WO1995002127A1

WO1995002127A1 - Motor fan system

Info

Publication number: WO1995002127A1
Application number: PCT/KR1994/000090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung-Nam Hong
Original assignee: Park, Sung-Bae
Priority date: 1993-07-09
Filing date: 1994-07-09
Publication date: 1995-01-19
Also published as: KR960001995B1; KR950003636A; AU7086094A

Abstract

A motor fan system having a drive motor (M) and a plurality of fans (20a-23a). The motor fan system further includes a power transmission pulley (30) and a plurality of drive pulleys (20b-23b). The drive pulleys (20b-23b) are rotated by the rotational force of the drive motor (M) and rotate their respective fans (20a-23a). The power transmission pulley (30) cooperates with a rotating shaft (Ma) of the drive motor (M) by a power transmission belt (31) while all the drive belts (32) cooperate with each other by a drive belt (32) wrapped about them. The motor fan system thus rotates, using the rotational force of the drive motor (M), the plurality of fans (20a-23a) having different current directions, thus to generate the currents in different directions. The currents generated by the fans return to the system so as to be recirculated. The currents of the fans are thus always refreshed. With the above circulation of the currents of fans, the heat of the motor is effectively cooled. Since the drive motor (M) is sufficiently spaced apart from the fans (20a-23a), the heat of the motor is not directly applied to the fans, thus to overcome the problem of generation of hot currents.

Description

MOTOR FAN SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a motor fan and, more particularly, to a motor fan system having a plurality of fans and rotating the fans using one motor in order to generate currents in various directions at the same time.

Description of the Prior Art

With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a typical motor fan 5. The typical motor fan 5 includes a fan 2 which is rotated by a rotating force of a drive motor 1 and generates a current. In order to change the current direction, the upper part of the motor fan 5, which upper part includes the drive motor 1 and the fan 2, is repeatedly turned about the lower part in opposite directions. That is, the upper part is turned leftward and rightward about the lower part. A protecting net 3 is mounted on the front of the motor 5 for protecting the fan 2. This protection net 3 is turned along with the upper part of the motor fan 5. The strength of the current of the fan 2 is controlled by a control panel 4.

However, since the upper part of typical motor fan 5 is turned about the lower part at a predetermined angle, the effective range of the current of the fan 2 is limited to a predetermined angle of sector. Due to such a turning motion of the fan 5, a person in the predetermined angle of sector cannot help repeatedly and temporarily exposing oneself to the current of the fan.

When the motor fan 5 is operated for a long time, the drive motor 1 is overheated and the overheat of the motor 1 is directly received by the fan 2, so that the fan 2 should generate a hot current after lapse of predetermined time. Such a hot current directly runs counter to the intrinsic object of the fan 5. Another problem of the above motor fan 5 is resided in that the current of the fan 2 is not effectively circulated. In order to combat the above problems of the typical motor fan 5, Korean U.M. Publication No. 86-1334 discloses a motor fan system which includes a pair of fans having different current directions and rotates the fans using one motor. In this Korean motor fan, the pair of fans generating different directional currents are mounted on a rotating shaft of a reversible motor such that they are opposed to each other. A rotating fan is placed between the pair of current generating fans. The change of current directions of the fans is achieved by a structure where a shoulder of a shielding plate is locked to a support of a protecting net.

However, the above Korean motor fan system has the following problems. That is, since the pair of current generating fans generating different directional currents are mounted on a common rotating shaft of the reversible motor, the heat generated by the reversible motor is directly applied to the fans. In order to cause the currents of the fans to be effective in every directions, the current generating fans should be laid down, however, this causes a problem that the side current is remarkably lower than the forward current in the current density.

In an effort to overcome the above problems, Korean U. M. Publication No. 86-2860 discloses another motor fan system which generates currents in every directions simultaneously with generating a forward current. In this motor fan system, a drive bevel gear is fixedly mounted on a rear end of a rotating shaft of drive motor and in turn gears into three driven bevel gears. Three current generating fans are fixed to their respective rotating shafts, which rotating shafts are fixed to the driven bevel gears.

