U.S. patent application number 15/972795 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for louver integrated design for fan module.
The applicant listed for this patent is QUANTA COMPUTER INC.. Invention is credited to Chao-Jung CHEN, Yu-Nien HUANG, Kuen-Hsien WU.
Application Number | 20190234647 15/972795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63667749 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190234647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; Chao-Jung ; et
al. |
August 1, 2019 |
LOUVER INTEGRATED DESIGN FOR FAN MODULE
Abstract
A fan assembly is disclosed to prevent reverse air flow when the
fan stops working. The assembly has a fan module including an
intake end, a motor casing and a motor propelling a fan. A louver
module has a plurality of slats having an open position to allow
air flow and a closed position to block air flow. The louver module
is coupled to the motor casing to provide a seal between the louver
module and the motor casing.
Inventors: |
CHEN; Chao-Jung; (Taoyuan
City, TW) ; HUANG; Yu-Nien; (Taoyuan City, TW)
; WU; Kuen-Hsien; (Taoyuan City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUANTA COMPUTER INC. |
Taoyuan City |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
63667749 |
Appl. No.: |
15/972795 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62623714 |
Jan 30, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/14 20130101;
F24F 13/1426 20130101; F04D 25/08 20130101; F04D 19/007 20130101;
F04D 29/601 20130101; F04D 25/166 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/14 20060101
F24F013/14 |
Claims
1. A integrated fan assembly, comprising: a fan module including an
intake end, a motor casing, and a motor propelling a fan; and a
louver module having a plurality of slats having an open position
to allow air flow and a closed position to block air flow, wherein
the louver module is coupled to the motor casing to provide a seal
between the louver module and the motor casing.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the louver module includes a
rear frame having a handle.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slats is
forced to the closed position when air flow occurs from the louver
module to the intake end.
4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front frame
coupled to the motor casing.
5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a grill attached to
the louver module for transmission of air flow.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slats is
vertically oriented and rotatably attached to top and bottom
members of the louver module.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slats is
horizontally oriented and rotatably attached to side members of the
louver module.
8. A fan louver module for connection with a motor casing of a fan,
the fan louver module comprising: a frame having side walls and top
and bottom walls; and a plurality of slats mounted in the frame,
the plurality of slats having an open position to allow air flow
though the frame and a closed position blocking air flow through
the frame; wherein the frame has approximately the same cross
section area as a front end of the motor casing, and wherein the
frame is attachable to the motor casing of the fan to provide a
seal between the motor casing and the frame.
9. The fan louver module of claim 8, wherein the plurality of slats
is forced to the closed position when air flow occurs from the
frame to the motor casing.
10. The fan louver module of claim 8, wherein the frame of the
louver module includes a first attachment point that may be joined
with a corresponding attachment point on a front frame of the
fan.
11. The fan louver module of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
slats is vertically oriented and rotatably attached to top and
bottom members of the frame.
12. The fan louver module of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
slats is horizontally oriented and rotatably attached to the side
members of the frame.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/623,714, filed on Jan. 30,
2018. The contents of that application are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a fan system.
More particularly, aspects of this disclosure relate to an
integrated fan module that incorporates a louver to prevent reverse
fan flow.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic devices, such as servers, include numerous
electronic components that are powered to a common power supply.
Servers generate an enormous amount of heat due to the operation of
internal electronic devices such as controllers, processors, and
memory. Overheating from the inefficient removal of such heat has
the potential to shut down or impede the operation of such devices.
Thus, servers are designed to rely on air flow through the interior
of the device to carry away heat generated from electronic
components. Servers often include various heat sinks that are
attached to the electronic components such as processing units.
Heat sinks are typically composed of thermally conductive material.
Heat sinks absorb the heat from the electronic components, thus
transferring the heat away from the components. The heat from heat
sinks must be vented away from the server. Air flow to vent away
such heat is often generated by a fan system. The generated air
flow thus carries collected heat away from the components and the
heat sink. A good thermal design can assure the smallest fan power
with limited air flow is sufficient to cool a fixed server or
switch system power level. Thus, air flow can pass through hot
electric components in the device without any reverse air flow
because the internal layout effectively channels the air flow.
[0004] A typical fan system will include multiple fans. Such fans
may be grouped together in a fan wall to provide maximum cooling.
Further, additional fans provide redundancy that allows for the
operation of the server even if one of the fans in the fan wall
fails. However, one issue with grouping fans occurs when a single
fan fails. Reverse air flow occurs because the failed fan creates a
low pressure area. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a server 10 that
includes various components 12 that illustrates the reverse flow
problem. The components 12 are cooled by a fan wall 14. The fan
wall 14 in this example includes separate fans 20, 22, and 24. In
this example, the fan 22 has failed and thus stops providing air
flow. The lack of air flow from the fan 22 creates a low pressure
area because the remaining fans 20 and 24 continue to create air
flow. The reverse air flow is mainly from a fan outlet high
pressure area backward to a fan inlet low pressure area around the
non-functioning fan 22. The low pressure area creates reverse air
flow as shown by arrows 30. The reverse air flow will reduce
overall system air flow therefore cooling of components in the
server 10 will be compromised.
