U.S. patent application number 13/696164 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for blower assembly with motor integrated into the impeller fan and blower housing constructions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steven Camilleri, Byron Kennedy, Charles Langford, Dean Patterson, Steve W. Post, Rafal Rohoza, Matthew Turner. Invention is credited to Steven Camilleri, Byron Kennedy, Charles Langford, Dean Patterson, Steve W. Post, Rafal Rohoza, Matthew Turner.
Application Number | 20130216410 13/696164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45497168 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130216410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patterson; Dean ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
BLOWER ASSEMBLY WITH MOTOR INTEGRATED INTO THE IMPELLER FAN AND
BLOWER HOUSING CONSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
A blower comprises a blower housing, a fan, a motor and a
support member. The blower housing has an air outlet opening. The
fan is within the blower housing, the fan is adapted for rotation
about a fan axis. The motor has a stator and a rotor. The rotor is
rotatably coupled to the stator for rotation about the fan axis.
The rotor and fan are coupled such that the fan rotates with the
rotor. The support member is connected between the stator of the
motor and the blower housing and extends generally radially from
the fan axis. The support member supports both the motor and the
fan.
Inventors: |
Patterson; Dean;
(Murwillumbah NSW, AU) ; Turner; Matthew; (Menzies
Creek VIC, AU) ; Camilleri; Steven; (Woolner NT,
AU) ; Langford; Charles; (Grays Point NSW, AU)
; Rohoza; Rafal; (Templestowe Lower Vic, AU) ;
Kennedy; Byron; (Chelsea VIC, AU) ; Post; Steve
W.; (Cassville, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Patterson; Dean
Turner; Matthew
Camilleri; Steven
Langford; Charles
Rohoza; Rafal
Kennedy; Byron
Post; Steve W. |
Murwillumbah NSW
Menzies Creek VIC
Woolner NT
Grays Point NSW
Templestowe Lower Vic
Chelsea VIC
Cassville |
MO |
AU
AU
AU
AU
AU
AU
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45497168 |
Appl. No.: |
13/696164 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 20, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/44702 |
371 Date: |
May 2, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61366347 |
Jul 21, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/420 ;
417/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 17/162 20130101;
F04D 29/424 20130101; F04D 25/0606 20130101; F04D 13/06 20130101;
F04D 25/0653 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/420 ;
417/321 |
International
Class: |
F04D 13/06 20060101
F04D013/06 |
Claims
1. A blower comprising: a blower housing having an air outlet
opening; a fan within the blower housing, the fan being adapted for
rotation about a fan axis, the fan comprising a first set of
impeller blades and a second set of impeller blades, the first set
of impeller blades being spaced axially from the second set of
impeller blades; a motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor
being rotatably coupled to the stator for rotation about the fan
axis, the rotor and fan being coupled such that the fan rotates
with the rotor; and a support member connected between the stator
of the motor and the blower housing and extending generally
radially from the fan axis, the support member supporting both the
motor and the fan, the support member being between the first set
of impeller blades and the second set of impeller blades.
2. A blower as set forth in claim 1 wherein the rotor includes an
outer diameter and an axial length, the axial length extending
along an axial extent of the fan axis, the axial length of the
rotor being not more than approximately one-half of the outer
diameter of the rotor.
3. A blower as set forth in claim 2 wherein the axial length of the
rotor is not more than approximately one-quarter of the outer
diameter of the rotor.
4. A blower as set forth in claim 2 wherein the support member does
not extend axially beyond the axial extent of the fan axis.
5. A blower as set forth in claim 1 comprising a single bearing,
the bearing transmitting load between the rotor and the stator and
transmitting load between the fan and the blower housing.
6. A blower as set forth in claim 5 wherein the motor comprises an
axial flux motor.
7. A blower as set forth in claim 1 wherein the support member
comprises a wall extending radially outward from adjacent the
stator to adjacent the blower housing.
8. A blower as set forth in claim 7 wherein the wall circumscribes
the stator.
9. A blower as set forth in claim 1 wherein the support member
comprises a fin-shaped mount extending radially from an arcuate
portion of the outer periphery of the stator.
10. A blower as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fan extends along
a fan axial extent of the fan axis, and wherein the motor is
generally axially centered in the fan axial extent of the fan
axis.
