U.S. patent application number 14/194099 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for blower housing having integral exhaust blower discharge drain section.
This patent application is currently assigned to Regal Beloit America, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Regal Beloit America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Leslie A. Lyons.
Application Number | 20150247508 14/194099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006573 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150247508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyons; Leslie A. |
September 3, 2015 |
Blower Housing Having Integral Exhaust Blower Discharge Drain
Section
Abstract
A blower housing comprises first and second blower housing
pieces for surrounding a blower fan. The first blower housing piece
comprises a blower discharge section comprising an inner tubular
portion, an outer tubular portion, and a drain hole. The inner
tubular portion defines a blower discharge passage. The inner and
outer tubular portions define an exhaust pipe cavity adapted to
receive an end margin of an exhaust pipe. The tubular portions are
adapted to enable condensate water that forms on the inner surface
of the exhaust pipe to flow into the exhaust pipe cavity. The drain
hole extends through the outer tubular portion. The drain hole is
configured to enable condensate water flowing into the exhaust pipe
cavity to drain from the blower housing. The first blower housing
piece is a molded one-piece member.
Inventors: |
Lyons; Leslie A.;
(Cassville, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Regal Beloit America, Inc. |
Beloit |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Regal Beloit America, Inc.
Beloit
WI
|
Family ID: |
54006573 |
Appl. No.: |
14/194099 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/169.2 ;
415/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/706 20130101;
F04D 29/4226 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 29/70 20060101
F04D029/70; F04D 29/42 20060101 F04D029/42 |
Claims
1. A blower housing comprising a first blower housing piece and a
second blower housing piece, the first and second blower housing
pieces being adapted and configured to be connected to one another
in a manner to collectively surround a blower fan, the first blower
housing piece comprising a blower discharge section adapted to be
coupled to an exhaust pipe, the blower discharge section
comprising: an inner tubular portion and an outer tubular portion,
the inner tubular portion having an inner surface and an outer
surface, the inner surface of the inner tubular portion defining a
blower discharge passage, the outer tubular portion surrounding the
inner tubular portion, the outer tubular portion having an inner
surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the outer
tubular portion and the outer surface of the inner tubular portion
being spaced sufficiently apart to define an exhaust pipe cavity,
the exhaust pipe cavity being adapted to receive an end margin of
the exhaust pipe to enable the end margin of the exhaust pipe to be
positioned between the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular
portion, the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular portion
being adapted and configured to enable condensate water that forms
on the inner surface of the exhaust pipe to flow into the exhaust
pipe cavity; at least one drain hole extending through the outer
tubular portion and in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe
cavity, the at least one drain hole being adapted and configured to
enable condensate water flowing into the exhaust pipe cavity to
drain from the blower housing via the at least one drain hole; the
first blower housing piece being a molded one-piece member.
2. A blower housing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outer
tubular portion includes an axially-extending, downstream end
margin adapted and configured to be clamped onto the exhaust
pipe.
3. A blower housing as set forth in claim 2 wherein the downstream
end margin of the outer tubular portion includes a downstream end
and a plurality of slits, each slit extending axially inwardly from
the downstream end of the outer tubular portion, the slits enabling
at least one section of the outer tubular portion to resiliently
move radially such that the at least one section may be squeezed
radially inwardly against the exhaust pipe.
4. A blower housing as set forth in claim 3 wherein the plurality
of slits comprises a first pair of aligned slits.
5. A blower housing as set forth in claim 4 wherein the drain hole
is circumferentially between the slits of the first pair of aligned
slits.
6. A blower housing as set forth in claim 5 wherein the inner
surface of the outer tubular portion subtends a circumferential arc
of at least 75.degree. between the slits of the first pair of
aligned slits, the circumferential arc being devoid of slits.
7. A blower housing as set forth in claim 6 wherein the
circumferential arc is at least 90.degree..
8. A blower housing as set forth in claim 4 wherein the plurality
of slits further comprises a second pair of aligned slits, the
second pair of aligned slits being generally parallel to the first
pair of aligned slits.
9. A blower housing as set forth in claim 3 wherein the at least
one drain hole comprises first and second drain holes.
10. A blower housing as set forth in claim 9 wherein the plurality
of slits comprises a first pair of slits and a second pair of
slits, the first drain hole being circumferentially between the
slits of the first pair slits, the second drain hole being
circumferentially between the slits of the second pair of
slits.
11. A blower housing as set forth in claim 10 wherein the inner
surface of the outer tubular portion subtends a first
circumferential arc of at least 75.degree. between the slits of the
first pair of slits, and subtends a second circumferential arc of
at least 75.degree. between the slits of the second pair of slits,
each of the first and second circumferential arcs being devoid of
slits.
12. A blower housing as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of the
first and second circumferential arcs is at least 90.degree..
13. A blower housing as set forth in claim 12 wherein the slits of
the first pair of slits are collinear, and wherein the slits of the
second pair of slits are collinear, the slits of the second pair of
slits being parallel to the slits of the first pair of slits.
