outlet / vent 2102 through which air flow is discharged from the main body 2100 into the nozzle 2200, while the lower end of the lower body 2104 provides a base 2106 on which the fan assembly 2000 is placed.

[0038] The air flow generator is disposed within the fan main body 2100. In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow generator is provided by an electric impeller housed within an impeller housing 2107 supported towards the upper end inside the fan main body 2100. In particular, the air flow generator includes an impeller 2108 connected to a rotating shaft 2109 extending outward from the motor 2110. In particular, the impeller 2108 is in the form of a mixed-flow impeller, and the motor 2110 is a DC brushless motor. The upper body 2103 of the fan assembly 2000 is also arranged to support a removable filter assembly 2300 upstream of the air inlet 2101, whereby the air flow drawn through the air inlet 2101 by the electric impeller is filtered before entering the main body 2100 of the fan assembly 2000. Next, the upper body 2103 also includes a mechanism 2111 for holding and releasing the filter assembly 2300 from the main body 2100 of the fan assembly 2000.

[0039] Next, the nozzle 2200 is attached onto the fan main body 2100 above the air outlet 2102 、configured to receive the air flow discharged from the air outlet 2102 of the fan body 2100 There is. The nozzle 2200 includes a nozzle body 2203, an air inlet 2204 configured to receive the air flow from the body 2 100 of the fan assembly 2000, and a pair of air outlets 2201, 2202 configured to discharge the air flow from the fan assembly 2 000. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 2200 further includes a neck / base 2205 extending between the nozzle body 2203 and the upper end of the fan body 2100, and the outer surface of the base 2205 of the nozzle 2200 is substantially coplanar with the outer edge of the upper body 2103. Therefore, the base 2205 of the nozzle 2200 provides a housing that covers / surrounds any components of the fan assembly 20 00 provided on the upper surface of the fan body 2100. In particular, various electronic components of the fan assembly 20 00, including a controller 2112 configured to control various functions of the fan assembly 20 00, are arranged within the base 2205 of the nozzle 2000. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 2112 includes electronic components attached to a circuit board having an electronic interface with an air flow generator and each vibration motor 2206, 2 207. For example, the electronic components of the controller 2112 can include a processor such as a central processing unit or a microprocessor and a memory. In that case, the memory can include both a primary storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) directly accessible by the processor, and a secondary storage device for any data, such as any computer program / software application implemented by the processor . In that case, the memory can include both a primary storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) directly accessible by the processor, and a secondary storage device for any data, such as any computer program / software application implemented by the processor . can include both.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the fan body 2100 includes the base 2106 of the fan assembly 2000, and the nozzle body 2203 is fixed to the fan body 2100. Next, the first air outlet 2201 and the second air outlet 2202 of the nozzle 2200 are arranged to vibrate with respect to the nozzle body 2203 such that the air outlets 2201, 2202 vibrate with respect to the base 2106. In particular, the first air outlet 2201 and the second air outlet 2202 are arranged to rotate independently with respect to the nozzle body 2203, so that the direction of the portion of the air flow discharged by each of the air outlets 2201, 2202 can be changed without rotating the nozzle body 2203 with respect to the fan body 2100. Accordingly, the controller 2112 is arranged to control the vibration of the air outlets 2201, 2202 with respect to the base 2106 of the fan assembly 2000 by independently controlling the first air outlet vibration mechanism and the second air outlet vibration mechanism. In particular, the controller 2112 is configured to independently control the first vibration motor 2206 arranged to rotate the first air outlet 2201 and the second vibration motor 2207 arranged to rotate the second air outlet 2202. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200).