The three current generating fans generate their respective currents having different directions, thus to overcome the above problem caused by the fans laid down. However, this motor fan system still has a problem that the heat generated by the motor should be received by the fans. Another problem of this motor fan system is resided in that the transmission of rotational force of the drive motor to the fans is achieved by the plurality of bevel gears gearing into each other. Such bevel gears should generate a considerable noise when the fans are driven at high number of revolutions higher than 1800 rpm. In addition, the drive motor should be overloaded when the motor fan system is used for a long time. This motor fan system can not be thus continuously.used for a long time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a motor fan system in which the above problems can be overcome and which rotates a plurality of fans using one motor, generates different directional currents and cools the heat of the motor using circulated currents.

The above object is accomplished by a motor fan system comprising a drive motor mounted on a bottom protection plate of a frame; a first rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and upwardly spaced apart from the motor by a predetermined distance, the first rotating shaft having a first fan at one end thereof and having both a power transmission pulley and a first drive pulley at the other end thereof; a second rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and upwardly spaced apart from the first rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, the second rotating shaft having a second fan and a second drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a third rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame at a position beside the first rotating shaft and spaced apart from the first rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, the third rotating shaft having a third fan and a third drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a fourth rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame at a position beside the second rotating shaft and spaced apart from the second rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, the fourth rotating shaft having a fourth fan and a fourth drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a power transmission belt wrapped about both a rotating shaft of the drive motor and the power transmission pulley, thus to cause the power transmission pulley to cooperate with the rotating shaft of the motor; and an endless drive belt wrapped in order about all the first to fourth drive pulleys, thus to transmit rotational force of the drive motor to all the first to fourth drive pulleys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a typical motor fan;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a motor fan system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main body of the motor fan system of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a fan drive mechanism of the motor fan system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the circulation of the currents of fans of the motor fan system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a side view showing the circulation of the currents of fans of the motor fan system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a motor fan system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a motor fan system in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a cylindrical fan and a guide casing of the motor fan system of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a fan drive mechanism of the motor fan system of Fig. 8; and

Figs. 11A to 11D are perspective views of drive pulleys and drive belts wrapped about the drive pulleys respectively, in which:

Fig. 11A shows a drive pulley and a drive belt when using a circular belt as the drive belt;

Fig. 11B shows a drive pulley and a drive belt when using a V belt as the drive belt; Fig. 11C shows a drive pulley and a drive belt when using a timing belt as the drive belt; and

Fig. 11D shows a drive pulley and a drive belt when using a ball chain as the drive belt.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, there is shown a motor fan system in accordance with a primary embodiment of the present invention. The motor fan system has a frame comprising four guide columns 10, 11, 12 and 13 which are threaded on their outer surfaces so as to form the threaded portions 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a respectively. A top protection plate 14 is mounted on the top ends of the four columns 10, 11, 12 and 13 while a bottom protection plate 15 is mounted on the bottom ends of the four columns 10, 11, 12 and 13. A first movable bracket 16 is supported at its opposed sides by first and second guide columns 10 and 11 so as to be vertically movable. The first movable bracket 16 is tightened at its top and bottom sides by a plurality of nuts 16a and 16b screwing on the threaded portions 10a and 11a of the guide columns 10 and 11.

In the same manner, a second movable bracket 17 is supported at its opposed sides by second and third guide columns 11 and 12 so as to be vertically movable. The second movable bracket 17 is tightened at its top and bottom sides by a plurality of nuts 17a and 17b screwing on the threaded portions 11a and 12a of the guide columns 11 and 12.

Similarly, the third and fourth guide columns 12 and 13 are fitted in the opposed sides of a third movable bracket 18. The third movable bracket 18 is tightened at its top and bottom sides by a plurality of nuts 18a and 18b screwing on the threaded portions 12a and 13a of the guide columns 12 and 13.

A fourth movable bracket 19 is supported at its opposed sides by fourth and first guide columns 13 and 10 so as to be vertically movable. The fourth movable bracket 19 is tightened at its top and bottom sides by a plurality of nuts 19a and 19b screwing on the threaded portions 13a and 10a of the guide columns 13 and 10.

A first rotating shaft 20 is rotatably mounted on the center of the first bracket 16. The first rotating shaft 20 has a first fan 20a at one end thereof and has both a power transmission pulley 30 and a first drive pulley 20b at the other end thereof.