14. A blower housing as set forth in claim 11 wherein the blower
discharge section of the first blower housing piece further
includes first and second drain tubes protruding from the outer
tubular portion, the first drain tube being in fluid communication
with the first drain hole, the second drain tube being in fluid
communication with the second drain hole.
15. A blower housing as set forth in claim 11 wherein the
downstream end margin of the outer tubular portion includes a pair
of annular rings protruding from an outer surface of the outer
tubular portion, the annular rings being axially spaced from one
another to define a clamp groove therebetween.
16. A blower housing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inner
tubular portion extends longitudinally generally from an upstream
end to a downstream end, the outer surface of the inner tubular
portion tapering radially inwardly toward the downstream end.
17. A blower housing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the blower
discharge section of the first blower housing piece further
includes at least one boss protruding into the exhaust pipe cavity,
the boss being in a location and of a size sufficient to prevent
the exhaust pipe from plugging the at least one drain hole.
18. A blower housing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the at least
one drain hole comprises first and second drain holes.
19. A blower housing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the at least
one drain hole comprises first and second drain holes, and wherein
the blower discharge section of the first blower housing piece
further includes first and second drain tubes protruding from the
outer tubular portion, the first drain tube being in fluid
communication with the first drain hole, the second drain tube
being in fluid communication with the second drain hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention pertains to blower housings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a blower housing
comprising a first blower housing piece and a second blower housing
piece. The first and second blower housing pieces are adapted and
configured to be connected to one another in a manner to
collectively surround a blower fan. The first blower housing piece
comprises a blower discharge section adapted to be coupled to an
exhaust pipe. The blower discharge section comprises an inner
tubular portion, an outer tubular portion, and at least one drain
hole. The inner tubular portion has an inner surface and an outer
surface. The inner surface of the inner tubular portion defines a
blower discharge passage. The outer tubular portion surrounds the
inner tubular portion. The outer tubular portion has an inner
surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the outer
tubular portion and the outer surface of the inner tubular portion
are spaced sufficiently apart to define an exhaust pipe cavity. The
exhaust pipe cavity is adapted to receive an end margin of the
exhaust pipe to enable the end margin of the exhaust pipe to be
positioned between the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular
portion. The inner tubular portion and the outer tubular portion
are adapted and configured to enable condensate water that forms on
the inner surface of the exhaust pipe to flow into the exhaust pipe
cavity. The at least one drain hole extends through the outer
tubular portion and is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe
cavity. The at least one drain hole is adapted and configured to
enable condensate water flowing into the exhaust pipe cavity to
drain from the blower housing via the at least one drain hole. The
first blower housing piece is a molded one-piece member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a
blower of the present invention and an exhaust pipe, the blower
comprising a blower housing, a fan, and a motor.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevational view of the blower of
FIG. 1, with the exhaust pipe separated from the blower.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the blower of FIGS. 1
and 2, with portions broken away to show a blower discharge section
of the blower housing.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented, section view of the blower
discharge section of the blower of FIGS. 1-3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented, exploded, perspective view
of the blower discharge section of the blower of FIGS. 1-4 and the
exhaust pipe.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a fragmented end view of a blower discharge
section of a second embodiment of a blower of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the plane of
line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
[0013] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the
drawing figures indicate corresponding items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] An embodiment of a blower of the present invention is
indicated generally by reference numeral 20 in FIG. 1. The blower
20 comprises a blower housing 22, a blower fan 24, and a motor 26
configured to rotate the blower fan. The blower housing 22 has a
first blower housing piece 30 and a second blower housing piece 32.
The first and second blower housing pieces 30, 32 are adapted and
configured to be connected to one another in a manner to
collectively surround the blower fan 24. The first blower housing
piece 30 comprises a blower discharge section 34 adapted to be
coupled to an exhaust pipe 36. The blower discharge section 34
comprises an inner tubular portion 40, an outer tubular portion 42,
and first and second drain holes 44, 46. In the present embodiment,
the blower discharge section 34 of the first blower housing piece
30 further includes first and second drain tubes 48, 50 protruding
from the outer tubular portion 42. The first drain tube 48 is in
fluid communication with the first drain hole 44. The second drain
tube 50 is in fluid communication with the second drain hole
46.
[0015] The inner tubular portion 40 has an inner surface 40a and an
outer surface 40b. The inner surface 40a of the inner tubular
portion 40 defines a blower discharge passage 52. The outer tubular
portion 42 surrounds the inner tubular portion 40. Referring to
FIG. 4, the inner tubular portion 40 extends longitudinally
generally from an upstream end 40c to a downstream end 40d. The
outer surface 40b of the inner tubular portion 40 tapers radially
inwardly toward the downstream end 40d of the inner tubular
portion.
