Fan-motor assembly

Abstract

A fan assembly includes a base which couples to a motor assembly. A shroud couples to the base and encloses a fan therebetween. An airflow conduit is formed between the base and the shroud and is positioned circumferentially around the fan. The airflow conduit terminates at a horn and includes a cross-sectional area which varies circumferentially. The airflow conduit includes a width that varies circumferentially and is largest at the horn.

1 . A fan assembly, comprising:
 a base which couples to a motor assembly;   a shroud which couples to said base;   at least one fan enclosed between said base and said shroud;   an airflow conduit formed between said base and said shroud and positioned circumferentially around said fan, said airflow conduit terminating at a horn and including a cross-sectional area which varies circumferentially; and   wherein said airflow conduit includes a width that varies circumferentially and is largest at said horn.   
   
   
       2 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said airflow conduit includes a height that varies circumferentially and is largest at said horn. 
   
   
       3 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said shroud includes a conduit wall and said base includes an inner wall, said airflow conduit being formed between said conduit wall and said inner wall, and wherein said conduit wall is curved in cross-section. 
   
   
       4 . The fan assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein said conduit wall includes a constant cross-sectional radius. 
   
   
       5 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said base includes an outer flange forming at least part of said conduit, said outer flange being curvilinear. 
   
   
       6 . The fan assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said base includes an outer flange forming at least part of said conduit, said outer flange including a radial distance from said fan that varies circumferentially and is largest at said horn. 
   
   
       7 . The fan assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein said base includes a conduit wall that mates with said outer flange, said conduit wall including a generally curved cross-sectional shape. 
   
   
       8 . The fan assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein said outer flange includes a raised shoulder and said conduit wall includes a circumferential groove, said raised shoulder is received in said circumferential groove. 
   
   
       9 . The fan assembly according to  claim 3  wherein said inner wall is substantially flat in cross-section. 
   
   
       10 . The fan assembly according to  claim 3  wherein said shroud includes a port adapted to receive working air, said shroud further including a cap extending radially outward from said port terminating at said conduit wall, said cap being frustoconical. 
   
   
       11 . The fan assembly according to  claim 10  wherein said cap includes a chamfer about a radial inner edge, said fan including a ring that is at least partially received in said chamfer.