Fan

Abstract

A fan according to the present invention comprises: a shroud; a hub facing the shroud; a plurality of blades which are arranged between the shroud and the hub and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction; first recesses which are formed in the regions in the shroud, the regions overlapping the plurality of blades in the axial direction; and second recesses which are formed in the regions of the hub, the regions overlapping the plurality of blades in the axial direction.

Description

Pan

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan, and more particularly, to a large fan.

[0002] In general, fans are used as a means to push air by the rotational force of a blade or rotor, and are widely applied to refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc.

[0003] In particular, fans are classified into axial fans, sirocco fans, turbo fans, etc. depending on the method of air intake and discharge or their shape.

[0004] Among these, the turbofan draws in air from the axial direction of the fan and discharges it radially between the blades, that is, through the side of the fan. Since the air naturally flows into the inside of the fan and is discharged to the outside, a duct is not required, and it can be used in relatively large-capacity AHUs (Air Handling Units).

[0005] Conventionally, large fans include a shroud, a hub, and a plurality of blades spaced circumferentially between the shroud and the hub. In these cases, the shroud, the hub, and the blades are each formed from metal and joined by welding or other methods. Welding these metal components has resulted in increased defect rates, increased weight, and increased material costs.

[0006] Additionally, there was a problem with vibration occurring during fan rotation due to product tolerances or errors occurring during welding.

[0007] To solve this problem, a fan (10) in which a shroud (100), a hub (200), and a plurality of blades (300) are integrally formed by injection molding, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, was designed.

[0008] However, when cooling by injection molding the fan (10), there was a problem in that the blade (300) was not injected with a uniform thickness due to the difference in cooling time between the inside and outside during the cooling process of the thick part of the blade (300).

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fan that can shorten the cooling time during the injection process, prevent distortion caused by shrinkage deformation, and inject a blade of uniform thickness.

[0010] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fan that can prevent a decrease in efficiency in a low air volume range by maintaining the thickness of the blade above a certain level.

[0011] In addition, the problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a fan that can apply the first groove and the second groove even to a blade having a complex shape.

[0012] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fan that is easy to manufacture a mold for injection molding.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a fan includes a shroud, a hub facing the shroud, a plurality of blades arranged between the shroud and the hub and spaced apart in a circumferential direction, a first groove formed in an area of ​​the shroud that axially overlaps the plurality of blades, and a second groove formed in an area of ​​the hub that axially overlaps the plurality of blades.

[0014] Through this, the cooling time can be shortened during the fan injection process, warping due to shrinkage deformation can be prevented, and blades with a uniform thickness can be injected.

[0015] Additionally, the distance between the radially outer surface or inner surface of the plurality of blades and the first groove and the distance between the radially outer surface or inner surface of the plurality of blades and the second groove may be 3 mm or more.

[0016] Through this, the thickness of the blade can be maintained above a certain level, thereby preventing a decrease in the efficiency of the fan in low airflow sections.

[0017] Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove may decrease as it goes downward in the axial direction, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove may decrease as it goes upward in the axial direction.

[0018] Additionally, the first groove may be arranged close to the leading edge of the plurality of blades, and the second groove may be arranged close to the trailing edge of the plurality of blades.

[0019] Additionally, when looking at the shroud from above, the angle formed by the radial direction and the first groove may be greater than the angle formed by the radial direction and the second groove when looking at the hub from below.

[0020] Through this, the first and second grooves can be applied even to blades with complex shapes.

[0021] Additionally, the distance between the straight line extending vertically from the lower end of the first groove and the wall surface of the first groove may increase as it goes upward in the axial direction, and the distance between the straight line extending vertically from the upper end of the second groove and the wall surface of the second groove may increase as it goes downward in the axial direction.

[0022] This makes it easy to manufacture a mold for injection molding the fan.

[0023] Additionally, the first groove may be arranged axially upper in a region connecting a region where the shroud and the leading edges of the plurality of blades meet and a region where the hub and the trailing edges of the plurality of blades meet. The second groove may be arranged axially lower in a region connecting a region where the shroud and the leading edges of the plurality of blades meet and a region where the hub and the trailing edges of the plurality of blades meet.

[0024] Additionally, the first groove and the second groove may not overlap in the axial direction.

[0025] Additionally, the radially inner region of the shroud may have a concave curved shape axially upward, and may include a third groove formed in an area where the inner region and the leading edges of the plurality of blades meet. In this case, the third groove may be connected circumferentially to the first groove, and the bottom surface of the third groove may be parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0026] In addition, the shroud may include a fourth groove formed on the upper surface of the shroud in a radially outer direction of the first groove, and the fourth groove may be radially connected to the first groove. In this case, the bottom surface of the fourth groove may be parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0027] The present invention provides a fan capable of shortening the cooling time during the injection process, preventing distortion caused by shrinkage deformation, and injecting blades of uniform thickness.