11. A blower as set forth in claim 1 wherein the rotor of the motor
comprises a plurality of magnets arranged to form a magnet ring,
each of the plurality of magnets having an inner edge and an outer
edge, the inner edges of the magnets combining to generally define
an inner circumference and an inner diameter of the magnet ring,
the outer edges of the magnets combining to generally define an
outer circumference and an outer diameter of the magnet ring, the
outer diameter of the magnet ring being not more than approximately
1.2 times the inner diameter.
12. A blower comprising: a blower housing having an air outlet
opening; a fan within the blower housing, the fan being adapted for
rotation about a fan axis; a motor having a stator and a rotor, the
rotor being rotatably coupled to the stator for rotation about the
fan axis, the rotor and fan being coupled such that the fan rotates
with the rotor; and a support member connected between the stator
of the motor and the blower housing and extending generally
radially from the fan axis, the support member supporting both the
motor and the fan.
13. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the rotor includes an
outer diameter and an axial length, the axial length extending
along an axial extent of the fan axis, the axial length of the
rotor being not more than approximately one-half of the outer
diameter of the rotor.
14. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the axial length of
the rotor is not more than approximately one-quarter of the outer
diameter of the rotor.
15. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the support member
does not extend axially beyond the axial extent of the fan
axis.
16. A blower as set forth in claim 12 comprising a single bearing,
the bearing transmitting load between the rotor and the stator and
transmitting load between the fan and the blower housing.
17. A blower as set forth in claim 16 wherein the motor comprises
an axial flux motor.
18. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the support member
comprises a wall extending radially outward from adjacent the
stator to adjacent the blower housing.
19. A blower as set forth in claim 18 wherein the wall
circumscribes the stator.
20. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the support member
comprises a fin-shaped mount extending radially from an arcuate
portion of the outer periphery of the stator.
21. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the fan extends along
a fan axial extent of the fan axis, and wherein the motor is
generally axially centered in the fan axial extent of the fan
axis.
22. A blower as set forth in claim 12 wherein the rotor of the
motor comprises a plurality of magnets arranged to form a magnet
ring, each of the plurality of magnets having an inner edge and an
outer edge, the inner edges of the magnets combining to generally
define an inner circumference and an inner diameter of the magnet
ring, the outer edges of the magnets combining to generally define
an outer circumference and an outer diameter of the magnet ring,
the outer diameter of the magnet ring being not more than
approximately 1.2 times the inner diameter.
23. A blower comprising: a blower housing having an air outlet
opening; a fan within the blower housing, the fan being adapted for
rotation about a fan axis; an axial flux motor having a stator and
a rotor, the rotor being rotatably coupled to the stator for
rotation about the fan axis, the rotor and fan being coupled such
that the fan rotates with the rotor; and a support structure
operatively connecting the stator of the motor to the blower
housing.
24. A blower as set forth in claim 23 comprising a single bearing,
the bearing transmitting load between the rotor and the stator and
transmitting load between the fan and the blower housing.
25. A blower as set forth in claim 23 wherein the fan is integrally
connected to the rotor.
26. A blower comprising: a blower housing having an air outlet
opening; a fan within the blower housing, the fan being adapted for
rotation about a fan axis, the fan extending along a fan axial
extent of the fan axis; and a motor having a stator and a rotor,
the rotor being rotatably coupled to the stator for rotation about
the fan axis, the rotor and fan being coupled such that the fan
rotates with the rotor, the rotor including an outer diameter and
an axial length, the axial length extending along a rotor axial
extent of the fan axis, the axial length of the rotor being not
more than approximately one-half of the outer diameter of the
rotor, the motor being generally axially centered in the fan axial
extent of the fan axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to a blower assembly for an
air handler in which an electric motor is integrated into the
constructions of the impeller fan and the blower housing of the
blower assembly. More specifically, the present invention pertains
to a blower assembly in which an axial flux motor has its stator
integrated into the construction of the blower housing of the
assembly and has its rotor integrated into the construction of the
impeller fan of the assembly.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The typical construction of a blower assembly for an air
handler, for example as a furnace, includes a fan that is rotated
by an electric motor and a blower housing that contains the
fan.
