(19)
(11)EP 3 458 719 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
13.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/20

(21)Application number: 17724350.8

(22)Date of filing:  18.05.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F04D 25/08(2006.01)
F04D 29/44(2006.01)
F04D 25/10(2006.01)
F04D 29/54(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/EP2017/061965
(87)International publication number:
WO 2017/198765 (23.11.2017 Gazette  2017/47)

(54)

FAN

LÜFTER

VENTILATEUR


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 18.05.2016 IT UA20163574
12.05.2017 IT 201700051934

(43)Date of publication of application:
27.03.2019 Bulletin 2019/13

(73)Proprietor: De' Longhi Appliances S.r.l. Con Unico Socio
31100 Treviso (IT)

(72)Inventors:
  • DE' LONGHI, Giuseppe
    31100 Treviso (IT)
  • RENIER, Maddalena
    31056 Roncade (IT)
  • PROSPERI, Francesca
    31013 Codogne' (IT)
  • MONTICELLI, Enrica
    21100 Varese (IT)
  • TOFFOLO, Raffaele
    31100 Treviso (IT)

(74)Representative: Petraz, Gilberto Luigi et al
GLP S.r.l.
Viale Europa Unita, 171 33100 Udine
Viale Europa Unita, 171 33100 Udine (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
CN-A- 104 863 871
US-A1- 2010 226 752
CN-A- 105 351 230
US-A1- 2015 136 997
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention concerns a fan usable in closed domestic or public places, to create a stream of air for ventilating or conditioning the surrounding environment.

    [0002] The term fan as used hereafter is intended to mean, in a broader sense, any apparatus whatsoever able to supply ventilation, conditioning, cooling, heating, thermo-ventilation, dehumidification or purification of the air.

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



    [0003] Fans for rooms are known, substantially configured as a column, with a containing structure which houses the mechanical components that generate the stream of ventilation or conditioning air, and a zone from which the stream of air is emitted, comprising one or more exit apertures through which the stream is emitted toward the environment.

    [0004] In the most typical and widespread solutions, the exit aperture is generally located in sight on the front part of the structure of the fan, often making the technical components partly visible, for example the ventilation blades and/or the possible heating means.

    [0005] This can give the fan an unpleasant esthetic effect, preventing the manufacturer from obtaining a clean profile, without discontinuities and thus lowering the esthetic value of the fan.

    [0006] Furthermore, since the technical components face directly toward the space, they are more subject to contact with dust or other dirt that can compromise the functioning thereof.

    [0007] Portable fans are also known, which do not have the internal components visible or partly visible, or that do not have ventilation blades, but which have a stream of air confined to a limited portion of space.

    [0008] In particular, the stream of air is greatly limited in its distribution in the space, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of the fan.

    [0009] In the field of portable fans, moreover, there is a growing tendency to produce devices intended to confer a comfortable feeling for a user.

    [0010] The concept of comfort is generally considered for installation products attached to or integrated in the walls of a room, but it is difficult to apply to ventilation products of the portable type.

    [0011] For example, fans are known that provide to regulate the speed and temperature of the stream of air supplied by means of particular electronic controls, to keep them inside ranges such that they do not cause discomfort for the user. However, they do not guarantee either optimum performance of the fan or the desired level of comfort for the user.

    [0012] The US patent 6.997.680 for example describes the importance of the correct ventilation by a portable device for the heat comfort perceived by a user. The solution described provides to make a fan which comprises a combination of the characteristics of a column fan and a cooling tower, in which the stream of air is emitted from the inside of the fan directly toward the user.

    [0013] The US patent application US 2004/0120815 describes a fan with a housing and an air generator, in which the air is introduced by an aperture provided in the lower zone of the housing, and is emitted through an exit aperture made in correspondence with a wall of the housing directly toward the user.

    [0014] Other solutions of known fans intended to obtain a comfortable feeling for a user are described for example in US 6.973.260 and in CN104807093.

    [0015] CN 104 863 871, US 2010/226752, CN 105 351 230 and US 2015/136997 disclose other solutions for fan assemblies.

    [0016] These known solutions, due to their geometry and the disposition of the slit through which the air exits, are not able to optimize the conditioning of the zone occupied by the user, guaranteeing optimum heat wellness.

    [0017] One purpose of the present invention is to obtain an improved fan compared with fans known in the state of the art.

    [0018] Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a fan which generates a distributed stream of air at uniform temperature, able to guarantee maximum comfort to the people in the room where it is positioned.

    [0019] Another purpose is to obtain a fan that allows to condition in an optimum manner the zone where the user is positioned.

    [0020] Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a fan that allows to optimize consumption, thus achieving energy saving.

    [0021] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

    [0023] In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns a fan to emit a stream of air into a space.

    [0024] The fan comprises a main body with a vertical development with respect to a support base on which it is located in a condition of use, the main body defining an internal housing compartment.

    [0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fan has a longitudinal aperture, for the emission of the stream of air toward the outside, and also comprises an air suction and distribution unit, and a channeling element positioned in proximity to the longitudinal aperture and cooperating with it to determine the exit of the stream of air through the longitudinal aperture, so that the exiting stream adheres to the external surface of the main body and is conveyed toward the front of the fan.