In the same manner, a second rotating shaft 21 is rotatably mounted on the center of the second bracket 17. The second rotating shaft 21 has a second fan 21a and a second drive pulley 21b at opposed ends thereof.

A third rotating shaft 22 is rotatably mounted on the center of the third bracket 18. The third rotating shaft 22 has a third fan 22a and a third drive pulley 22b at opposed ends thereof.

A fourth rotating shaft 23 is rotatably mounted on the center of the fourth bracket 19. The fourth rotating shaft 23 has a fourth fan 23a and a fourth drive pulley 23b at opposed ends thereof. A drive motor M is placed on the bottom protection plate 15. The rotating shaft Ma of the drive motor M cooperates with the power transmission pulley 30 of the first rotating shaft 20 through a power transmission belt 31 which is wrapped about both the rotating shaft Ma and the power transmission pulley 30. An endless drive belt 32 is commonly wrapped about all the first to fourth drive pulleys 20b, 21b, 22b and 23b, thus to transmit the rotational force of the drive motor M to all the drive pulleys. As best seen in Fig. 3, the endless drive belt 32 is wrapped about the first drive pulley 20b in a U-shape and extends upward so as to be wrapped about the second drive pulley 21b in a reversed U-shape. The drive belt 32, thereafter, extends downward so as to be wrapped about the third drive pulley 22b in a U-shape and in turn extends upward so as to be wrapped about the fourth drive pulley 23b in a reversed U-shape. The drive belt 32 wrapped about the fourth drive pulley 23b in turn extends downward so as to be wrapped about the first drive pulley 20b.

In the drawings, the reference numeral 50 denotes a bearing housing receiving a bearing (not shown) therein, the numeral 51 denotes conventional means for controlling the numbers of revolutions of the first to fourth fans 20a, 21a, 22a and 23a, the numeral 52 denotes a protecting net and the numeral 53 denotes rollers for facilitating the movement of the motor fan system.

Hereinbelow, the operational effect of the above motor fan system will be described.

The motor fan system is started by operating the control panel 51. When the drive motor M is started, the rotational force of the motor M is outputted from the rotational shaft Ma and transmitted to the power transmission pulley 30 through the power transmission belt 31, thus to rotate the pulley 30. The rotation of the pulley 30 causes rotation of the first rotating shaft 20 and in turn causes rotation of the first fan 20a. The first fan 20a thus . generates its current. Since the first drive pulley 20b is fixedly mounted on the first rotating shaft 20, this drive pulley 20b is rotated together with the first rotating shaft 20.

Since all the first to fourth drive pulleys 20b, 21b, 22b and 23b cooperate with each other through the drive belt 32 wrapped thereabout as described above, the rotation of the first drive pulley 20b causes rotation of the other drive pulleys 21b, 22b and 23b. The second rotating shaft 21 is rotated by the rotation of second drive pulley 21b, thus to rotate its fan or the second fan 21a and to generate the current of the second fan 21a. In the same manner, the third rotating shaft 22 is rotated by the rotation of third drive pulley 22b, thus to rotate its fan or the third fan 22a and to generate the current of the third fan 22a.

The fourth rotating shaft 23 is rotated by the rotation of fourth drive pulley 23b, thus to rotate its fan or the fourth fan 23a and to generate the current of the fourth fan 23a.

Otherwise stated, the rotational force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the power transmission pulley 30 through the power transmission belt 31 and, thereafter, transmitted to the second to fourth rotating shafts 21, 22 and 23 through the drive belt wrapped about the first to fourth drive pulleys 20b to 23b. The fans 20a to 23a generate their currents having different current directions. In the present invention, the diameter of the power transmission pulley 30 is larger than that of the rotating shaft Ma of the drive motor M so that the number of revolutions of drive motor M is reduced by the power transmission pulley 30. However, the torque of the rotational force is increased by the power transmission pulley 30. In this regard, when the rotational force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the first drive pulley 20b, the second drive pulley 21b, the third drive pulley 22b and the fourth drive pulley 23b through the drive belt 32 so as to rotate them, there is no problem of overload of the drive motor M. In addition, no problem is caused in the current density.

Of course, it should be understood that the diameters of the power transmission pulley 30 and the first to fourth drive pulleys 20b to 23b may be changed in accordance with both the number of revolutions and the capacity of the drive motor M. When changing the diameters as described above, both the number of revolutions and the torque are controlled.