[0005] In order to solve this reverse flow issue, a louver device
has been installed in front of each fan module. FIG. 2 shows such a
server 50 that includes various electronic components 52. The
components 52 are cooled by a fan wall 54. The fan wall 54 includes
separate fans 60, 62, and 64. Each of the fans 60, 62, and 64 have
a corresponding front fan louver 70, 72, and 74. When a fan fails,
impellers of the corresponding front fan louver will be closed and
therefore block the reverse air flow. However, the front fan louver
design needs a perfect air tunnel, without air leakage between the
fan and the louver, in order to block all of the reverse air flow.
Because there is a gap between the fan louvers 70, 72, and 74, and
the intakes of the fans 60, 62, and 64, there is still reverse air
flow when one of the fans fails. Thus, even with the addition of
the louvers, current cooling systems still suffer from loss of
cooling capability due to reverse air flow when a fan fails.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for a fan system that uses a louver to
effectively prevent reverse air flow when a fan fails. There is
also a need for a fan system that allows a louver frame to be
easily mated to a fan module. There is a further need for an
integrated fan system that blocks any leaking reverse air flow when
a louver is activated.
SUMMARY
[0007] One disclosed example is a fan assembly. The assembly has a
fan module including an intake end, a motor casing, and a motor
propelling a fan, and a vent end. A louver module has a plurality
of slats having an open position to allow air flow, and a closed
position to block air flow. The louver module is coupled to the
motor casing to provide a seal between the louver module and the
motor casing.
[0008] Another example is a fan louver module for connection with a
motor casing of a fan. The fan louver module includes a frame
having side walls and top and bottom walls. A plurality of slats is
mounted in the frame. The plurality of slats have an open position
to allow air flow though the frame, and a closed position to block
air flow through the frame. The frame has approximately the same
cross section area as the motor casing of the fan. The frame is
attachable to the motor casing to provide a seal between the motor
casing and the frame.
[0009] The above summary is not intended to represent each
embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the
foregoing summary merely provides an example of some of the novel
aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and
advantages, and other features and advantages of the present
disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed
description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying
out the present invention, when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The disclosure will be better understood from the following
description of exemplary embodiments together with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a prior art server having a series of fans showing
the problem of reverse air flow;
[0012] FIG. 2 is another prior art server having a series of
louvers in front of fans, that attempts to addresses the problem of
reverse air flow;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of a fan module with an
integrated louver;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the fan module and
louver structure in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the integrated louver
module in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the louver module in FIG. 3
with the louver open; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the louver module in FIG. 3
with the louver closed.
[0018] The present disclosure is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms. Some representative
embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and
will be described in detail herein. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The present inventions can be embodied in many different
forms. Representative embodiments are shown in the drawings, and
will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure is an
example or illustration of the principles of the present
disclosure, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the
disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. To that extent,
elements, and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the
Abstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not
explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into
the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference, or
otherwise. For purposes of the present detailed description, unless
specifically disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice
versa; and the word "including" means "including without
limitation." Moreover, words of approximation, such as "about,"
"almost," "substantially," "approximately," and the like, can be
used herein to mean "at," "near," or "nearly at," or "within 3-5%
of," or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any
logical combination thereof, for example.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a back perspective view of a fan assembly 100
having an integrated fan module 102 with an integrated louver
module 110. FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the fan
assembly 100. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the louver module 110
separated from the fan module 102. Like elements are labeled with
identical element numbers throughout FIGS. 3-5.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the fan module 102 includes a carrier
structure 120. The carrier structure 120 includes a handle 122 that
allows the fan module 102 to be easily removed from an electronic
device, such as a server or network switch. The carrier structure
120 includes a rear end 124 that vents air flow and an opposite
front air intake end 126 that draws in air flow. The carrier
structure 120 includes a motor casing 130, that is located between
the intake end 126 and the rear end 124. The motor casing 130 holds
a motor and a fan. The fan has a series of fan blades that is
propelled by the motor. The motor is powered via cable connectors
that may be attached to a power source, such as a power supply unit
on a board of the electronic device. Power supply signals to the
motor cause the fan to rotate. Fan rotation draws air in from the
intake end 126 and pushes air out through the rear end 124.
