(19)
(11) EP 1 734 257 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
23.08.2017 Bulletin 2017/34

(21) Application number: 05110247.3

(22) Date of filing: 01.11.2005
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F04D 29/70(2006.01)
F04D 29/42(2006.01)

(54)

Centrifugal fan

Kreisellüfter

Ventilateur centrifuge


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 14.06.2005 CN 200510079028

(43) Date of publication of application:
20.12.2006 Bulletin 2006/51

(73) Proprietor: Delta Electronics, Inc.
Taoyuan County 33341 (TW)

(72) Inventors:
  • Wu, Chung-Nan
    333, Taoyuan Hsien (TW)
  • Hsu, Kuo-Tung
    333,, Taoyuan Hsien (TW)
  • Huang, Wen-Shi
    333,, Taoyuan Hsien (TW)

(74) Representative: 2K Patentanwälte Blasberg Kewitz & Reichel 
Partnerschaft mbB Schumannstrasse 27
60325 Frankfurt am Main
60325 Frankfurt am Main (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
WO-A-01/10537
FR-A- 2 193 182
US-A- 5 063 832
DE-A1- 2 705 977
US-A- 3 019 963
US-A- 5 911 751
   
       
    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

    BACKGROUND



    [0001] The invention relates to a frame for a centrifugal fan, and in particular to a frame for a centrifugal fan preventing impurities from entering the interior thereof and reducing reflow of air in a system.

    [0002] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional centrifugal fan comprises a frame 10, a motor (not shown), and an impeller 30. The frame 10 comprises an air inlet 11 and an air outlet (not shown). The motor is disposed in the frame 10, for activating the impeller 30 which comprises a hub 31, a base plate 32, and a plurality of blades 33 formed on the base plate 32. Air enters the centrifugal fan via the air inlet 11 and flows with the rotation of the impeller 30 and exits from the air outlet.

    [0003] Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the conventional centrifugal fan is applied in a system 40 in which electronic members (not shown) are disposed. An air inlet 41 is formed on one side of a housing of the system 40. As shown in FIG. 2B, heat in the system 40 is dissipated by the centrifugal fan. Outside air enters the centrifugal fan via the air inlet 41 of the system 40. Air output from the air outlet of the centrifugal fan is forwarded to the interior of the system 40. The aforementioned operation of heat dissipation, however, has a drawback. An airflow output from the air outlet of the centrifugal fan causes reflow of air, reducing heat dissipation from the system 40.

    [0004] To reduce the reflow of air, another system, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a guide plate 42 disposed in a housing of the system and tightly abutting the centrifugal fan to reduce the reflow of air.

    [0005] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the guide plate 42 abuts the centrifugal fan by a surface thereof contacting a turning corner on an outer frame of the centrifugal fan. Accordingly, the guide plate 42 contacts the centrifugal fan merely in a linear manner. Thus, reflow of air is also easily generated when linear contact between the guide plate 42 and the centrifugal fan is incomplete.

    [0006] Moreover, as the air inlet 41 of the system 40 is connected to the exterior thereof, impurities, such as dust and water drops, may enter the system 40 via the air inlet 41. The impurities may also enter the centrifugal fan, causing damage thereto.

    [0007] US-A-3 019 963 recites a radial blower comprising an intake connection 8 and a discharge connection. A ring-shaped structure is protruded from the entire intake connection.

    [0008] US-A-5 063 832 discloses a blower unit comprising a scroll casing 11, an intake unit 15 and a discharge opening 17. The intake unit 15 entirely protrudes from the scroll casing 11

    [0009] FR-a-2 193 182 recites a ventilator comprising an air inlet and an air outlet 6. A ring-shaped structure 5 is protruded from the entire air inlet.

    [0010] Hence, there is a need for a centrifugal fan to reduce reflow of air in a system and enhance heat dissipation thereof. In addition, external impurities can be reduced in the centrifugal fan such that damage thereto is prevented.

    SUMMARY



    [0011] Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention provides a centrifugal fan according to claim 1. Another embodiment of the invention provides a system with a housing and a fan disposed in the housing according to claim 6.

    DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0012] The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

    FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional centrifugal fan;

    FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a conventional centrifugal fan applied in a system;

    FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of a conventional centrifugal fan applied in a system;

    FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a conventional centrifugal fan applied in another system;

    FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention;

    FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of FIG. 4A;

    FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of FIG. 4A;

    FIG. 6A is a schematic top view of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention applied in a system;

    FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention applied in a system;

    FIG. 6C is a schematic front view of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention applied in a system;

    FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of a first barricade of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention;

    FIG. 7B is another schematic top view of a first barricade of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention;

    FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a centrifugal fan of an embodiment of the invention applied in another system; and

    FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are partial views of different top ends of the second barricades of the centrifugal fan of the invention.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0013] Referring to FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 5, the centrifugal fan comprises a hollow frame 50, an impeller 60, and a motor (not shown) for activating the impeller 60. The motor and impeller 60 are disposed in the frame 50.

    [0014] The frame 50 comprises a top cover 501 and a bottom cover 502. The frame 50 further comprises an axial air inlet 503 and a sideward air outlet 504. Specifically, the air inlet 503 penetrates the top cover 501 and is formed along an axial direction thereof. The air outlet 504 is formed between a periphery of the top cover 501 and a corresponding periphery of the bottom cover 502. The top cover 501 comprises a plurality of U-shaped retaining rings (first engaging portions) 5011 downwardly formed on the periphery thereof. The bottom cover 502 comprises a plurality of protrusions (second engaging portions) 5021 formed on the sidewall thereof. The U-shaped retaining rings 5011 respectively engage the protrusions 5021 to form the frame 50. In this embodiment, the profile of the frame 50 is substantially D-shaped. Namely, the air outlet 504 outwardly expands from interior of the frame 50 and with respect to an opposite end thereof. The profile of the frame 50 is designed according to the flow of air therein, normalizing the speed and amount of airflow output from the air outlet 504. Thus, heat generated by a heat source with a large area can be dissipated, and space required by the frame 50 can be reduced.

    [0015] Moreover, a first barricade 505 is axially and upwardly formed on part of the periphery of the air inlet 503 of the top cover 501. The height, curved length, and forming position of the first barricade 505 can be designed as required. Specifically, the first barricade 505 may not be formed on the periphery of the air inlet 503, the curvature thereof may not be the same as that of the periphery of the air inlet 503, and the barricade 505 may not be vertically and upwardly formed. Namely, the first barricade 505 may be separated from the air inlet 503 by a distance, the curvature thereof may be greater or less than that of the periphery of the air inlet 503, and the barricade 505 may be upwardly formed with any sloped angle.

    [0016] Moreover, a second barricade 506 is formed on part of the periphery of the air outlet 504 and extends outwardly and axially. The height of the second barricade 506 can be designed as required. To reduce space occupied by the frame 50, the air inlet 503 and air outlet 504 can be close to each other. As a portion of the top cover 501 between the air inlet 503 and the air outlet 504 is weak, the second barricade 506 can enhance rigidity thereof. Specifically, part of the periphery of the air inlet 503 near one side of the air outlet 504 is straight and covers part of blades of the impeller 60. Reflow of air can thus be reduced.

    [0017] Referring to FIGs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the centrifugal fan can be applied in a system 40 with a housing. Electronic members (not shown) and the centrifugal fan are disposed in the housing. An air inlet 41 is formed on one side of the housing. Heat in the system 40 is dissipated by operation of the centrifugal fan. Specifically, air enters the centrifugal fan via the air inlet 41 of the system 40 and is forwarded to the interior of the system 40 via the air outlet 504 of the centrifugal fan. When the centrifugal fan is disposed in the system 40, the first barricade 505 of the frame 50 faces the air inlet 41 of the system 40, which prevents impurities, such as dust and liquid, from entering the centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan is thus not damaged. Since the first barricade 505 is mainly to prevent the impurities from entering the centrifugal fan via the air inlet 41 of the system 40, the first barricade 505 can also be designed to have a straight and flat profile. Nevertheless, the profile and forming position of the first barricade 505 shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 6A provide a better prevention of impurities entering the centrifugal fan and thus do not adversely affect flow of air. Alternatively, the air inlet 41 may be formed on different sides of the housing of the system 40. Similarly, the first barricade 505 may be formed in different positions on the centrifugal fan, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

    [0018] Referring to FIG. 8, the centrifugal fan can be applied in another system 40 with a housing and a guide plate 42. The guide plate 42 is disposed in the housing. When the centrifugal fan is disposed in the system 40, the second barricade 506 of the frame 50 tightly abuts the guide plate 42, such that reflow of air is reduced and heat dissipation of the system 40 is enhanced. Moreover, the second barricade 506 can be designed as required. For example, as shown in FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, a top end (or an extending end) of the second barricade 506 can be formed with a planar, curved, or sloped surface. Thus, better abutment between the second barricade 506 and the guide plate 42 is achieved.