    [0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the external surface of the main body has a rounded geometry substantially without discontinuities so that the stream of air, exiting from the longitudinal aperture, is conveyed adherent toward the environment to be ventilated or conditioned.

    [0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least for the segment of the main body affected by the longitudinal aperture, the fan has a geometrical section shape of the external surface defined by a wing-like profile, suitable to confer on the stream of air that transits in contact with it values of temperature, speed and turbulence suitable to guarantee the user a feeling of optimum comfort.

    [0028] In particular, the profile is defined by a polyline, which can be approximated by a plurality of convex arc segments located one after the other.

    [0029] According to some embodiments, the convex arc segments that make up the polyline have a progressively increasing radius of curvature, and a progressively decreasing amplitude in the direction of the stream of air, that is, from the longitudinal aperture toward the front of the fan.

    [0030] According to some embodiments, the profile of the characteristic section has a symmetrical shape with respect to the median plane of the fan, which joins the front part and the rear part where there is the longitudinal aperture.

    [0031] The shape of the section defined by the polyline allows to keep the stream of air exiting from the longitudinal aperture adherent to the external wall of the main body toward the front part of the fan.

    [0032] In particular, the shape of the section defined by the polyline allows to limit the formation of turbulence in the stream of air, something which can entail a great dissipation of energy and hence a poorer performance of the fan. In fact, when there is turbulence, the stream of air is able to reach smaller distances from the fan, compared with the distances that it could reach without turbulence.

    [0033] Furthermore, the presence of turbulence can increase the heat exchange between the user and the surrounding environment, which can be unpleasant, especially if the fan is used for heating.

    [0034] According to other embodiments, the main body, at least in correspondence with the zone defined by the polyline, also has a surface finish suitable to eliminate, or at least reduce, possible wrinkles and roughness.

    [0035] According to another aspect, the channeling element has or is associated with means suitable to subdivide the stream of air exiting from the longitudinal aperture into two streams with opposite directions, so that the streams separate substantially in correspondence to the longitudinal aperture and are separately conveyed adhering to the external surface of the main body, toward the front part of the fan, where they are at least partly rejoined and spread into the environment.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0036] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
    • fig. 1 is a front elevation view of a fan according to one embodiment of the present invention;
    • fig. 2 is a view in section of the fan in fig. 1 taken according to the section plan II-II visible in fig. 3;
    • fig. 3 is a cross section of the fan in fig. 2;
    • fig. 4 is a cross section of a variant of the fan in fig. 2;
    • fig. 5 is a cross section of a variant of the fan in fig. 2;
    • fig. 6 is a cross section of a variant of the fan in fig. 2;


    [0037] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS



    [0038] Embodiments described here with reference to figs. 1-4 concern a fan 10 usable in particular in closed spaces for ventilating air at room temperature, for cooling, heating, thermo-ventilating, dehumidifying or purifying air.

    [0039] The fan 10 comprises a main body 12 with a vertical development with respect to a support base 18 on which it is positioned during use.

    [0040] The main body 12 defines inside it a compartment 13 for housing functional components.

    [0041] The fan 10 has a longitudinal aperture 16, and comprises a unit 14 to take in and distribute a stream of air W.

    [0042] According to possible solutions, the air suction and distribution unit 14 is located, at least for a substantial part, above the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0043] The longitudinal aperture 16 is disposed on the opposite side with respect to the space to be conditioned. In particular, the longitudinal aperture 16 is located in the rear part of the fan 10, and the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16 is deflected so as to reach the front zone located at the front of the fan 10, as indicated by arrows F in figs. 3 and 4.

    [0044] In general, the expressions "rear part" and "front zone" are only intended to define a functional relationship between these two parts, which have to be substantially opposite each other with respect to the main body 12 and the user.

    [0045] According to other embodiments, the air suction and distribution unit 14 can comprise a rotor 15 provided with suitably oriented blades to determine the suction of the air from the outside and its entrance into the main body 12, and a drive member 17 connected to the rotor 15.

    [0046] According to some embodiments, the suction and distribution unit 14 can be oriented in such a way that the axis of rotation of the rotor 15 is substantially parallel to the axis of development of the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0047] According to possible embodiments, the air enters inside the main body 12 through through entrance holes 27.

    [0048] According to some embodiments, the through entrance holes 27 can be made at least partly above the longitudinal aperture 16, in the top part and/or on the upper lateral wall of the main body 12.

    [0049] The fact that the through entrance holes 27 and the suction and distribution unit 14 are disposed in the upper part of the main body 12 advantageously allows to take in and recirculate cleaner air compared with that in correspondence with the floor, where dust or other dirt can deposit.

    [0050] The compartment 13 allows to channel inside the fan 10 the stream of air W from the entrance holes 27 toward the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0051] The fan 10 also comprises a channeling element 20 positioned near the longitudinal aperture 16 and cooperating with it to direct the stream of air W toward the outside.