[0005] The typical blower housing is comprised of a scroll-shaped
outer wall and a pair of side walls that are connected to opposite
sides of the scroll-shaped outer wall. The outer wall has opposite
ends that are positioned on opposite sides of an outlet opening of
the blower housing. The side walls are also positioned on opposite
sides of the outlet opening. The side walls have circular, coaxial
holes through the side walls that function as air inlet openings of
the blower housing.
[0006] The motor is typically mounted to one of the blower housing
side walls. The shaft of the motor is coaxial with the center axes
of the blower housing inlet openings. This positions the motor
either directly adjacent one of the side wall inlet openings, or in
some constructions, the motor extends through the side wall inlet
opening into a portion of the motor housing interior.
[0007] The impeller fan is mounted to the motor shaft in the blower
housing interior. The typical impeller fan has a circular plate at
one axial end of the fan or at an intermediate portion of the fan
that is connected to the motor shaft.
[0008] The common blower assembly construction described above
includes features that detract from the efficiency of the blower
assembly. Positioning the motor adjacent or partially extending
into one of the air inlet openings of the blower housing restricts
the air flow through that inlet opening and thereby contributes to
the inefficiency of the blower assembly. Additionally, the circular
plate of the impeller fan that connects the fan to the motor shaft
restricts the free flow of air through the interior of the impeller
fan and thereby also contributes to the inefficiency of the blower
assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The blower assembly of the present invention overcomes
disadvantages associated with the constructions of conventional
blower assemblies by having the construction of the motor
integrated into the constructions of intermediate portions of the
impeller fan and the blower housing. This eliminates the prior art
positioning of the motor adjacent one of the blower housing inlet
openings or extending through one of the blower housing inlet
openings and thereby eliminates the inefficiencies associated with
this prior art positioning of the motor. In addition, the portion
of the motor integrated into the fan construction includes a
cylindrical hub with a center bore through the hub that balances
pressure and the free flow of air through the interior of the
fan.
[0010] The blower housing of the invention comprises a
scroll-shaped outer wall having a length with opposite first and
second ends that are positioned at opposite sides of the outlet
opening of the housing. The housing also comprises a pair of side
walls that are secured to the opposite sides of the scroll-shaped
outer wall. The side walls have circular holes that are coaxially
aligned and function as the air inlet openings of the blower
housing. The novel construction of the blower housing of the
invention includes an interior wall. The interior wall is parallel
to the side walls and is secured stationary to the interior surface
of the housing outer wall at a centered position between the two
side walls. The interior wall has a circular hole through the wall
that is coaxial with the air inlet openings of the two side
walls.
[0011] The motor of the blower assembly is mounted to the interior
wall of the blower housing. This eliminates the inefficiencies
associated with the prior art positioning of the motor adjacent an
air inlet opening of the prior art blower housing or extending into
the air inlet opening of the prior art blower housing. Although
other motor types which have short axial lengths could be used, the
preferred motor is an axial flux motor having a circular stator
construction integrated into the construction of the interior wall
at the hole through the wall. The wiring associated with the stator
and the control systems of the motor are run through or along the
interior wall to the exterior of the blower housing. The rotor of
the motor includes a hollow cylindrical hub that is mounted for
rotation by one or more bearings inside the stator. The hub has a
pair of annular plates connected to the axially opposite ends of
the hub. The plates extend radially outwardly from the center hub
over opposite sides of the interior wall. The magnets of the motor
are secured to at least one of the plates.
[0012] The impeller fan of the blower assembly is comprised of a
pair of centrifugal or squirrel-cage fans. These fans may have
different width dimensions for air flow purposes. The fans are
positioned on the opposite sides of the interior wall and are
connected to the pair of plates that extend radially from the
cylindrical hub of the rotor.
[0013] The blower assembly of the invention described above has no
obstructions to the free flow of air through the inlet openings of
the blower housing side walls into the interior of the fan
contained in the blower housing. The blower assembly also has a
smaller size than comparable prior art blower assemblies that have
motors that project out from one side of their blower housings.