    [0019] In conclusion, in the disclosed centrifugal fan, the first barricade prevents impurities from entering, and the second barricade tightly abuts the guide plate of the system. Thus, reflow of air is prevented and heat dissipation from the system is enhanced.


    Claims

    1. A centrifugal fan, comprising:

    a frame (50) comprising an air inlet (503) and an air outlet (504), wherein a first barricade (505) is partially formed on one side of the air inlet (503) and extends outwardly for preventing impurities from entering the air inlet (503), and the first barricade has a curved-bar shape;

    an impeller (60) disposed in the frame(50); and

    a motor disposed in the frame for driving the impeller (60),

    characterized in that the frame (50) further comprises a second barricade (506) formed on a part of the periphery of the air outlet (504) and extending outwardly, the first barricade has C-shaped curvature, and the opening of the C-shaped curvature faces the second barricade.


     
    2. The centrifugal fan as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (50) comprises a top cover (501) and a bottom cover (502), the top cover (501) comprises a plurality of first engaging portions (5011) formed on the periphery thereof, and the bottom cover (502) comprises a plurality of second engaging portions (5021) formed on the sidewall thereof and respectively engaging the first engaging portions (5011).
     
    3. The centrifugal fan as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first engaging portions (5011) comprise U-shaped retaining rings, and the second engaging portions (5021) comprise protrusions.
     
    4. The centrifugal fan as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet (504) outwardly expands from interior of the frame (50) with respect to an opposite end thereof.
     
    5. The centrifugal fan as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centrifugal fan is disposed in a system (40) comprising a housing and a guide plate (42), and the guide plate (42) is disposed in the housing and abuts the second barricade (506) formed on part of the periphery of the air outlet (504) of the centrifugal fan and extending outwardly.
     
    6. A system with a housing and a centrifugal fan disposed in the housing, comprising:

    a frame (50) comprising an air inlet (503) and an air outlet (504), wherein a first barricade (505) is partially on one side of the air inlet (503) of the frame (50) corresponding to an air inlet (41) of the housing of the system for preventing impurities from entering the fan;

    characterized in that said frame further comprises a second barricade (506) formed on a part of the periphery of the air outlet (504), wherein the first barricade (505) has C-shaped curvature, and the opening of the C-shaped curvature faces the second barricade (506).


     
    7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame (50) comprises a top cover (501) and a bottom cover (502), the top cover (501) comprises a plurality of first engaging portions (5011) formed on the periphery thereof, and the bottom cover (502) comprises a plurality of second engaging portions (5021) formed on the sidewall thereof and respectively engaging the first engaging portions (5011).
     
    8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first engaging portions (5011) comprise U--shape retaining rings, and the second engaging portions (5021) comprise protrusions.
     
    9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein part of the periphery of the air inlet near one side of the air outlet (504) is straight.
     
    10. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the air outlet (504) outwardly expands from interior of the frame (50) with respect to an opposite end thereof.
     
    11. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first barricade (505) faces the air inlet of the system.
     
    12. The system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a guide plate disposed in the housing and abutted the second barricade (506) formed on part of the periphery of the air outlet (504) of the fan and extending outwardly.
     