    [0052] The channeling element 20 is configured so as to allow the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16 to adhere to an external surface 22 of the main body 12. In other words, the channeling element 20 is able to deflect the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0053] The channeling element 20 comprises an active surface 20a which, during use, is struck by the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16. The active surface 20a can have a convex shape.

    [0054] The channeling element 20 makes the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16 in its travel toward the front zone of the fan 10 follow the profile of the external surface 22.

    [0055] Furthermore, in cooperation with the external surface 22, the channeling element 20 is configured to determine a minimum passage section of the stream of air W exiting from the compartment 13.

    [0056] In one formulation of the invention, the external surface 22 has a rounded geometry, substantially without any discontinuities, so that the stream of air, exiting from the rear part of the fan 10, is conveyed adherent toward the front part and then toward the space to be ventilated or conditioned.

    [0057] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rounded geometry is suitable to convey the stream of air W adherent to the external surface 22 without creating significant variations in the development of the stream, and without creating disturbances, turbulence, discontinuities or any other factor that could disturb the development of the stream.

    [0058] According to one embodiment, shown by way of example in fig. 1, the main body 12 can have a tapered shape in at least part of its vertical development.

    [0059] In particular, according to an advantageous formulation, the main body 12 has on its height a narrowing in section substantially in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0060] By way of example, the diameter inside which the cross section of the main body 12 is inscribed can be comprised in a range from 100mm to 230mm and the height of the main body 12 can be comprised in a range between 750mm and 850mm.

    [0061] The main body 12 can be configured to have a continuous surface in the front part, while in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16 it has a profile folded toward the inside, to define the longitudinal aperture 16 itself.

    [0062] In this way, the particular rounded geometry of the main body 12 in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16 allows to convey the stream of air W adherent to the external surface 22, so as to form a surface film that is then propagated toward the front of the fan 10.

    [0063] According to one aspect of the invention, in correspondence with the zone affected by the longitudinal aperture 16, the main body 12 has a geometric section shape with a profile 40 defined by a polyline, which can be approximated by a plurality of convex arc segments S1, S2, S3, ....SN located one after the other.

    [0064] In particular, the polyline profile 40 is configured to generate a stream of air in the front part of the fan 10 such as to guarantee a high level of comfort for a user.

    [0065] According to some embodiments, the profile 40 of the characteristic section has a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane M of the fan 10 which joins the front part and rear part where there is the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0066] It should be noted that the profile 40 can affect only one zone of the main body 12, in particular that zone where the longitudinal aperture 16 is made.

    [0067] In some embodiments, the longitudinal aperture 16 and the profile 40 can affect the whole longitudinal (vertical) development of the main body 12, or only one portion thereof.

    [0068] According to some embodiments, in the direction of the stream of air from the longitudinal aperture 16 to the front part of the fan 10, the successive convex arc segments have a progressively decreasing amplitude and a progressively increasing radius of curvature.

    [0069] According to some embodiments, the convex arc segments S1, S2, S3, ....SN are tangent to each other.

    [0070] According to some embodiments, for example shown with reference to fig. 3, the profile 40 can be approximated by at least three convex arc segments S1, S2, S3.

    [0071] Even if in the following description we refer by way of example to three arc segments, it is clear that there can be any number N of convex arc segments, for example five, seven, ten, twenty, one hundred or more, provided that the convex arc segments have a progressively decreasing amplitude with respect to each other in the direction of the stream of air, and a progressively increasing radius of curvature.

    [0072] According to some embodiments, the first convex arc segment S1 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a first angle α1, comprised for example between 110° and 150°, and can have a first radius of curvature R1 comprised between 5mm and 10mm. In particular, the first radius of curvature R1 can be comprised between 6mm and 8mm. For example the first radius of curvature R1 can be comprised between 6.8mm and 7.2mm.

    [0073] According to other embodiments, the first convex arc segment S1 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a first angle α1, comprised between 120° and 140°, and can have a first radius of curvature R1 which can be comprised for example between 6.9mm and 7.1mm.

    [0074] According to other embodiments, the second convex arc segment S2 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a second angle α2, comprised for example between 50° and 70°, and can have a second radius of curvature R2 comprised between 25mm and 45mm. In particular, the second radius of curvature R2 can be comprised between 30mm and 40mm.

    [0075] According to other embodiments, the second convex arc segment S2 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a second angle α2, comprised between 55° and 65°, and can have a second radius of curvature R2 comprised between 32mm and 37 mm.

    [0076] According to some embodiments, the third convex arc segment S3 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a third angle α3, comprised for example between 20° and 40°, and can have a third radius of curvature R3 comprised between 80mm and 130 mm. In particular, the third radius of curvature R3 can be comprised between 90mm and 120mm.

    [0077] According to other embodiments, the third convex arc segment S3 can extend for an amplitude corresponding to a third angle α3, comprised between 25° and 35°, and can have a third radius of curvature R3 comprised between 100mm and 110 mm, more particularly it can be comprised for example between 104mm and 106mm.