This enables the blower assembly of the invention to be used in a
narrower air handler enclosure. This is accomplished by the
positioning of the motor in the interior of the housing on the
interior wall of the housing. Employing the axial flux motor
construction allows for the free flow of air through the interior
of the blower housing between the two centrifugal fans. This
eliminates the inefficiencies associated with prior art centrifugal
fans due to the center plates of the fans restricting air flow
through the fans.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Further features of the invention are set forth in the
following detailed description of blower assemblies of the
invention and in the drawing figures.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one side of a blower
assembly of the invention, with the opposite elevation view being a
mirror image of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the blower assembly from
the left end of the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an upper, left perspective view of the blower
assembly relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an upper, right perspective view of the blower
assembly relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a left perspective view of the blower assembly
relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of the blower assembly
relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a lower, left perspective view of the blower
assembly relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a lower, right perspective view of the blower
assembly relative to the blower assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned view of the blower assembly
showing portions of the blower housing, fans and motor and showing
the interior wall in its entirety.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9, but from the
opposite side of the blower housing as shown in FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the blower assembly as
shown partitioned in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the blower assembly of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of the blower assembly.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the
blower assembly.
[0034] FIG. 19a is a section view taken through the plane of line
19a-19a of FIG. 19.
[0035] FIG. 19b is an enlarged fragment view of FIG. 19a, showing
motor features.
[0036] FIG. 19c is a perspective view of the motor of the blower
assembly of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] The blower assembly of the present invention is basically
comprised of a blower housing 12, a fan 14 contained inside the
blower housing, and a motor 16.
[0038] The blower housing 12 has an outer wall 18 having a
scroll-shaped length that extends from a first end edge 22 of the
outer wall to an opposite second end edge 24 of the outer wall. As
best seen in drawing FIGS. 3-8, the outer wall first end edge 22
forms the cutoff of the blower housing. Additionally, the first 22
and second 24 end edges of the outer wall 18 define opposite sides
of a rectangular outlet opening 26 of the blower housing.
[0039] The blower housing also includes first 28 and second 32 side
walls. As seen in the drawing figures, portions of the peripheries
of the two side walls 28, 32 are connected to the opposite sides of
the outer wall 18. The first 28 and second 32 side walls also have
respective straight edge portions 34, 36. The straight edge
portions 34, 36 of the two side walls are also positioned at
opposite sides of the blower housing outlet opening 26 and with the
outer wall first end edge 22 and second end edge 24 define the
rectangular configuration of the outlet opening. Each of the side
walls 28, 32 is also provided with a circular hole 38, 42 through
the side wall. The circular holes 38, 42 are coaxially aligned and
function as the air inlet openings of the blower housing 12.
[0040] An interior wall 44 of the blower housing 12 is shown in
FIGS. 5-11. The interior wall 44 is a flat, planar wall having a
circular center hole 46 through the wall. The interior wall 44 is
secured to the interior surface of the blower housing outer wall 18
and is positioned in the interior of the blower housing 12 parallel
to the side walls 28, 32. The interior wall center hole 46 is
coaxial with the inlet openings 38, 42 in the respective side walls
28, 32. The hole 46 through the wall 44 allows a balance of air
pressure and air flow on opposite sides of the blower housing
interior. In alternate embodiments, the wall 44 could be replaced
by a ring having the center hole 46 with the ring connected to the
housing interior by three or more circumferentially spaced spokes
or webs. In addition, the interior wall 44 is shown in the drawing
figures centered in the blower housing 12 relative to the side
walls 28, 32. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the
interior wall 44 could be positioned off center in the blower
housing 12 and more toward one or the other of the side walls 28,
32. Optimum efficiency is achieved when the interior wall concept
is employed in a high efficiency blower housing such as those
described in pending patent application Ser. Nos. 11/935,726;
12/178,161 and 12/631,415; all of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0041] The motor 16 of the blower assembly is an axial flux motor.