In the present invention, the first to fourth fans 20a to 23a may be changed in their positions. The positional change of the fans 20a to 23a is achieved by vertically moving the first to fourth movable brackets 16 to 19 mounted on the guide columns 10 to 13.

When changing the positions of the first to fourth fans 20a to 23a, the nuts 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b, 19a and 19b screwing on the threaded portions 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a of the columns 10, 11, 12 and 13 are rotated in either direction with respect to the threaded portions 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a.

Of course, it should be understood that the length of the drive belt 32 is limited so that a pair of opposed fans should move in opposed directions when changing the positions of the fans. For example, one of a pair of opposed fans should be lowered when the other fan is lifted up. In addition, all the first to fourth fans 20a to 23a are simultaneously rotated since they cooperate with each other by the drive belt 32. The two upper fans, that is, the second and .fourth fans 21a and 23a, are rotated in the same direction. In the same manner, the two lower fans, that is, the first and third fans 20a and 22a, are rotated in the same direction which is opposed to the rotating direction of the second and fourth fans 21 and 23a.

When conventional fans are used as the second and fourth fans 21a and 23a, reversed type fans should be used as the first and fourth fans 20a and 22a.

In order to measure the circulations of the currents of the fans 20a to 23a of the system in a predetermined space, the following experiments using a plurality of firing candles were carrier out. As shown in Fig. 5, a firing candle 60 was placed at the front of each of the fans 20a to 23a in such a manner that the candle 60 was spaced apart from a corresponding fan by a predetermined distance or 2.5 m. In addition, four firing candles 61 were placed at every corners of the system or between the fans 20a to 23a in such a manner that each candle 61 was spaced apart from the system by a predetermined distance or 2.5 m. After placing the firing candles 60 and 61 as described above, the motor fan system of this invention was started.

When starting the system so as to generate the currents of the fans 20a to 23a, the flames of the four candles 60 placed at the fronts of the fans 20a to 23a fluttered in the currents outward or in the same directions of the currents.

However, the flames of the four candles 61 placed between the fans 20a to 23a fluttered in the currents inward. Thus, it was noted that the currents about the candles 61 directed to the motor fan system.

On the other hand, three firing candles 62 and 63 were placed in such a manner that one candle 62 was placed at the front of each fan while the other candles 62 were placed above and under the fan respectively as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the flame of the candle 62 placed at the front of the fan fluttered in the current outward or in the same directions of the current. However, the flames of the other candles 63 placed above and under the fan fluttered in the currents inward. It was thus noted that the currents about the candles 63 directed to the motor fan system.

From the above experiments, it was noted that the currents of fans 20a to 23a are continuously circulated in the space.

Otherwise stated, the currents of fans are not limited in their directions but effectively circulated in every directions in the space, thus to remarkably improve the operational effect of the motor fan system.

Of course, it should be understood that a part of the fans 20a to 23a may be stopped as demanded. That is, a part of the fans 20a to 23a may be stopped while the other fans are operated. This selective operation of the fans is achieved using a conventional clutch such as used in the typical motor fan 5. The clutch may selectively stop a part of the rotating shafts 20 to 23, thus to selectively stop the fans corresponding to the stopped rotating shafts. The clutch may be selected from conventional mechanical clutches, conventional electric clutches and conventional electronic clutches. Such a clutch is known in the field and further explanation is thus not deemed necessary.

Turning to Fig. 7, there is shown a motor fan system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As represented in this embodiment, the motor fan system of this invention may have five or more fans. In this embodiment, two fans A and B are placed in series and, in the same manner, two fans C and D are placed in series. In this case, the drive belt 32 is wrapped about the power transmission pulleys A¹, B¹, C and D' in such a manner that it is zigzagged. Otherwise stated, the belt 32 passes by the upper surfaces of the pulleys B¹ and D' and passes by the lower surfaces of the pulleys A' and C. The pulleys A¹, B¹, C and D¹ are coupled to their respective rotating shafts for transmitting the rotational force of the drive motor to their respective fans.