[0022] The carrier structure 120 includes a front frame 132 and a
rear frame 134. The front frame 132 and the rear frame 134 are on
opposite sides of the motor casing 130. The rear frame 134 includes
side members 140 and 142. The side members 140 and 142 are attached
to the handle 122. The side members 140 and 142 are joined by a top
member 144, and a bottom member 146. The rear frame 134 includes a
grill 148 that serves to prevent particles from entering the
carrier structure 120. As will be explained below, the side members
140 and 142 and the top and bottom members 144 and 146 form the
louver module 110.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the front frame 132 includes side
members 150 and 152. The side members 150 and 152 are joined by a
top member 154 and a bottom member 156. The side members 150 and
152, the top member 154, and the bottom member 156, form a front
surface 158 that defines an intake opening 160. The intake opening
160 includes a webbing pattern 162 that allows air flow to be
directed toward the fan propelled by the motor in the motor casing
130. A series of rods 170 are employed to attach the front frame
132 to the rear frame 134 (in FIG. 3). The rods 170 span the length
of the motor casing 130.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, the louver module 110 is integrated in
the rear frame 134. The rear frame 134 is defined by the top member
144, the bottom member 146, and the side members 140 and 142. One
side of rear frame 134 is closed by the grill 148 that is attached
to one side of the side members 140 and 142, and the top and bottom
members 144 and 146. The top member 144 and the bottom member 146
each have respective interior surfaces 220 and 222. The opposite
side of the members 140, 142, 144, and 146 form a contact surface
230, that is defined by four corner supports 232, 234, 236, and 238
at the junctions of the side members 140 and 142, top member 144,
and bottom member 146.
[0025] The members 140, 142, 144, and 146 define an opening that is
roughly the same cross sectional area as the output area from the
fan in the motor casing 130. When the rear frame 134 and integrated
louver module 110 is attached to the motor casing 130 (as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4), the contact surface 230 of the members 140, 142,
144, and 146 are flush with the motor casing 130 and form a seal to
prevent air flow from leaking out of the side of the fan assembly
100. The four corner supports 232, 234, 236, and 238, each may
include a hole 240 that allows the rods 170 to be inserted and join
the rear frame 134 with the front frame 132. The front frame 132
has similar holes to accommodate the rods 170. The holes 240 may
have screw threads that allow the rods 170 be screwed into the
holes and thus hold the front frame 132 in relation to the rear
frame 134.
[0026] As show in FIGS. 6 and 7, a series of slats 250 are
rotatably attached between the interior surfaces 220 and 222 of the
top and bottom members 144 and 146. Each of the slats 250 are
mounted similar to an impeller blade. The slats 250 may be rotated
between an open position (as shown in FIG. 6) and a closed position
(as shown in FIG. 7). The open position is where the slats 250 are
parallel to the side members 140 and 142, thereby allowing air flow
between the slats 250 (as shown in FIG. 5). The closed position is
where the slats 250 are perpendicular to the side members 140 and
142, thereby blocking air flow through the fan assembly 100. When
the fan assembly 100 is functioning, air flow is drawn from the
front air intake end 126, through the motor casing 130, and through
the louver module 110. The air flow forces the slats 250 into the
open position. When the fan assembly 100 fails, reverse air flow
causes air flow in the direction from the rear end 124 to the
louver module 110. This reverse air flow causes the slats 250 to
swing to the closed position and thereby prevents air flow through
the rest of the fan module 102. In this example, the slats are
vertically oriented, but it is to be understood that the principles
herein may apply horizontally oriented slats that would be mounted
between the side members 140 and 142.
[0027] The above example is based on the concept of a louver
impeller assembled to lock onto an existing fan carrier structure.
The impeller mechanism (slats 250 in FIGS. 6-7) is designed in
either a vertical or horizontal direction, which can be blown open
by the fan driving air. Once fan failure occurs, the pressure
difference between the fan inlet and outlet will force the impeller
of the louver module 110 be closed automatically. The integrated
nature of the louver module 110 in the fan assembly 100 prevents
reverse air flow by eliminating any gaps between the louver 110 and
the fan module 102. One benefit of present example fan system is to
eliminate reverse air flow, which is blocked by the louver module
110. The elimination of reverse air flow thus allows maximum air
flow through other fans. The principles above can eliminate the
reverse air flow and simplify fan louver design. In a traditional
design, a louver frame has slats inside and is a separate
component. Such a louver must be located in front of a fan module
to block reverse air flow. As explained above, a separate louver
frame is no longer needed as the slats are integrated inside the
carrier structure 120. The above described principles may there
simplify the louver design as integrated with the fan itself.
[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent
that the terms "including," "includes," "having," "has," "with," or
variants thereof, are used in either the detailed description
and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a
manner similar to the term "comprising."
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms,
such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0030] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous
changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with
the disclosure herein, without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above described
embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0031] Although the invention has been illustrated and described
with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent
alterations, and modifications will occur or be known to others
skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this
specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a
particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with
respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be
combined with one or more other features of the other
implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or
particular application.
* * * * *