The stator 52 of the motor is integrated into the construction of
the housing interior wall 44 at the center hole 46 through the
wall. The interior wall 44 can be constructed in such a manner that
allows for the wiring associated with the stator 52 and the control
systems of the motor 16 to be run through the interior of the
interior wall 44. Alternatively, the wiring can be run across the
exterior surface of the interior wall 44. The stator windings 54
extend radially inwardly from the interior wall 44 into the center
hole 46. In the illustrated embodiment of the blower assembly, the
stator has thirty six slots and eighteen windings 54. The rotor 56
of the motor includes a hollow cylindrical hub 58 having a bore 62
through the hub 58. The hub 58 is mounted by bearings on the stator
52 for rotation of the hub 58 inside the stator 52. A pair of first
and second annular plates 64, 66 project radially outwardly from
the opposite ends of the hub 58 over opposite sides of the stator
52 and opposite sides of the interior wall 44. The hub interior
bore 62 defines center holes through the plates 64, 66. The hub
interior bore 62 and the holes through the plates 64, 66 are all
coaxially aligned with the inlet openings 38, 42 through the
respective side walls 28, 32 of the blower housing 12. The
permanent magnets 68 of the rotor 56 are secured to the interior
surface of at least one of the plates 64, 66 that opposes the
stator windings 54. In the illustrated embodiment thirty magnets
are employed on the rotor 56. In alternate embodiments of the
blower assembly, permanent magnets could be provided on both of the
plates 64, 66. The circular peripheral edges 72, 74 of the
respective plates 64, 66 are secured to the fan 14 of the blower
assembly. In addition, the motor 16 need not be positioned at the
center of the blower housing interior and could be positioned to
either side of the interior by relocating the interior wall 44
supporting the motor 16.
[0042] The impeller fan 14 of the blower assembly is comprised of a
first centrifugal or squirrel-cage fan 76 and a second centrifugal
or squirrel-cage fan 78. The two fans 76, 78 are basically the same
in construction. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the first fan 76 is
connected to the peripheral edge 72 of the first annular plate 64
and the second fan 78 is connected to the peripheral edge 74 of the
second annular plate 66. This connects the two fans 76, 78 to the
rotor 56 with the fans positioned on opposite sides of the blower
housing interior wall 44. On operation of the motor 16, the rotor
56 rotates freely relative to the stator 52 and drives the fans 76,
78 in rotation relative to the blower housing interior wall 44 and
the blower housing 12.
[0043] The bore 62 through the stator hub 58 allows for the
balancing of pressure between the interiors of the two fans 76, 78.
The bore 62 also allows for the free flow of air between the
interiors of the two fans 76, 78 and the two sides of the blower
housing interior on opposite sides of the interior wall 44.
[0044] The blower assembly constructed in the manner above has no
obstructions to the free flow of air through the inlet openings of
the blower housing side walls into the interiors of the fans
contained in the blower housing. The blower housing assembly also
has a smaller size than comparable prior art blower assemblies have
motors projecting from one side of their blower housings. This
enables it to be used in a narrower air handler enclosure. This is
accomplished by positioning the motor in the interior of the blower
housing on the inner wall of the housing.
[0045] FIGS. 12-18 are schematic representations of the possible
positioning of controls 82 for the motor 16 of the blower assembly
and the wiring 84 or other electronics communicating the controls
with the motor.
[0046] In FIG. 12 the motor controls 82 are shown mounted to the
exterior of the blower housing outer wall 18. The wiring 84 for the
stator 52 extends through the interior of the housing interior wall
44. In other embodiments, the housing interior wall 44 could be
replaced by a circular ring with a center opening that supports the
motor 16 in the same manner as the interior wall 44, with the ring
being secured to the interior of the blower housing outer wall 18
by a plurality of spokes or webs spatially arranged around the ring
and extending radially from the ring to the blower housing outer
wall 18. In this variant embodiment, the wiring 84 would extend
through one of the radially extending spokes or webs. The wiring 84
extending through the interior wall or one of the spokes or webs
provides EMI shielding of the wiring.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a representation of the controls 82 being mounted
on the blower housing interior wall 44 or one of the interior
spokes or webs. In this arrangement the controls 82 are contained
in a housing having a flat or aerodynamic shape so as not to
obstruct air flow. The wiring 84 runs through the interior of the
interior wall 44 to the motor 16, or through one of the spokes or
webs used as an alternate to the interior wall 44. Power and signal
connections to the controls 82 would also extend through the
interior wall 44 or supporting spoke or web to the exterior of the
blower housing 12.
[0048] FIG. 14 represents the motor controls 82 being mounted on
the exterior of the blower housing 12. A heat sink 86 for the
controls 82 extends through the blower housing 12 to the interior
of the blower housing for access to cooling air. The wiring 84 for
the stator 52 extends through the interior wall 44 or through one
of the alternative spokes or webs directly to the controls 82. If
the wiring is routed through the interior of the blower housing 12,
it must be positioned to be protected from the blades of the fan
14. In addition, some EMI shielding of the wiring would likely be
required. With the controls 82 positioned on the exterior of the
blower housing 12, the power and signal cables for the controls are
easily accessible.