When the motor fan system of this invention has five or more fans, the fans will be driven through the same method as described for the embodiment of Fig. 7. Figs. 8 to 10 show an embodiment for maximizing the current density. In this embodiment, four cylindrical fans 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d, each comprising a plurality of vanes 80, are mounted on the side walls of a casing 81 respectively as best seen in Fig. 8. The four cylindrical fans 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d are fixedly mounted on their respective rotating shafts, that is, the first to fourth rotating shafts 20, 21, 22 and 23. In order to change the current directions of the fans 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d, the fans are covered with their respective movable guide casings 81a, 81b, 81c and 81d which are rotatably mounted on the side walls of the casing 81. When changing the current directions of the fans, the guide casings are rotated with respect to the fans at desired angles, thus to change the positions of their current outlets 83a, 83b, 83c and 83d.

Otherwise stated, the current directions of the fans 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d are easily changed because of the rotatable structures of their respective guide casings 81a, 81b, 81c and 81d.

The currents of the fans 80a to 80d are discharged out of the guide casings 81a to 81d through the current outlets 83a to 83d of the casings. In this regard, the current directions of the fans may be controlled by provision of current direction control blades 84 for the current outlets 83a to 83d in the same manner as the prior art.

In the present invention, the first to fourth drive pulleys 20b, 21b, 22b and 23b may be changed in their outer appearances in accordance with the type of the drive belt 32 wrapped about them. That is, when using a circular belt 70 as the drive belt 32 as shown in Fig. 11A, a semicircular groove 70a for receiving the belt 72 is preferably formed on the outer surface of each of the drive pulleys 20b to 23b. When using a V belt 71 as the drive belt 32 as shown in Fig. 11B, a V groove 71a for receiving the V belt 71 is preferably formed on the outer surface of each of the drive pulleys 20b to 23b. When using a timing belt 72 as the drive belt 32 as shown in Fig. 11C, a plurality of trapezoidal teeth 72a for gearing into the timing belt 72 are formed on the outer surface of each of the drive pulleys 20b to 23b. When using a ball chain 73 as the drive belt 32 as shown in Fig. 11D, a plurality of hemispherical recesses 73a for engaging with the balls of the ball chain 73 are formed on the outer surface of each of the drive pulleys 20b to 23b.

As described above, a motor fan system of the present invention rotates, using the rotational force of one drive motor, a plurality of fans having different current directions, thus to generate the currents in different directions. The currents generated by the fans return to the system so as to be recirculated so that the currents of the fans are always refreshed. With the above circulation of the currents of fans, the heat of the motor is effectively cooled. Since the drive motor is sufficiently spaced apart from the fans, the heat of the motor is not directly applied to the fans, thus to overcome possible problem of generation of hot currents.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that- various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A motor fan system comprising: a drive motor mounted on a bottom protection plate of a frame; a first rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and upwardly spaced apart from said motor by a predetermined distance, said first rotating shaft having a first fan at one end thereof and having both a power transmission pulley and a first drive pulley at the other end thereof; a second rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and upwardly spaced apart from said first rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, said second rotating shaft having a second fan and a second drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a third rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame at a position beside the first rotating shaft and spaced apart from the first rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, said third rotating shaft having a third fan and a third drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a fourth rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the frame at a position beside the second rotating shaft and spaced apart from the second rotating shaft by a predetermined distance, said fourth rotating shaft having a fourth fan and a fourth drive pulley at opposed ends thereof; a power transmission belt wrapped about both a rotating shaft of the drive motor and said power transmission pulley, thus to cause the power transmission pulley to cooperate with the rotating shaft of the motor; and an endless drive belt wrapped in order about all the first to fourth drive pulleys, thus to transmit rotational force of the drive motor to all the first to fourth drive pulleys.

2. The motor fan system according to claim 1 , wherein all the first to fourth rotating shafts are rotatably mounted on their respective movable brackets, each of said movable brackets being supported at its opposed sides by a pair of outer-threaded guide columns of said frame so as to be vertically movable.

3. The motor fan system according to claim 2, wherein each said movable bracket is tightened at its top and bottom sides by a plurality of nuts screwing on said outer-threaded guide columns.

4. The motor fan system according to claim 1, wherein each of said first to fourth fans is a cylindrical fan comprising a plurality of vanes.

5. The motor fan system according to claim 4, wherein each of said first to fourth fans is received in a rotatable guide casing, the current direction of each said fan being changed by rotating said guide casing at an angle.