    [0078] According to some embodiments, the second convex arc segment S2 is tangent at one end with the first convex arc segment S1 and at the opposite end with the third convex arc segment S3, so that the profile 40 has a development without discontinuities.

    [0079] According to other embodiments, it can be provided that each convex arc segment S1, S2, S3 itself consists of a plurality of arc sub-segments, which in their entirety approximate the respective arc segments S1, S2, S3. Each arc sub-segment has, with respect to the previous segment (in the direction of the stream of air W) a progressively decreasing amplitude and a progressively increasing radius of curvature.

    [0080] For example, according to a possible embodiment, not shown, it can be provided that instead of the first convex arc segment S1, two arc sub-segments are disposed one after the other, and extend for respective amplitudes, for example with angles of 67° and 63°, and in which the respective radii of curvature can vary for example from 6.8mm to 7mm and from 7mm to 7.2mm.

    [0081] According to other embodiments, the curvature of the first convex arc segment S1 cooperates with the channeling element 20 to define an exit passage 21 for the stream of air.

    [0082] According to other embodiments, the channeling element 20 can have an arched shape, with a radius of curvature suitable to cooperate with the first arc segments to define an exit passage 21 on each side of the median plane M.

    [0083] According to some embodiments, the channeling element 20 can have a curvilinear profile, which can be positioned above the portion of the external surface 22 in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0084] In one embodiment, the channeling element 20 has a longitudinal development at least equal to the extension of the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0085] In another embodiment, shown in fig. 2, the channeling element 20 has a vertical development equal to the development of the main body 12.

    [0086] In another embodiment, shown by way of example in fig. 4, the channeling element 20 can provide a separator element 24 configured to determine a separation substantially into two halves of the stream of air W exiting from the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0087] According to some embodiments, the separator element 24 can have in section a triangle or arrow shape, with an apex 24a facing toward the longitudinal aperture 16 and the base facing toward the channeling element 20.

    [0088] According to other embodiments, the separator element 24 can have concave sides, arched toward the inside.

    [0089] In some embodiments, the apex 24a can be rounded or beveled.

    [0090] The presence of the separator element 24 allows to obtain a progressive reduction in the transit section of the air, which is maximum in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16, that is, on the apex 24a of the separator element 24, and is minimum in correspondence with the end of the exit passage 21, that is, in correspondence with the outermost end of the channeling element 20.

    [0091] The reduction in section between the apex 24a of the separator element 24 and the passage 21 can therefore determine an increase in the speed of the stream of air W toward the outside and toward the front part of the fan 10.

    [0092] In this way two streams of air W are created, with opposite directions, each of which, exiting from a respective passage 21, adheres with a respective portion of the external surface 22 of the main body 12, with the streams substantially combining again on the front of the fan 10.

    [0093] According to some embodiments, the passage 21 is conformed as a narrowing in section for the passage of the stream of air W.

    [0094] According to some embodiments, each passage 21 has a width comprised between about 0.1mm and 50mm.

    [0095] According to some embodiments, the passage 21 has a width comprised between about 1mm and about 20mm.

    [0096] According to other embodiments, the passage 21 has a width comprised between about 3mm and about 10mm.

    [0097] The width of the passage 21 thus designed allows to supply a stream of air toward the user with a speed suitable to confer on the user a sensation of optimum comfort at the desired distance.

    [0098] In particular, the speed of the stream of air at exit is such as to optimize both the effectiveness of the functioning of the fan 10 and the comfort of the user.

    [0099] In particular, thanks to the fact that in correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16 a wing-shaped profile 40 is formed, the stream of air W is kept adherent to the external surface 22 for a greater segment than it would be if the section were circular and constant for the whole height of the main body 12. Consequently, the stream of air W that strikes the user will be more intense and less turbulent.

    [0100] For example, according to some embodiments, the stream of air W obtained with the fan 10 according to the invention, at a distance comprised between about 50cm and about 300cm from the fan 10, has a front that develops substantially uniform in a longitudinal direction, such as to optimize a feeling of heat wellbeing in the user. More particularly, the distance can be comprised between 150cm and 300cm.

    [0101] According to other embodiments, the external surface 22 of the main body 12, at least in correspondence with the sections defined by the polyline profile 40, has a surface finish suitable to eliminate, or at least reduce, possible wrinkles and roughness, so as to prevent turbulence in the stream of air, thus guaranteeing a high level of comfort for the user.

    [0102] According to some embodiments, the external surface 22 can have a surface roughness comprised between 0.001µ and 100µ measured in terms of Ra, Rz and Rq.

    [0103] According to other embodiments, the external surface 22 can have a surface roughness comprised between 0.01µ and 50µ.

    [0104] The combination of the geometric shape of the profile 40, the width of the passage 21 and the surface roughness as described above determines optimum comfort for the user, since the speed, temperature and turbulence of the stream of air generated are such as to guarantee a homogeneous stream on the horizontal plane, which can surround the user without creating hotter or colder points in localized parts of the body.