[0016] The outer tubular portion 42 has an inner surface 42a and an
outer surface 42b. The inner surface 42a of the outer tubular
portion 42 and the outer surface 42b of the inner tubular portion
42 are spaced sufficiently apart to define an exhaust pipe cavity
54. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the exhaust pipe cavity 54 is
adapted to receive an end margin 36a of the exhaust pipe 36 to
enable the end margin of the exhaust pipe to be positioned between
the inner tubular portion 40 and the outer tubular portion 42. The
inner tubular portion 40 and the outer tubular portion 42 are
adapted and configured to enable condensate water that forms on the
inner surface of the exhaust pipe 36 to flow into the exhaust pipe
cavity 54. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the outer
surface 40b of the inner tubular portion is spaced radially
inwardly of the inner surface of the exhaust pipe 36 such that
condensate water can flow between the inner tubular portion and the
exhaust pipe and into the exhaust pipe cavity 54. The first and
second drain holes 44, 46 extend through the outer tubular portion
42 and are in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe cavity.
Each of the first and second drain holes 44, 46 is adapted and
configured to enable condensate water flowing into the exhaust pipe
cavity 54 to drain from the blower housing 22 via such drain hole
and its corresponding drain tube 48 or 50.
[0017] The first blower housing piece 30 is a molded one-piece
member. The blower discharge section 34 may be formed at the same
time and of the same material as the rest of the first blower
housing piece 30. Alternatively, the blower discharge section 34
and the rest of the first blower housing piece 30 may be formed by
an over-molding process such that the blower discharge section is
of a less rigid material than the rest of the first blower housing
piece.
[0018] The outer tubular portion 42 includes an axially-extending,
downstream end margin 60 adapted and configured to be clamped onto
the exhaust pipe 36. The downstream end margin 56 of the outer
tubular portion 42 includes a downstream end 58 and a plurality of
slits 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d. Each slit 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d extends
axially inwardly from the downstream end 58 of the outer tubular
portion 42. The slits 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d enable at least one
section of the outer tubular portion 42 to resiliently move
radially such that the at least one section may be squeezed
radially inwardly against the exhaust pipe 36. The downstream end
margin 56 of the outer tubular portion 42 includes a pair of
annular rings 62, 64 protruding from the outer surface 42b of the
outer tubular portion 42. The annular rings 62, 64 are axially
spaced from one another to define a clamp groove 66 therebetween
for receiving a clamp 68. The exhaust pipe 36 may include a cup 70
of a relatively soft polymeric material fitted over the main
portion of the exhaust pipe. The cup 70 creates a leak proof seal
when clamped to prevent leakage between the inner surface 42a of
the outer tubular portion and the exhaust pipe 36.
[0019] The slits 60a, 60b comprise a first pair of aligned slits
and slits 60c, 60d comprise a second pair of aligned slits. The
first drain hole 44 is circumferentially between the slits of the
first pair of aligned slits 60a, 60b, and the second drain hole is
circumferentially between the slits of the second pair of aligned
slits 60c, 60d. In the present embodiment, the second pair of
aligned slits 60c, 60d is generally parallel to the first pair of
aligned slits 60a, 60b. The inner surface 42a of the outer tubular
portion 42 subtends a first circumferential arc between the slits
of the first pair of slits 60a, 60b, and subtends a second
circumferential arc between the slits of the second pair of slits
60c, 60d. Each of the first and second circumferential arcs is
devoid of slits through which water can pass radially through the
outer tubular portion 42. Each of the first and second
circumferential arcs is preferably at least 75.degree., and more
preferably at least 90.degree.. In the present embodiment, the
slits of the first pair of slits 60a, 60b are collinear, the slits
of the second pair of slits 60c, 60d are collinear, and the slits
of the second pair of slits are parallel to the slits of the first
pair of slits.
[0020] Another embodiment of a blower discharge section is
indicated by reference number 134 in FIGS. 6 and 7. The blower
discharge section 134 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is the same as the blower
discharge section 34 of FIGS. 1-5 except for the differences noted
herein or apparent from the drawing figures. Thus, except for these
differences, the description above with respect to the blower
discharge section 34 and its relationship to the other portions of
the blower 20 are equally applicable to the blower discharge
section 134. The blower discharge section 134 includes an inner
tubular portion 140 and an outer tubular portion 142. The inner
tubular portion and the outer tubular portion define an exhaust
pipe cavity 154. Unlike the outer tubular portion 42, the outer
tubular portion 142 does not include a circumferential shoulder for
engaging exhaust pipe (or cup of the exhaust pipe). Instead the
blower discharge section 134 at least one boss 172 (four of which
are shown in FIG. 6) protruding into the exhaust pipe cavity 154.
The bosses 172 are in a location and of a size sufficient to
prevent the exhaust pipe from being inserted sufficiently deep into
the pipe cavity 154 to plug the drain holes 144, 146.
[0021] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and methods 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.
[0022] 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. Additionally, each of the terms "portion" and "section"
should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element
that it qualifies. 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. Still
further, the order in which the steps of any method claim that
follows are presented should not be construed in a manner limiting
the order in which such steps must be performed.
* * * * *