[0028] In addition, since the thickness of the blade can be maintained above a certain level through the present invention, a fan can be provided that can prevent a decrease in efficiency in a low air volume section.

[0029] In addition, the present invention can provide a fan in which the first groove and the second groove can be applied to a blade having a complex shape.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can provide a fan that is easy to manufacture a mold for injection molding.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fan according to the prior art.

[0032] Figure 2 is a plan view of a fan according to the prior art.

[0033] Figure 3 is a bottom view of a fan according to the prior art.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a plan view of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a bottom view of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of part A of Figure 7.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of part B of Fig. 7.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of part C of Fig. 7.

[0041] Figures 11 and 12 are projection views of a portion of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 15 is a graph showing the efficiency of a fan compared to the airflow rate according to one embodiment of the present invention and the prior art.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present invention (discloser) will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0046] When describing embodiments disclosed in the present invention, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components present in between.

[0047] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present invention are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of portion A of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of portion B of Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of portion C of Fig. 7. Figs. 11 and 12 are projection views of a portion of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 14, a fan (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a shroud (100), a hub (200), a blade (300), a first groove (400), a second groove (700), a third groove (500), and a fourth groove (600). However, some of these configurations may be excluded, and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0050] The fan (20) may be a large fan used in a large-capacity air handling unit (AHU). The fan (20) may rotate in one direction or the other with respect to the rotation axis (O). When the fan (20) rotates, air flowing in from the upper side (upper side based on FIG. 4) may be discharged radially between the blades (300), i.e., through the side surface (horizontal direction based on FIG. 4) of the fan (20).

[0051] The fan (20) can be formed from a high-strength plastic material. The fan (20) can be integrally injection-molded. This eliminates the need for additional processes such as welding, unlike when the fan (20) is formed from metal, thereby reducing the defect rate and improving productivity. Furthermore, its light weight facilitates transportation and reduces costs.

[0052] The shroud (100) may face the hub (200). The shroud (100) may be placed on top of the hub (200). The shroud (100) may be formed in a circular shape with an open center. An inlet hole through which air is introduced may be formed in the central region of the shroud (100).

[0053] The radially inner region (120) of the shroud (100) adjacent to the inlet hole may be positioned axially upward as it moves radially inward. The radially inner region (120) of the shroud (100) adjacent to the inlet hole may have a concave curved shape toward the axial upward side. The inner end of the radially inner region (120) of the shroud (100) may be positioned axially upward compared to other regions of the shroud (100). Through this, air can be easily introduced into the fan (20) from the upper side of the fan (20).

[0054] In the present invention, the axial upper side can be interpreted as meaning an upward direction based on Fig. 4, and the axial lower side can be interpreted as meaning a downward direction based on Fig. 4.

[0055] The radially outer region of the shroud (100) that is far from the inlet hole may have a concave curved shape toward the axial upper side. The radially outer region of the shroud (100) may be arranged axially upward as it goes radially outward.

[0056] The connecting region (110) connecting the radially inner region (120) and the radially outer region of the shroud (100) can be formed in a flat shape. The connecting region (110) of the shroud (100) can extend in the circumferential direction.

[0057] The hub (200) may face the shroud (100). The hub (200) may be positioned beneath the shroud (100). The hub (200) may be formed in a circular shape with an open center. Alternatively, the hub (200) may be formed in a circular shape with a closed center.

[0058] The blade (300) can be placed between the shroud (100) and the hub (200). The blade (300) can contact the lower surface of the shroud (100) and the upper surface of the hub (200).

[0059] The blade (300) may include a leading edge (310) formed in the direction of rotation, a trailing edge (320) formed in the opposite direction of the direction of rotation, and an inner surface (330) and an outer surface (340) connecting the leading edge (310) and the trailing edge (320). Here, the leading edge (310) means the leading edge in the direction of rotation when the fan (20) rotates, and the trailing edge (320) means the trailing edge in the direction of rotation when the fan (20) rotates.

[0060] The blade (300) may include a plurality of blades (300) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of blades (300) is described as 5 as an example, but is not limited thereto and the number of the plurality of blades (300) may be varied.

[0061] The first groove (400) may be formed concavely in the axial downward direction on the upper surface of the shroud (100). The first groove (400) may be formed in an area of ​​the shroud (100) that overlaps with the blade (300).

[0062] The distance between the radial outer surface (340) or inner surface (330) of the blade (300) and the first groove (400) may be 3 mm or more. In the case of the blade (300) of the airfoil type, as the blade (300) becomes thinner, the efficiency in the highest efficiency and low wind speed ranges tends to decrease depending on the characteristics of the fan (20). That is, since the thickness of the blade (300) can be maintained at a certain level or more, preferably 3 mm or more, it is possible to improve structural stability while preventing a decrease in the efficiency of the fan (20) in the low wind speed range.