    [0105] For example, considering three characteristic heights for a person seated and standing, and considering a room temperature T of not more than 21°C for heating and not less than 24°C for cooling, the geometric parameters given above allow to obtain a stream of air with the following characteristics of speed, temperature and turbulence.

    [0106] For example, in the case of heating, the speed at a height corresponding to the heels of a user is a non-zero value and can be, for example, less than about 0.6m/s, while the maximum speed of the stream of air at a distance of about 50cm from the fan 10 can be less than 2m/s, so as to prevent localized cooling effects.

    [0107] In the case of cooling, the speed at a height corresponding to the heels of a user can be more than 0.1m/s, and in any case for every longitudinal section not less than 0.05m/s.

    [0108] According to some embodiments, the temperature of the stream of air in heating mode can be higher than room temperature for all the sections characterized by the shape of the profile 40, while in cooling mode the temperature can be the same as the room temperature.

    [0109] Finally, with regard to turbulence, this can be eliminated or at least significantly reduced compared with that in known apparatuses. For example, with the profile 40 according to the invention the turbulence of the stream of air W will always be less than 50% and, in particular, in the sections where the stream of air has maximum speed, the turbulence will be less than 20%.

    [0110] In this way, for each section characterized by a profile 40, a homogeneous front of the stream of air is created, with a longitudinal development, characterized by small vertical gradients, which is able to generate a feeling of heat wellbeing in the user.

    [0111] According to some embodiments, for example, the maximum speed gradients in the case of heating and cooling can be, respectively, less than 1m/s, or comprised between 1m/s and 3m/s.

    [0112] According to other embodiments, the maximum temperature gradients can be, in the case of heating, less than 3°C on the horizontal axis, and less than 3°C on the vertical axis.

    [0113] According to other embodiments, the maximum gradients of turbulence in the case of heating and cooling can be kept respectively less than 30% and less than 40%.

    [0114] According to some embodiments, the fan 10 according to the invention allows to condition the zone where the user is in the best possible way. In particular, the profile 40 allows to supply a homogeneous stream of air that tends to improve the user's perception of the heat, without needing to condition the whole room, thus allowing to obtain great energy saving.

    [0115] Indeed, the energy consumption needed to create a zone of heat wellbeing surrounding a user is less than the energy consumption that would be needed to guarantee the same heat wellbeing by conditioning the whole room.

    [0116] According to other embodiments, shown by way of example in fig. 2, the fan 10 can also comprise a filtering element 26, installed upstream of the air suction and distribution unit 14 and in correspondence with the entrance holes 27, so that the air sucked in can be suitably cleaned and purified of dust or particular allergens present in it.

    [0117] According to another embodiment, shown by way of example in fig. 2, the fan 10 can comprise a conditioning device 28 installed inside the main body 12 and in substantial correspondence with the longitudinal aperture 16.

    [0118] The conditioning device 28 can be any device whatsoever, able to modify the condition of the stream of air W to supply a determinate effect inside the space where it is emitted by the fan 10.

    [0119] For example, the conditioning device 28 can supply heating, cooling or dehumidification of the stream of air W, or also a combination of these in the case of a fan 10 designed to perform diverse functions according to requirements.

    [0120] According to embodiments described here, the fan 10 comprises a deflector device 34 provided with a plurality of deflector elements 35 to convey the stream of air through the longitudinal aperture 16 and toward the channeling element 20.

    [0121] According to another embodiment, shown by way of example in figs. 2 and 3, the fan 10 can comprise an adjustment device 36 which cooperates with the deflector device 34 to determine the desired orientation of the deflector elements 35, in order to modulate the direction of the stream of air W.

    [0122] In one embodiment, the adjustment device 36 can determine the rotation of the deflector elements 35 from a position substantially parallel to the support base 18 to a position substantially perpendicular to the support base 18.

    [0123] According to another embodiment, shown by way of example in fig. 2, the fan 10 also comprises a device 30 to rotate the main body 12, so that it is possible to direct the jet of air as a function of the position of the user.

    [0124] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the fan 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

    [0125] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of fan, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.


    Claims

    1. Fan comprising a main body (12) with a vertical development with respect to a support base (18) on which it is located in a condition of use, said main body (12) defining an internal housing compartment (13), wherein it has a rear longitudinal aperture (16), for the emission of a stream of air (W) toward the outside, and also comprises an air suction and distribution unit (14) disposed above said longitudinal aperture (16), entrance holes (27) made above said longitudinal aperture (16), in the top part and/or on the upper lateral wall of said main body (12), and a channeling element (20) positioned in proximity to said longitudinal aperture (16) and cooperating with it to divert said stream of air (W) so that said stream of air (W) is conveyed toward a front part of the fan (10), at least partly following a profile (40) of an external surface (22) of the main body (12), wherein said profile (40) comprises a polyline approximated by a plurality of convex arc segments (S1, S2, S3, ....SN) located one after the other, said polyline profile (40) being configured to generate a stream of air (W) toward the front part of the fan such as to guarantee a high level of comfort for a user, and wherein said external surface (22) of said main body (12) has a rounded geometry substantially without discontinuities so that the stream of air (W), exiting from the rear part of the fan, is conveyed adherent toward the front part and then toward the external environment to be ventilated or conditioned.
     
