Molded cooling fan
US6343915B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/087
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cooling fan assembly (10) includes a hubless polymer fan body molded around the perimetrical flange (20) of a metallic mounting hub (12). The fan body includes a circumferential ring (18) interlocked with the flange (20) and a plurality of fan blades (16) projecting outwardly from the ring (18). The fan body (14) is formed in an injection mold with molten polymer material being introduced into the mold at hot runner locations (25) disposed between the circumferential ring (18) and the root diameter (17) of the fan blades (16). At one face of the hubless fan (14), the circumferential ring (18) includes a plurality of uniformly spaced raised bosses (30). Each boss (30) defines a bore (31) configured to receive a balancing weight therein, preferably in the form of a balancing screw (35) threaded into the bore. The bosses (30) are interconnected by a stiffening ring (33) having a height substantially equal to the height (h) of the bosses (30). The stiffening ring (33) is modified between a plurality of pairs of bosses (30) to define a recessed flat (38). On the opposite face of the hubless fan (14), the circumferential ring (18) includes a plurality of raised tabs (40), arranged and …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.