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 often has an elongated annular shape called a stadium or disco rectangle shape, and has a corresponding shape bore 220 with a height (measured in the direction extending from the upper end of the nozzle 2200 to the lower end of the nozzle 2200) greater than its width (measured in the direction extending between the side walls of the nozzle 2200). 8 and define a central axis (X). Accordingly, the nozzle body 2203 has two parallel linear sides 2209, 2210 adjacent to respective elongated sides of each bore 2208 and an upper curved portion 2211 connecting the upper ends of the linear portions 2209, 2210, and a lower curved portion 2212 connecting the lower ends of the linear portions 2209, 22 10.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 2203 includes an elongated annular casing 2213 extending around the central bore 2208 of the nozzle 2200. The nozzle casing 2213 defines an internal passage 2214 arranged to convey air from the air inlet 2204 of the nozzle 2200 to the first and second air outlets 2201, 2202. The internal passage 2214 defined by the casing 2213 can be considered to include first and second portions, which extend in opposite directions around the internal bore 2208, such that air entering the nozzle 2200 via the air inlet 2204 enters the lower curved portion 2212 of the nozzle body 2203 and is split into two air flows, each flowing into respective ones of the linear portions 2209, 2210 of the nozzle body 2203.

[0043] Next, the parallel sides 2209, 2210 of the nozzle body 2203 each form a separate elongated nozzle outlet portion, and these outlet portions extend along substantially the entire length of the sides 2209, 2210. Next, each outlet portion includes operable / steerable air outlets 2201, 2202 arranged to discharge a portion of the air flow from the nozzle 2200, and each air outlet 2201, 2202 is arranged to rotate independently with respect to the nozzle casing 2213. is placed. Therefore, by the nozzle 2200, the direction of the portion of the air flow discharged by each of the first and second air outlets 2201, 2 202 can be changed without rotating the nozzle body 2203 with respect to any part of the fan body 2100.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2200 of FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second air outlets 2201, 2202 are respectively an elongated, forward-facing opening defined by a corresponding outlet / side portion of the nozzle body 2203, and an elongated, generally cylindrical exhaust / outlet body 2215, 2216 disposed within the opening and configured to rotate within the opening about the longitudinal axis (Y) of the outlet bodies 2215, 2216. Next, each outlet body 2215, 2216 is provided with an air outlet slot or channel 2217, 2218 that penetrates the width of the outlet bodies 2215, 2216, and thus air can flow out of the nozzle 2200 through the outlet bodies 2215, 2216. Therefore, by rotating each outlet body 2215, 2216 within the corresponding opening, the orientation of the corresponding air outlet channels 2217, 2218 with respect to the nozzle body 220 3 changes, and thereby the direction of the air flow discharged from the outlet bodies 2215, 2216 also changes. Therefore, the first and second air outlets 2201, 2202 of the nozzle are each elongated and operable and are disposed on respective elongated sides of the central bore 2208 at the front of the nozzle 2200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second air outlets 2201, 2202 each generally have a cylindrical shape and thus include outlet bodies 2215, 2216 having a circular cross-section, and this out let body 2215, 2216 is provided with an air outlet slot or channel 2217, 2218 that penetrates the width of the outlet bodies 2215, 2216, and thus air can

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second air outlets 2201, 2202 each generally have a cylindrical shape and thus include outlet bodies 2215, 2216 having a circular cross-section, and this out ​​In the mouth bodies 2215 and 2216, the air outlet channels 2217 and 2218 are linear and extend radially through the outlet bodies 2215 and 2216. Next, these operable air outlets 2201 and 2202 are such that a part of the curved outer surfaces of the outlet bodies 2215 and 2216 projects outward through the corresponding openings in the side portions 2209 and 2210 of the nozzle body 2203 and are arranged so that the inlet ends of the air outlet channels 2217 and 2218 are located inside the corresponding side portions 2209 and 2210 of the nozzle body 2203 in the portions of the outlet bodies 2215 and 22 16 provided, and the outlet ends of the air outlet channels 2217 and 2218 are provided in the portions of the outlet bodies 2215 and 2216 that are exposed through the corresponding openings in the side portions 2209 and 2210 of the nozzle body 2203. Next, at the inlet ends of the air outlet channels 2217 and 22 18, bell mouths are provided to assist in guiding the air flowing in the internal passage 2214 of the nozzle 2200 into the air outlet channels 2217 and 2218. Therefore, the operable first and second air outlets 2201 and 2202 are each arranged to have a vibration range (θR) (i.e., the magnitude of the maximum vibration), and over this vibration range (θR) the air flow discharged from the nozzle 2200 through the corresponding outlet bodies 2215 and 2216 can be changed.