    2. Fan as in claim 1, characterized in that said convex arc segments (S1, S2, S3, ....SN) that form said polyline have a progressively increasing radius of curvature, and a progressively decreasing amplitude in the direction of the stream of air (W), that is, from the longitudinal aperture (16) toward the front part of the fan.
     
    3. Fan as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said profile (40) has a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane (M) of the fan, which joins the front part and a rear part where said longitudinal aperture (16) is made.
     
    4. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said convex arc segments (S1, S2, S3,... SN) are in pairs tangent to each other.
     
    5. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said profile (40) is approximated by at least three convex arc segments (S1, S2, S3), wherein a first convex arc segment (S1) extends for an amplitude corresponding to a first angle (α1) comprised between 110° and 150°, with a first radius of curvature (R1) comprised between 5mm and 10mm, in particular between 6mm and 8mm, for example comprised between 6.8mm and 7.2mm, a second convex arc segment (S2) extends for an amplitude corresponding to a second angle (α2) comprised between 50° and 70°, with a second radius of curvature (R2) comprised between 25mm and 45mm, in particular between 30mm and 40mm, for example comprised between 32mm and 37mm, and wherein a third convex arc segment (S3) extends for an amplitude corresponding to a third angle (α3) comprised between 25° and 35°, with a third radius of curvature (R3) comprised between 80mm and 130 mm, in particular, between 90mm and 120mm, for example comprised between 100mm and 110mm.
     
    6. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said channeling element (20) has a curvilinear profile which can overlap the portion of said external surface (22) in correspondence with said longitudinal aperture (16).
     
    7. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said channeling element (20), in cooperation with said external surface (22), is configured to determine a minimum section for the passage of said stream of air (W) exiting from said compartment (13).
     
    8. Fan as in claim 7, characterized in that said passage (21) has a width comprised between about 0.1mm and 50mm.
     
    9. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said external surface (22), at least in correspondence with the sections defined by said polyline profile (40), can have a surface roughness comprised between 0.001µ and 100 µ, measured in terms of Ra, Rz and Rq.
     
    10. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that, for each section having said profile (40), said stream of air (W) has a homogeneous front with a longitudinal development, wherein said stream of air (W), at a distance comprised between about 50cm and about 300cm from the fan, has defined and uniform values of temperature, speed and turbulence, with small gradients and deviations from a mean value, such as to generate a feeling of heat wellbeing in the user.
     
    11. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said channeling element (20) comprises a separator element (24) configured to determine a separation substantially into two halves of said stream of air (W) exiting from said longitudinal aperture (16).
     
    12. Fan as in claims 7 and 11, characterized in that said separator element (24) has in section a triangle or arrow shape, with an apex (24a) facing toward said longitudinal aperture (16) and the base facing toward said channeling element (20), said triangle or arrow shaped section determining a progressive reduction in the transit section of the air from said apex (24a) of said separator element (24) toward said exit passage (21).
     
    13. Fan as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a filtering element (26) located upstream of said suction and distribution unit (14) and in correspondence with entrance holes (27) of the stream of air (W).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Lüfter umfassend ein Hauptgehäuse (12) mit vertikaler Ausdehnung in Bezug auf einen Grundträger (18), auf dem er sich im Gebrauchszustand befindet, wobei das Hauptgehäuse (12) eine innere Gehäusekammer (13) definiert, wobei er eine rückseitige Längsöffnung (16) zur Emission eines Luftstroms (W) in Richtung Außenseite aufweist und außerdem umfasst: eine Luftansaugungs- und -verteilungseinheit (14), die oberhalb der Längsöffnung (16) angeordnet ist, Eintrittslöcher (27), die oberhalb der Längsöffnung (16) in dem oberen Teil und/oder auf der oberen Seitenwand des Hauptgehäuses (12) ausgebildet sind, und ein Kanalisierungselement (20), das in der Nähe der Längsöffnung (16) angeordnet ist und mit dieser kooperiert, um den Luftstrom (W) so abzulenken, dass der Luftstrom (W) zu einem vorderen Teil des Lüfters (10) hin befördert wird, wobei er zumindest teilweise einem Profil (40) einer Außenfläche (22) des Hauptgehäuses (12) folgt, wobei das Profil (40) eine Polylinie umfasst, die durch eine Vielzahl an hintereinander angeordneten konvexen Bogensegmenten (S1, S2, S3, ...SN) gebildet wird, wobei das Polylinienprofil (40) so konfiguriert ist, dass es einen Luftstrom (W) in Richtung des vorderen Teils des Lüfters erzeugt, so dass ein hoher Grad an Komfort für einen Nutzer gewährleistet wird, und wobei die Außenfläche (22) des Hauptgehäuses (12) eine gerundete Geometrie im Wesentlichen ohne Diskontinuitäten aufweist, so dass der Luftstrom (W), der aus einem hinteren Teil des Lüfters austritt, anhaftend zu dem vorderen Teil hin und anschließend in die zu belüftende oder zu klimatisierende äußere Umgebung befördert wird.
     
