Low-profile blowers and methods
AssigneeGentherm Incorporated
InventorsJohn D. Lofy, Ryan Walsh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A blower configured to be positioned in confined spaces and to provide ventilation of a fluid, such as temperature controlled air, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the blower is configured to have a reduced axial thickness, which can be desired in such confined spaces. In some embodiments, the blower has an integral filter, a wire channel for the routing of one or more wires, and/or an exposed backplate. In some embodiments, the blower has a snap-fit circuit board, containment system for mounting the motor, one or more vanes for directing fluid flow, shrouded impeller, and/or integrated connector.
Claims24
A blower comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space, the housing comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- and
- a first side and a second side joined by a sidewall, the interior space at least partly between the first and second sides, the first and second sides extending radially inwards from the sidewall to move fluid radially to the outlet;
- an impeller comprising a plurality of blades configured to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet;
- an electric motor disposed in the housing, the electric motor configured to rotate the impeller to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet;
- and
- a filter disposed at least partly in the inlet, the filter configured to pass through the filter at least a portion of fluid drawn from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the filter comprises a mesh and is integrated with the housing,
- wherein the inlet and the filter are at least partially positioned axially over the impeller.
A blower comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space, the housing comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- and
- a first side and a second side joined by a sidewall, the interior space at least partly between the first and second sides;
- an impeller comprising a plurality of blades configured to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet,
- wherein the outlet is on the sidewall connecting the first and second sides of the housing to direct fluid radially through the outlet at least partially within an axial extent of the impeller;
- an electric motor disposed in the housing, the electric motor configured to rotate the impeller to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet;
- and
- a filter disposed at least partly in the inlet, the filter configured to pass through the filter at least a portion of fluid drawn from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the filter is integrated with the housing.
A blower comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space, the housing comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- and
- a first side and a second side joined by a sidewall, the interior space at least partly between the first and second sides, wherein the outlet is on the sidewall connecting the first and second sides of the housing to direct fluid radially through the outlet;
- an impeller comprising a plurality of blades configured to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet;
- an electric motor disposed in the housing, the electric motor configured to rotate the impeller to draw fluid from the inlet to the outlet;
- and
- a filter disposed at least partly in the inlet, the filter configured to pass through the filter at least a portion of fluid drawn from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the filter comprises a mesh,
- wherein the inlet and the filter are at least partially positioned axially over the impeller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.