[0063] The first groove (400) may have a cross-sectional area that decreases as it goes downward in the axial direction. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove (400) may decrease as it goes downward in the axial direction. The first groove (400) may be arranged close to the leading edge (310) of the blade (300).

[0064] The first groove (400) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of first grooves (400) may be formed in an area of ​​the shroud (100) that overlaps with the plurality of blades (300). The plurality of first grooves (400) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first grooves (400) is described as five in number, but may be varied in various ways depending on the number of blades (300).

[0065] Through the first groove (400), the cooling time can be shortened during the injection process of the fan (20), and distortion caused by shrinkage deformation can be prevented.

[0066] The second groove (700) may be formed concavely in the axial direction upward on the lower surface of the hub (200). The second groove (700) may be formed in an area of ​​the hub (200) that overlaps with the blade (300).

[0067] The distance between the radially outer surface (340) or inner surface (330) of the blade (300) and the second groove (700) may be 3 mm or more. Since the thickness of the blade (300) can be maintained at a certain level or more, for example, 3 mm or more, structural stability can be improved while preventing a decrease in efficiency in the low wind speed section of the fan (20).

[0068] The second groove (700) may have a cross-sectional area that decreases as it goes upward in the axial direction. Specifically, the second groove (700) may have a cross-sectional area that decreases as it goes upward in the axial direction. The second groove (700) may be positioned close to the trailing edge of the blade (300).

[0069] The second groove (700) may include a plurality of second grooves (700) formed in an area overlapping a plurality of blades (300) among the hub (200). The plurality of second grooves (700) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of second grooves (700) is described as five, but may be varied in various ways depending on the number of blades (300).

[0070] Through the second groove (700), the cooling time can be shortened during the injection process of the fan (20), and distortion caused by shrinkage deformation can be prevented.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when looking at the shroud (100) from above, the first groove (400) may extend in a direction having a predetermined angle (a1) with respect to the radial direction. When looking at the hub (200) from below, the second groove (700) may extend in a direction having a predetermined angle (a2) with respect to the radial direction. The angle (a1) formed by the radial direction and the first groove (400) when looking at the shroud (100) from above may be different from the angle (a2) formed by the radial direction and the second groove (700) when looking at the hub (200) from below. Specifically, the angle (a1) formed by the radial direction and the first groove (400) when looking at the shroud (100) from above may be greater than the angle (a2) formed by the radial direction and the second groove (700) when looking at the hub (200) from below. Through this, the first groove (400) and the second groove (700) can be applied to a blade (300) having a complex shape.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, the distance between a straight line (L1) extending vertically from the upper end (710) of the second groove (700) and the wall surface (720) of the second groove (700) may increase as it goes downward in the axial direction.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, the distance between a straight line (L2) extending vertically from the lower end (410) of the first groove (400) and the wall surface (420) of the first groove (400) may increase as it goes upward in the axial direction.

[0074] Through this, the shape of the mold for manufacturing the first home (400) is simplified, making it easy to manufacture a mold for injection molding the fan (20), and no additional process is necessary.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 11, the first groove (400) may be arranged axially upper in a region (P1) where the leading edge (310) of the shroud (100) and the blade (300) meet and a region (L3) connecting a region (P2) where the hub (200) and the blade (300) meet. The second groove (700) may be arranged axially lower in a region (P2) connecting a region (P1) where the leading edge (310) of the shroud (100) and the blade (300) meet and a region (P2) where the hub (200) and the blade (300) meet.

[0076] In addition, referring to FIG. 12, the first groove (400) and the second groove (700) may not overlap in the axial or vertical direction. Even if the first groove (400) and the second groove (700) overlap in the axial or vertical direction, the size of the overlapping area may be significantly smaller than the size of the non-overlapping area. Through this, even if an error occurs in the vertical depth of the first groove (400) or the second groove (700), the first groove (400) or the second groove (700) can be prevented from penetrating the blade (300) in the vertical direction, and the rigidity of the blade (300) can be maintained.

[0077] The third groove (500) may be formed in an area where the inner region (120) of the shroud (100) and the blade (300) meet. The third groove (500) may be connected to the first groove (400) in the circumferential direction. The axial depth of the third groove (500) may be lower than the axial depth of the first groove (400). The third groove (500) may extend in the circumferential direction. The bottom surface (510) of the third groove (500) may be parallel to a horizontal plane. Here, the horizontal plane means a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Through this, the axial thickness of the area (leading edge) where the inner region (120) of the shroud (100) and the blade (300) meet may be prevented from becoming thicker.