    2. Lüfter gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die konvexen Bogensegmente (S1, S2, S3, ..SN), welche die Polylinie bilden, einen progressiv ansteigenden Krümmungsradius und eine progressiv abnehmende Amplitude in der Richtung des Luftstroms (W), d.h., von der Längsöffnung (16) zum vorderen Teil des Lüfters hin, aufweisen.
     
    3. Lüfter gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Profil (40) eine symmetrische Form in Bezug auf eine Mittelebene (M) des Lüfters aufweist, welche den vorderen Teil und einen hinteren Teil, in dem die Längsöffnung (16) ausgebildet ist, verbindet.
     
    4. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die konvexen Bogensegmente (S1, S2, S3, ...SN) in einander berührenden Paaren vorliegen.
     
    5. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Profil (40) durch mindestens drei konvexe Bogensegmente (S1, S2, S3) gebildet wird, wobei sich ein erstes konvexes Bogensegment (S1) zu einer Amplitude erstreckt, die einem ersten Winkel (α1) zwischen 110° und 150° entspricht, wobei ein erster Krümmungsradius (R1) zwischen 5 mm und 10 mm, insbesondere zwischen 6 mm und 8 mm, zum Beispiel zwischen 6,8 mm und 7,2 mm, beträgt, sich ein zweites konvexes Bogensegment (S2) zu einer Amplitude erstreckt, die einem zweiten Winkel (α2) zwischen 50° und 70° entspricht, wobei ein zweiter Krümmungsradius (R2) zwischen 25 mm und 45 mm, insbesondere zwischen 30 mm und 40 mm, zum Beispiel zwischen 32 mm und 37 mm, beträgt, und wobei sich ein drittes konvexes Bogensegment (S3) zu einer Amplitude erstreckt, die einem dritten Winkel (α3) zwischen 25° und 35° entspricht, wobei ein dritter Krümmungsradius (R3) zwischen 80 mm und 130 mm, insbesondere zwischen 90 mm und 120 mm, zum Beispiel zwischen 100 mm und 110 mm, beträgt.
     
    6. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kanalisierungselement (20) ein kurvenförmiges Profil aufweist, welche den Teil der Außenfläche (22), der mit der Längsöffnung (16) übereinstimmt, überlagern kann.
     
    7. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kanalisierungselement (20) zusammen mit der Außenfläche (22) so konfiguriert ist, dass ein minimaler Abschnitt für den Durchgang des aus der Kammer (13) austretenden Luftstroms (W) bestimmt wird.
     
    8. Lüfter gemäß Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchgang (21) eine Breite zwischen etwa 0,1 mm und 50 mm aufweist.
     
    9. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Außenfläche (22), zumindest in Entsprechung mit den durch das Polylinienprofil (40) definierten Abschnitten eine Oberflächenrauigkeit zwischen 0,001 µ und 100 µ, gemessen in Form von Ra, Rz und Rq, aufweisen kann.
     
    10. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass für jeden Abschnitt mit dem Profil (40) der Luftstrom (W) eine homogene Vorderseite mit einem Längsverlauf aufweist, wobei der Luftstrom (W), in einem Abstand zwischen etwa 50 cm und etwa 300 cm von dem Lüfter, definierte und gleichbleibende Temperatur-, Geschwindigkeits- und Turbulenzwerte mit geringen Gefällen und Abweichungen von einem Mittelwert aufweist, so dass ein angenehmes Wärmegefühl für den Nutzer erzeugt wird.
     
    11. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kanalisierungselement (20) ein Trennelement (24) umfasst, das so konfiguriert ist, dass es eine Trennung des aus der Längsöffnung (16) austretenden Luftstroms (W) im Wesentlichen in zwei Hälften bestimmt.
     
    12. Lüfter gemäß Anspruch 7 und 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trennelement (24) im Querschnitt Dreiecks- oder Pfeilform aufweist, wobei eine Spitze (24a) der Längsöffnung (16) gegenüberliegt und die Basis dem Kanalisierungselement (20) gegenüberliegt, wobei der dreieckige oder pfeilförmige Abschnitt eine fortschreitende Reduzierung des Durchgangsabschnitts der Luft von der Spitze (24a) des Trennelements (24) bis zu dem Durchgang (21) bestimmt.
     
