Insert for fan-motor assembly

Abstract

A fan assembly includes an end bracket which is coupled to a motor assembly. The end bracket includes a circumferential channel which is interrupted by an opening. A fan is provided which includes a plurality of blades. A shroud at least partially encloses the fan and defines a chamber. An insert, which may or may not be an integral part of the end bracket, is received in the chamber and includes a circumferential ramp. The circumferential ramp is configured to provide the chamber with an internal cross-sectional area which varies circumferentially so as to improve airflow efficiency.

1 . A fan assembly, comprising:
 an end bracket which couples to a motor assembly, said end bracket including a circumferential channel which is interrupted by an opening;   at least one fan which includes a plurality of blades;   a shroud which at least partially encloses said fan and defines a chamber; and   an insert received in said chamber, said insert includes a circumferential ramp which is received in said channel, wherein said circumferential ramp is configured to provide said channel with a cross-sectional area which varies circumferentially.   
   
   
       2 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said ramp includes an angled surface and said channel includes a bottom surface, said ramp angled surface is disposed at an angle relative to said channel bottom surface. 
   
   
       3 . The fan assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein said angle is circumferentially constant. 
   
   
       4 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said angle varies dependant upon the circumferential location. 
   
   
       5 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert is disposed between said fan and said end bracket. 
   
   
       6 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said circumferential ramp does not extend the entire circumference of said channel thus defining an gap and wherein said gap is circumferentially aligned with said opening. 
   
   
       7 . The fan assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein said channel includes a bottom surface and said circumferential ramp includes an upper end and a lower end and said opening has a first end and second end, said upper end is relatively further from said bottom surface than said lower end, said upper end is positioned proximate to said first end and said lower end is proximate to said second end. 
   
   
       8 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said channel includes at least one tab and said insert includes at least one slot which is adapted to receive said tab thereby positioning said insert within said chamber. 
   
   
       9 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a horn, said horn terminates at said opening and projects tangentially therefrom relative to said channel. 
   
   
       10 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said cross-sectional area increases circumferentially in the direction of flow 
   
   
       11 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rotatable shaft extending from said motor assembly;   a bearing carried by said end bracket and receiving said rotatable shaft; and   a seal disposed between said bearing and said end bracket.   
   
   
       12 . A fan assembly, comprising:
 an end bracket and insert which is generally cylindrical and has a central axis, wherein said insert includes a circumferential ramp which is disposed in a helical orientation relative to said axis;   a shroud, coupled to said end bracket and defining a chamber therebetween; and   a fan selectively rotatable by a shaft, said fan is positioned within said chamber and generates an airflow that is forced along said circumferential ramp.   
   
   
       13 . The fan assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein said end bracket and insert is disposed adjacent said fan. 
   
   
       14 . The fan assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein said end bracket insert includes a facing wall which is circular and projects radially from said axis, said circumferential ramp is positioned on the radial outer edge of said facing wall. 
   
   
       15 . The fan assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein said ramp surface includes a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is disposed further from said fan than said second end. 
   
   
       16 . The fan assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the circumferential distance between said first end and said second end define a gap, said gap is aligned with said opening of said channel. 
   
   
       17 . The fan assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein said end bracket and insert further comprises a horn, said horn communicating and aligned with said circumferential ramp and wherein said horn projects tangentially from said circumferential ramp. 
   
   
       18 . The fan assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said shroud has an inlet for drawing air in upon rotation of said fan, and wherein the air is exhausted along said circumferential ramp and exhausted out said horn. 
   
   
       19 . The fan assembly according to  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a bearing carried by said end bracket and insert, said bearing receiving said rotatable shaft; and   a seal disposed between said bearing and said end bracket and insert.