[0078] The fourth groove (600) may be formed on the radially outer side of the first groove (400) on the upper surface of the shroud (100). The fourth groove (600) may be radially connected to the first groove (400). When viewed from above, the fourth groove (600) may be formed in a polygonal shape. For example, when viewed from above, the fourth groove (600) may be formed in a triangular shape. The bottom surface (610) of the fourth groove (600) may be parallel to a horizontal plane. When viewed from above, the bottom surface (610) of the fourth groove (600) may be formed in a triangular shape.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 14, when the first groove (400) is formed and the fourth groove (600) is not formed, an upwardly protruding region (A1) is formed near the region where the inner region (120) of the shroud (100) and the connection region (110) are connected. That is, the thickness deviation of the blade (300) and the thickness deviation of the shroud (100) can be reduced through the fourth groove (600).

[0080] Figure 15 is a graph showing the efficiency of a fan compared to the airflow rate according to one embodiment of the present invention and the prior art.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 15, in the case of a low wind speed section of 180 CMM or less, it can be seen that the efficiency of the fan (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention is higher than the efficiency of the fan (10) according to the prior art.

[0082] The embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention described above may each have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0083] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0084] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Shroud; A hub facing the above shroud; A plurality of blades arranged between the shroud and the hub and spaced apart in the circumferential direction; A first groove formed in an area of ​​the shroud that overlaps the plurality of blades in the axial direction; and A fan including a second groove formed in an area axially overlapping with the plurality of blades among the above hubs.

2. In paragraph 1, A fan in which the distance between the radially outer surface or inner surface of the plurality of blades and the first groove and the distance between the radially outer surface or inner surface of the plurality of blades and the second groove are 3 mm or more.

3. In paragraph 1, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove above decreases as it goes downward in the axial direction, The second groove is a fan whose cross-sectional area decreases as it goes upward in the axial direction.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first groove is arranged close to the leading edge of the plurality of blades, A fan in which the second groove is positioned close to the trailing edge of the plurality of blades.

5. In paragraph 1, A fan in which the angle formed by the radial direction and the first groove when looking at the shroud from above is greater than the angle formed by the radial direction and the second groove when looking at the hub from below.

6. In paragraph 1, The distance between the straight line extending vertically from the lower end of the first groove and the wall surface of the first groove increases as it goes upward in the axial direction, A fan in which the distance between a straight line extending vertically from the upper end of the second groove and the wall surface of the second groove increases as it goes downward in the axial direction.

7. In paragraph 1, The first groove is positioned axially at the upper portion of the region connecting the area where the shroud and the leading edges of the plurality of blades meet and the area where the hub and the trailing edges of the plurality of blades meet, The fan in which the second groove is positioned axially lower in an area connecting an area where the shroud and the leading edges of the plurality of blades meet and an area where the hub and the trailing edges of the plurality of blades meet.

8. In paragraph 1, A fan in which the first groove and the second groove do not overlap in the axial direction.

9. In paragraph 1, The radially inner region of the above shroud has a concave curved shape toward the axial upper side, Including a third groove formed in an area where the inner area and the leading edge of the plurality of blades meet, The above third groove is a fan connected in a circumferential direction to the above first groove.

10. In paragraph 9, A fan whose bottom surface of the third groove is parallel to the horizontal plane.

11. In paragraph 1, Including a fourth groove formed on the radially outer side of the first groove on the upper surface of the shroud, The above fourth groove is a fan radially connected to the above first groove.

12. In paragraph 12, A fan whose bottom surface of the fourth groove is parallel to the horizontal plane.

13. Shroud; A hub facing the above shroud; a plurality of blades arranged between the shroud and the hub and spaced apart in the circumferential direction; and A fan including a first groove formed in an area formed in an area axially overlapping with the plurality of blades among the above shrouds.

14. In paragraph 13, A fan in which the distance between the radially outer or inner surface of the plurality of blades and the first groove is 3 mm or more.

15. In paragraph 13, The first groove above is a fan whose cross-sectional area decreases as it goes downward in the axial direction.

16. In paragraph 13, A fan in which the first groove is positioned close to the leading edge of the plurality of blades.

17. In paragraph 13, A fan in which the distance between a straight line extending vertically from the lower end of the first groove and the wall surface of the first groove increases as it goes upward in the axial direction.

18. In paragraph 13, The radially inner region of the above shroud has a concave curved shape toward the axial upper side, Including a third groove formed in an area where the inner area and the leading edge of the plurality of blades meet, The third groove is connected to the first groove in the circumferential direction, A fan whose bottom surface of the third groove is parallel to the horizontal plane.

19. In paragraph 13, Including a fourth groove formed on the radially outer side of the first groove on the upper surface of the shroud, The fourth groove is radially connected to the first groove, A fan whose bottom surface of the fourth groove is parallel to the horizontal plane.

20. Shroud; A hub facing the above shroud; A plurality of blades arranged between the shroud and the hub and spaced apart in the circumferential direction; A fan in which a groove is formed in an area of ​​the above hub that overlaps the plurality of blades in the axial direction.

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