    13. Lüfter gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er ein Filterelement (26) umfasst, dass stromaufwärts der Ansaugungs- und Verteilungseinheit (14) und in Entsprechung mit den Eintrittslöchern (27) des Luftstroms (W) angeordnet ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Ventilateur comprenant un corps principal (12) avec un développement vertical par rapport à une base de support (18) sur laquelle il est situé dans une condition d'utilisation, ledit corps principal (12) définissant un compartiment de logement intérieur (13), où il a une ouverture longitudinale arrière (16), pour l'émission d'un flux d'air (W) vers l'extérieur, et comprend aussi une unité d'aspiration et de distribution d'air (14) disposée au-dessus de ladite ouverture longitudinale (16), des trous d'entrée (27) réalisés au-dessus de ladite ouverture longitudinale (16), dans la partie supérieure et/ou sur la paroi latérale supérieure dudit corps principal (12), et un élément de canalisation (20) positionné à proximité de ladite ouverture longitudinale (16) et coopérant avec celle-ci pour dévier ledit flux d'air (W) de sorte que ledit flux d'air (W) soit transporté vers une partie avant du ventilateur (10), suivant au moins partiellement un profil (40) d'une surface extérieure (22) du corps principal (12), où ledit profil (40) comprend une polyligne approximée par une pluralité de segments d'arc convexe (S1, S2, S3, ....SN) situés l'un après l'autre, ledit profil (40) avec une polyligne étant configuré pour générer un flux d'air (W) vers la partie avant du ventilateur de manière à assurer un haut niveau de confort pour un utilisateur, et où ladite surface extérieure (22) dudit corps principal (12) présente une géométrie arrondie substantiellement sans discontinuités de sorte que le flux d'air (W), sortant de la partie arrière du ventilateur, soit transporté adhérent vers la partie avant puis vers l'environnement extérieur à ventiler ou à conditionner.
     
    2. Ventilateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits segments d'arc convexe (S1, S2, S3, ....SN) qui forment ladite polyligne ont un rayon de courbure progressivement croissant, et une amplitude progressivement décroissante dans la direction du flux d'air (W), c'est-à-dire de l'ouverture longitudinale (16) vers la partie avant du ventilateur.
     
    3. Ventilateur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit profil (40) a une forme symétrique par rapport à un plan médian (M) du ventilateur, qui relie la partie avant et une partie arrière où ladite ouverture longitudinale (16) est réalisée.
     
    4. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits segments d'arc convexe (S 1, S2, S3, ...SN) sont tangents deux à deux les uns aux autres.
     
    5. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit profil (40) est approximé par au moins trois segments d'arc convexe (S1, S2, S3), où un premier segment d'arc convexe (S1) s'étend sur une amplitude correspondant à un premier angle (α1) compris entre 110° et 150°, avec un premier rayon de courbure (R1) compris entre 5 mm et 10 mm, notamment entre 6 mm et 8 mm, par exemple compris entre 6,8 mm et 7,2 mm, un deuxième segment d'arc convexe (S2) s'étend sur une amplitude correspondant à un deuxième angle (α2) compris entre 50° et 70°, avec un deuxième rayon de courbure (R2) compris entre 25 mm et 45 mm, notamment entre 30 mm et 40 mm, par exemple compris entre 32 mm et 37 mm, et où un troisième segment d'arc convexe (S3) s'étend sur une amplitude correspondant à un troisième angle (α3) compris entre 25° et 35°, avec un troisième rayon de courbure (R3) compris entre 80 mm et 130 mm, notamment, entre 90 mm et 120 mm, par exemple compris entre 100 mm et 110 mm.
     
    6. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de canalisation (20) a un profil curviligne qui peut se superposer à la portion de ladite surface extérieure (22) en correspondance de ladite ouverture longitudinale (16).
     
    7. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de canalisation (20), en coopération avec ladite surface extérieure (22), est configuré pour déterminer une section minimale pour le passage dudit flux d'air (W) sortant dudit compartiment (13).
     
    8. Ventilateur selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit passage (21) a une largeur comprise entre environ 0,1 mm et 50 mm.
     
    9. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite surface extérieure (22), au moins en correspondance des sections définies par ledit profil (40) avec une polyligne, peut avoir une rugosité de surface comprise entre 0,001 µ et 100 µ, mesurée en termes de Ra, Rz et Rq.
     
    10. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que, pour chaque section ayant ledit profil (40), ledit flux d'air (W) a un front homogène avec un développement longitudinal, où ledit flux d'air (W), à une distance comprise entre environ 50 cm et environ 300 cm du ventilateur, a des valeurs de température, de vitesse et de turbulence définies et uniformes, avec de faibles gradients et écarts par rapport à une valeur moyenne, de manière à générer une sensation de bien-être thermique chez l'utilisateur.
     
    11. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de canalisation (20) comprend un élément séparateur (24) configuré pour déterminer une séparation substantiellement en deux moitiés dudit flux d'air (W) sortant de ladite ouverture longitudinale (16).
     
    12. Ventilateur selon les revendications 7 et 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément séparateur (24) a, en section, une forme de triangle ou de flèche, avec un sommet (24a) orienté vers ladite ouverture longitudinale (16) et la base orientée vers ledit élément de canalisation (20), ladite section en forme de triangle ou de flèche déterminant une réduction progressive de la section de transit de l'air depuis ledit sommet (24a) dudit élément séparateur (24) vers ledit passage de sortie (21).
     
    13. Ventilateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un élément filtrant (26) situé en amont de ladite unité d'aspiration et de distribution (14) et en correspondance des trous d'entrée (27) du flux d'air (W).
     




    Drawing











    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description