[0046] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a specific embodiment of an outlet body and an outlet vibration mechanism suitable for use with both the first and second air outlets 22 01 and 2202 of the fan assembly 2000 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, while FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the outlet body and the outlet vibration mechanism of FIG. 9 illustrating. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the elongated outlet bodies 2215 and 2216 is a vibration motor 2 ​​ The action of 206 and 2207 causes the outlet bodies 2215 and 2216 to contact the nozzle body 2203. The vibration motor 2206 rotates within corresponding elongated openings in the rotors 2209 and 2210. , 2207. The opposite ends of the outlet bodies 2215, 2216 are then , and are disposed in bearings 2219. Thus, the operable air outlets 2201, 22 The direction of the airflow emitted from each of the vibration motors 2206, 2207 is controlled by the corresponding vibration motors 2206, 2207. can be changed by adjusting the angular orientation of the air outlet channels 2217, 2218. Next, the controller 2112 controls the outlet body 2215 of the first air outlet 2201 to a first vibration motor 2206 arranged to rotate the second air outlet 2202; and a second vibration motor 2207 arranged to rotate the outlet body 2216. is configured to control.

[0047] When controlling the first and second air outlet vibration mechanisms, the controller 2112 controls four The controller 21 is configured to implement any of the different vibration modes. 12 is a command received from a user of the fan assembly 2000 via a user interface. In response to a signal, the device operates in one of four modes. The modes are the static mode, where no vibration occurs, and the conventional mode, where the vibration speed is constant for all vibrations. and the first mode in which the vibration velocity changes between successive vibrations but the vibration magnitude is constant. and a second wind synthesis mode in which both the oscillation speed and the oscillation magnitude change between successive oscillations. In particular, in both the first and second wind synthesis modes, The roller 2112 is configured to randomly vary the vibration speed for each vibration by selecting the vibration speed to be used for each vibration from within a range of predetermined vibration speeds in a random manner. .

[0048] To operate the fan assembly 2000, the user presses a button on the user interface. The user interface can be provided on the fan assembly 2000 itself, on a related remote control (not shown), and / or on a wireless computing device such as a tablet or smartphone (not shown) that communicates wirelessly with the fan assembly. This operation by the user is transmitted to the controller 2112, and in response, the controller 211 2 activates the fan motor 2110 to rotate the impeller 2108. The rotation of the impeller 2108 draws an air flow into the fan body 2100 through the air inlet 2101 via the filter assembly 2300. The user can control the speed of the fan motor 2110, and thus the speed at which air is drawn into the body through the air inlet 2101, by operating the user interface. The air flow passes sequentially through the filter assembly 2300, the air inlet 2101, the impeller housing 2107, and the vent 2102 at the open upper end of the body of the fan assembly 12000, and enters the internal passage 2214 of the nozzle 2200 through the air inlet 2204 disposed at the base 22 05 of the nozzle 2200. Inside the internal passage 2214, the air flow is split into two air flows, which each pass around the body 2208 of the nozzle 2200 in opposite angular directions within the respective straight portions 2209, 2210 of the nozzle body 2203. When the air flow passes through the internal passage 2214 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​k, the air is discharged through both the first air outlet 2201 and the second air outlet 2202. It is done.

[0049] It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate. It should be understood that the individual items described above can be used alone or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the specification, and that it is not necessary to combine the items described in the same section or in the same drawing with each other. Further, the expression "means" can be replaced with an actuator or a system or a device as needed. In addition, the reference to "comprising" or "consisting of" is not intended to limit in any sense, and the reader should interpret the present specification and the claims as appropriate.