    13. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second barricade (506) has a curved or sloped surface.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Ein Zentrifugallüfter, umfassend:

    Einen Rahmen (50) umfassend einen Lufteinlass (503) und einen Luftauslass (504), wobei eine erste Barriere (505) teilweise auf einer Seite des Lufteinlasses (503) ausgebildet ist und sich nach außen erstreckt, um zu verhindern, dass Verunreinigungen in den Lufteinlass (503) gelangen, und die erste Barriere hat eine gebogene Balken-Form;

    ein Impeller/Flügelrad (60), angeordnet in dem Rahmen (50); und

    einen Motor, angeordnet in dem Rahmen zum Antreiben des Impellers (60), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rahmen (50) ferner eine zweite Barriere (506) umfasst, die an einem Teil der Außenseite des Luftauslasses (504) ausgebildet ist, und sich nach außen erstreckt, die erste Barriere hat eine C-förmige Krümmung und die Öffnung der C- förmigen Krümmung ist der zweiten Barriere gegenüber angeordnet_


     
    2. Das Zentrifugallüfter nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Rahmen (50) eine obere Abdeckung (501) und eine untere Abdeckung (502) aufweist, die obere Abdeckung (501) umfasst eine Vielzahl von ersten Eingriffsabschnitten (5011), ausgebildet auf der Außenseite davon, und die untere Abdeckung (502) umfasst eine Vielzahl von zweiten Eingriffsabschnitten (5021), ausgebildet auf der Seitenwand davon und die jeweils mit den ersten Eingriffsabschnitten (5011) eingerastet sind.
     
    3. Der Zentrifugallüfter nach Anspruch 2, wobei die ersten Eingriffsabschnitte (5011) U-förmige Halteringe umfassen und die zweiten Eingriffsabschnitte (5021) Vorsprünge umfassen.
     
    4. Der Zentrifugallüfter nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Luftauslass (504) nach außen vom Inneren des Rahmens (50) in Bezug auf ein gegenüberliegendes Ende davon ausdehnt.
     
    5. Der Zentrifugallüfter nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Zentrifugallüfter in einem System (40) angeordnet ist, umfassend ein Gehäuse und eine Führungsplatte (42) und die Führungsplatte (42) ist in dem Gehäuse angeordnet und stößt an die zweite Barriere (506), die auf einem Teil der Außenseite des Luftauslasses (504) des Zentrifugallüfters ausgebildet ist und sich nach außen erstreckt.
     
    6. Ein System mit einem Gehäuse und einem in dem Gehäuse angeordneten Zentrifugallüfter, umfassend:

    Einen Rahmen (50) umfassend einen Lufteinlass (503) und einem Luftauslass (504), wobei eine erste Barriere (505) teilweise auf einer Seite des Lufteinlasses (503) des Rahmens (50) entsprechend zu einem Lufteinlass (41) des Gehäuses des Systems angeordnet ist, um zu verhindern, dass Verunreinigungen in den Lüfter gelangen;

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rahmen ferner eine zweite Barriere (506) umfasst, die an einem Teil der Außenseite des Luftauslasses (504) ausgebildet ist, wobei die erste Barriere (505) eine C-förmige Krümmung aufweist und die Öffnung der C-förmigen Krümmung der zweiten Barriere (506) gegenüberliegt.


     
    7. Das System nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Rahmen (50) eine obere Abdeckung (501) und eine untere Abdeckung (502) umfasst, die obere Abdeckung (501) umfasst eine Vielzahl von ersten Eingriffsabschnitten (5011), ausgebildet auf der Außenseite davon, und die untere Abdeckung (502) umfasst eine Vielzahl von zweiten Eingriffsabschnitten (5021), die an der Seitenwand davon ausgebildet sind und jeweils mit den ersten Eingriffsabschnitten (5011) einrasten.
     
    8. Das System nach Anspruch 7, wobei die ersten Eingriffsabschnitte (5011) U-förmige Halteringe aufweisen und die zweiten Eingriffsabschnitte (5021) Vorsprünge umfassen.
     
    9. Das System nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Teil des Umfangs des Lufteinlasses nahe einer Seite des Luftauslasses (504) gerade ist.
     
    10. Das System nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Luftauslass (504) sich nach außen von dem Innenraum des Rahmens (50) in Bezug auf ein gegenüberliegendes Ende davon ausdehnt.
     
    11. Das System nach Anspruch 6, wobei die erste Barriere (505) dem Lufteinlass des Systems gegenübersteht.
     
    12. Das System nach Anspruch 6, ferner umfassend eine im Gehäuse angeordnete Führungsplatte, die an der zweiten Barriere (506) anstößt, ausgebildet an einem Teil der Außenseite des Luftausiasses (504) des Lüfters und sich nach außen erstreckt.
     