[0049] FIG. 15 is also a representation of the controls 82 being
mounted on the exterior of the blower housing 12 with a heat sink
86 extending into the blower housing. In the arrangement shown in
FIG. 15, the controls 82 are not an integral part of the interior
wall 44 supporting the motor 16 as shown in FIG. 12. Here again,
with the controls 82 positioned on the exterior of the blower
housing 12, the power and signal cables are easily accessible.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a representation of a blower arrangement where
the motor is supported by a stationary shaft and the controls 82
being mounted in the center hub 84 of the motor construction,
thereby closing the center hub bore 62. A hollow, stationary shaft
88 extends through the motor controls 82 and supports the motor
controls in the interior of the blower housing 12. The shaft 88 is
connected to the blower housing 12 by three circumferentially
spaced rods 92 that connect one end of the shaft 88 to the blower
housing 12 and three circumferentially spaced rods 94 that connect
the opposite end of the shaft 88 to the blower housing 12. The
motor stator 52 is also attached to the stationary shaft 88. Thus,
in the construction represented in FIG. 16, there is no need for
the interior wall 44 in the blower housing 12. The power and signal
connections for the controls 82 would be routed through the
interior of the shaft 88 to the exterior of the blower housing
12.
[0051] FIG. 17 represents a further arrangement where the center
bore 62 is obstructed by the controls 82 positioned at the center
of the stator 52. As in the previously-described embodiments, the
stator 52 is supported in the blower housing 12 by the interior
wall 44, or by the alternative spokes or webs. The power and signal
connections for the motor controls 82 are routed through the
interior of the interior wall 44, or through the interior of one of
the alternative spokes or webs.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a representation of an arrangement where the
motor stator 52 is mounted to one side of the blower housing 12 and
the motor rotor 56 is mounted to one side of the fan 14 adjacent
the stator. The motor controls 82 are mounted to the stator 52 at
the side of the blower housing 12. One end of the fan 14 is
supported by bearings 96 positioned between the fan and the stator
52. The opposite end of the fan 14 is constructed with a center
ring 98 and three spokes 102 that extend radially from the ring to
the fan. A bearing 104 mounts the fan ring 98 on a shaft 106. The
shaft 106 is held stationary to the blower housing 12 by three rods
108 that connect the shaft 106 to the housing.
[0053] FIGS. 19-19c show a blower assembly 110 similar to the
blower assembly of FIGS. 1-11, but with the center brace being a
fin-shaped mount 144 instead of the interior wall 44. For
simplicity, the reference numbers for the elements of the blower
assembly 110 are the same as corresponding elements of the blower
assembly of FIGS. 1-11 except the reference numbers for the blower
assembly 110 contain the prefix "1". The fin-shaped mount 144
supports the motor 116 and the blower housing 112. The fin-shaped
mount extends radially from an arcuate portion (shown in FIG. 19c)
of the outer periphery of the stator 152. An end portion of the
mount 144 extends radially from the blower housing 112. The mount
end portion is configured for supporting the motor control circuit
182. Preferably, the mount 144 includes a removable cover member
144a for enclosing the motor control circuit. Referring to FIGS.
19b and 19c, the permanent magnets 168 of the rotor 156 are
arranged to form a magnet ring. Each magnet 168 includes an inner
edge 168a and an outer edge 168b (see FIG. 19b). The inner edges
168a combine to generally define an inner circumference of the
magnet ring. The outer edges 168b combine to generally define an
outer circumference of the magnet ring. The diameter of the outer
circumference is represented as D.sub.o and the diameter of the
inner circumference is represented as D.sub.i. Preferably, the
ratio of the diameters of the outer and inner circumferences
D.sub.o, D.sub.i is not more than approximately 1.2. Preferably,
the blower assembly 110 has nothing obstructing the two inlet
openings 138, 142.
[0054] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the
invention achieves several advantages over prior art blowers.
[0055] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims appended
hereto and their equivalents.
[0056] It should also be understood that when introducing elements
of the present invention in the claims or in the above description
of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and
third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative
position or time sequence between limitations.
* * * * *