[0050] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can create modifications and alternative forms in consideration of the present disclosure, and it is considered that they are included in the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the above invention can be equally applicable not only to a stand-alone fan assembly but also to other types of environmental control fan assemblies. For example, such a fan assembly can be any of a stand-alone fan assembly, a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan assembly, and an in-vehicle fan assembly.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the fan assembly includes nozzles attached to the main body of the fan assembly, but this is not essential. In particular, in alternative embodiments, one or more air outlets of the fan assembly may be provided in the main body of the fan assembly without the need for nozzles. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the fan assembly includes nozzles attached to the main body of the fan assembly, but this is not essential. In particular, in alternative embodiments, one or more air outlets of the fan assembly may be provided in the main body of the fan assembly without the need for nozzles. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the fan assembly includes nozzles attached to the main body of the fan assembly, but this is not essential. In particular, in alternative embodiments, one or more air outlets of the fan assembly may be provided in the main body of the fan assembly without the need for nozzles. . Next, the fan body is arranged to vibrate relative to the base such that the air outlet vibrates relative to the base. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the fan body includes the base of the fan assembly such that the fan body is fixed relative to the base. However, in an alternative embodiment, the fan body can be attached to the base. Next, the fan body may be fixedly attached to the base, and any vibration of the air outlet requires either vibration of the air outlet itself or vibration of a nozzle including the air outlet. Alternatively, the fan body may be arranged to vibrate relative to the base such that any air outlet provided in the fan body or a separate nozzle also vibrates relative to the base.

[0052] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the fan assembly includes a nozzle having two air outlets. However, in an alternative embodiment, the fan assembly can include only a single air outlet or more than two air outlets. ​​​​​​​

Claims

1. 1. A fan assembly comprising: a base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface; an airflow generator arranged to generate an airflow; an air outlet positioned to emit at least a portion of the airflow from the fan assembly; an air outlet arranged to oscillate relative to the base; a controller arranged to control vibration of the air outlet relative to the base. a controller arranged to vary the vibration velocity of the air outlet for each vibration; A fan assembly comprising:

2. the controller is configured to randomly vary the vibration velocity.

2. The fan assembly of claim 1.

3. The controller is arranged to randomly select the vibration speed to be used for each vibration.

3. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The controller randomly selects the vibration speed to be used for each vibration from a range of vibration speeds.

4. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3, arranged to selectively

5. The controller randomly selects the vibration speed between an upper speed limit and a lower speed limit.

5. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4, arranged to

6. The controller may further be adapted to vary a magnitude of vibration of the air outlet for each vibration. A fan assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The controller is configured with a plurality of vibration modes, and among the plurality of vibration modes, When the controller is in at least one of the above, the vibration velocity of the air outlet is A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim arranged to vary.

8. When the vibration mode is in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes, the controller The roller is positioned to vary the vibration speed and the vibration magnitude of the air outlet with each vibration.

8. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 7.

9. When the vibration mode is in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes, the controller 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, further comprising a rotor arranged to maintain a vibration velocity of the air outlet with each vibration.

9. A fan assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 9.

10. When the vibration mode is in at least one other mode of the plurality of vibration modes, the controller The air conditioner according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the air conditioner is arranged to maintain the air outlet stationary.

13. A fan assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

11. The fan assembly includes two or more air outlets, the two or more air outlets being disposed on the base. According to any one of claims 1 to 10, the vibration source is arranged to vibrate independently with respect to Fan assembly.

12. The controller independently controls the vibration speed of each of the two or more air outlets for each vibration.

12. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 11, arranged to vary the temperature.

13. The controller determines, for each oscillation, whether the oscillation speed of each of the two or more air outlets is arranged to ensure that the vibration speed of one of the two or more air outlets is different from that of the other of the two or more air outlets; 13. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 12.

14. a further air blower arranged to emit at least a portion of the airflow from the fan assembly; an air outlet, the further air outlet being configured to oscillate relative to the base; The controller is arranged to control oscillation of the further air outlet relative to the base. A fan assembly according to any preceding claim.

15. The controller controls, for each oscillation, the oscillation of both the air outlet and the further air outlet.

15. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 14 arranged to vary speed independently.

16. The controller controls the vibration speed of the air outlet to the vibration speed of the further air outlet for each vibration.

16. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 15, arranged to ensure that the speeds differ from 。

Citation Information

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