    13. Das System nach Anspruch 6, wobei die zweite Barriere (506) eine gekrümmte oder geneigte Fläche aufweist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Un ventilateur centrifuge, comprenant
    un cadre (50) comprenant une entrée d'air (503) et une sortie d'air (504), dans lequel une première barricade (505) est partiellement formée d'un côté de l'entrée d'air (503) et s'étend vers l'extérieur pour empêcher l'entrée d'impuretés dans l'entrée d'air (503), et la première barricade présentant une forme courbe ;
    un turbine (60) disposée dans le cadre; et
    un moteur disposé dans le cadre pour entraîner la turbine (60),
    caractérisé en ce que le cadre (50) comporte en outre une seconde barricade formée sur une partie de la périphérie de la sortie d'air (504) et s'étendant vers l'extérieur, la première barricade ayant une forme de C, et l'ouverture de la forme de C faisant face à la seconde barricade.
     
    2. Le ventilateur centrifuge tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le cadre (50) comporte un couvercle supérieur (501) et un couvercle de fond (502), le couvercle supérieur (501) comprenant une pluralité de premières parties d'engagement (5011) formées sur la périphérie, et le couvercle de fond (502) comprenant une pluralité de secondes parties d'engagement (5021) formées sur la paroi latérale et respectivement en prise avec les premières parties d'engagement (5011).
     
    3. Le ventilateur centrifuge tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 2, dans lequel les premières parties d'engagement (5011) comportent des anneaux de retenue en forme de U, et les secondes parties d'engagement (5021) comportent des protubérances.
     
    4. Le ventilateur centrifuge tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel la sortie d'air (504) s'étend vers l'extérieur à partir de l'intérieur du cadre (50) par rapport à une extrémité opposée de celui-ci.
     
    5. Le ventilateur centrifuge tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le ventilateur centrifuge est disposé au sein d'un système (40) comprenant un boîtier et une plaque de guidage (42), et la plaque de guidage (42) est disposée dans le boîtier et vient en butée sur la seconde barricade (506) formée sur la partie de la périphérie de la sortie d'air (504) du ventilateur centrifuge et s'étendant vers l'extérieur.
     
    6. Un système avec un boîtier et un ventilateur centrifuge disposé dans le boîtier, comprenant :

    un cadre (50) comprenant une entrée d'air (503) et une sortie d'air (504), dans lequel une première barricade (505) est partiellement d'un côté de l'entrée d'air (503) du cadre (50) correspondant à une entrée d'air (41) du boîtier du système pour empêcher l'entrée d'impuretés dans le ventilateur,

    caractérisé en ce que ledit cadre comporte en outre une seconde barricade (506) formée sur une partie de la périphérie de la sortie d'air (504), dans lequel la première barricade (505) a une courbature en forme de C, et l'ouverture de la courbature en forme de C fait face à la seconde barricade (506).


     
    7. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, dans lequel le cadre (50) comprend un couvercle supérieur (501) et un couvercle inférieur (502), le couvercle supérieur (501) comprend une pluralité de premières parties d'engagement (5011) formées sur sa périphérie, et le couvercle inférieur (502) comprend une pluralité de secondes parties d'engagement (5021) formées sur la paroi latérale de celle-ci et engageant respectivement les premières parties d'engagement (5011).
     
    8. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 7, dans lequel les premières parties d'engagement (5011) comprennent des anneaux de retenue en forme de U, et les secondes parties d'engagement (5021) comprennent des saillies.
     
    9. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, dans lequel une partie de la périphérie de l'entrée d'air près d'un côté de la sortie d'air (504) est droite.
     
    10. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, dans lequel la sortie d'air (504) s'étend vers l'extérieur à partir de l'intérieur du cadre (50) par-rapport à une extrémité opposée de celui-ci.
     
    11. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, dans lequel la première barricade (505) fait face à l'entrée d'air du système.
     
    12. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, comprenant en outre une plaque de guidage disposée dans le boîtier et venant en butée contre la seconde barricade (506) formée sur une partie de la périphérie de la sortie d'air (504) du ventilateur, et s'étendant vers l'extérieur.
     
    13. Le système tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 6, dans lequel une autre barricade présente une surface courbe ou en pente.
     




    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