COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A fan assembly, comprising at least two fan bodies each having an outer frame having a connection structure, and at least one connecting member having two sets of contact structures, wherein the connection structure includes a conductive probe and a locking protrusion, wherein the contact structure includes a conductive contact configured to mate with the conductive probe, and a limiting groove configured to mate with the locking protrusion, and wherein the conductive contacts of the two sets of contact structures are electrically connected to each other.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This US application claims priority to Chinese Application No. 202520046173.0, filed on January 8, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of fan technology, in particular a fan assembly that can be easily assembled.

BACKGROUND

As technology advances and user demands evolve, each cooling fan in a multi-fan cooling device will be assigned a dedicated test wire for testing and subsequent maintenance to ensure the fan’s operational status. As market demands evolve, multi-fan configurations are more favored, particularly in desktop computers or high-end servers.

When multiple cooling fans are tightly coupled in the same cooling device, the built-in independent test wire may cause a series of issues for users. For example, due to the presence of multiple test wires, the users may face additional difficulties when arranging wires. In addition, the interlacement and entanglement of the test wires can compromise the neatness and organization of the device's interior and impede air flow, reducing the device's heat dissipation efficiency.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure provide a fan assembly. The fan assembly includes at least two fan bodies each having an outer frame having a connection structure, and at least one connecting member having two sets of contact structures, wherein the connection structure includes a conductive probe and a locking protrusion, wherein the contact structure includes a conductive contact configured to mate with the conductive probe, and a limiting groove configured to mate with the locking protrusion, and wherein the conductive contacts of the two sets of contact structures are electrically connected to each other.

In an embodiment, the two sets of conductive contacts of the same connecting member are electrically connected through a flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board is coupled to the connecting member. In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a hollow plastic material structure. In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a hollow structure that is made of rubber material.

In an embodiment, a notch groove is disposed on a side wall of the locking protrusion, a corresponding position of the limiting groove includes an anti-detachment blocking rib corresponding to the notch groove, and the anti-detachment blocking rib is locked in the notch groove when the locking protrusion mates with the limiting groove.

In an embodiment, the conductive probe is disposed on one side of the locking protrusion having the notch groove, and the conductive contact is disposed on one side of the limiting groove where the anti-detachment blocking rib is disposed.

In an embodiment, a recessed hiding groove is formed on one side wall of the outer frame, and the connection structure is disposed on an inner wall of the hiding groove.

In an embodiment, the conductive probe has a POGO spring-loaded pin structure that includes a pin shaft, a pin tube, and a spring disposed between the pin shaft and the pin tube, and the pin shaft contacts and presses against the conductive contact when the contact structure mates with the connection structure. In some embodiments, the conductive contact is a copper material structure, and surfaces of the conductive contact and the pin shaft are plated with a gold layer.

In an embodiment, the fan body includes fan blades and a motor, the outer frame has a hollow cylinder body, an end face of the cylinder body has a fixing frame, the motor is secured to the fixing frame, the fan blades are rotatably disposed in the cylinder body of the outer frame, and the fan blades are connected to an output shaft of the motor. In some embodiments, a PCB board is coupled to the outer frame, and the PCB board is electrically connected to the motor and the conductive probe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fan assembly 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fan assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a connecting member 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting member 200 as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of two adjacent fan bodies 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a fan body 100 as shown in FIG. 2

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions and technical contents of the present invention are illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the descriptions and the accompanying drawings disclosed herein are merely illustrative and exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fan assembly 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fan assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The fan assembly 10 can include at least two fan bodies 100 and at least one connecting member 200. Each fan body 100 includes an outer frame 110 having a connection structure 120. The connecting member 200 is configured for connecting two adjacent fan bodies 100 together. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one connecting member 200 is used to connect two fan bodies 100. For another example, two connecting members 200 would be needed to connect three fan bodies 100.

Referring to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a connecting member 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The connecting member 200 includes two sets of contact structures 210. Each contact structure 210 includes a set of conductive contacts 211 and a limiting groove 212. The conductive contacts 211 of the two sets of contact structures 210 are electrically connected to one another. In this embodiment, the two sets of conductive contacts 211 are electrically connected through a flexible circuit board (commonly referred to as “flexible PCB” or “FPC”) coupled with the connecting member 200 (not shown in the figures). The connecting member 200 may have a hollow structure that is made of plastic material. Alternatively, the connecting member 200 may have a hollow structure that is made of rubber material. In another embodiment, the connecting member 200 can be made of other materials, such as composite material. The materials used for the connecting member 200 can protect the flexible circuit board while providing electrical insulation.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting member 200 as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of two adjacent fan bodies 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The connection structure 120 includes a conductive probe 121 and a locking protrusion 122. The contact structure 210 is configured to mate with the connection structure 120. Specifically, the conductive contact 211 is configured to mate with the conductive probe 121, and the limiting groove 212 is configured to mate with the locking protrusion 122.

A notch groove 1221 is formed on one side wall of the locking protrusion 122. A corresponding position of the limiting groove 212 includes an anti-detachment blocking rib 2121 corresponding to the notch groove 1221. When the locking protrusion 122 mates with the limiting groove 212, the anti-detachment blocking rib 2121 becomes locked in the notch groove 1221. In this way, the connection structure 120 and the contact structure 210 provides a sliding lock or detachment mechanism. When locked, the anti-detachment blocking rib 2121 mates with the notch groove 1221 to strengthen the connection between the connection structure 120 and the contact structure 210, preventing the connecting member 200 from being arbitrarily detached from the outer frame 110.

The conductive probe 121 is located on one side of the locking protrusion 122 having the notch groove 1221, and the conductive contact 211 is located on one side of the limiting groove 212 where the anti-detachment blocking rib 2121 is located. This arrangement ensures that, when locked, the mating between the conductive probe 121 and the conductive contact 211 is more compact, reducing edge warping and preventing poor contact between the conductive probe 121 and the conductive contact 211.

Referring to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a fan body 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The fan body 100 includes fan blades 130 and a motor (not shown in the figures). The outer frame 110 includes a hollow cylinder body 111. One end face of the cylinder body 111 has a fixing frame 112. The motor is secured to the fixing frame 112. The fan blades 130 are rotatably disposed in the cylinder body 111 of the outer frame 110, and the fan blades 130 are connected to an output shaft of the motor. A PCB board (not shown in the figures) can be disposed in the outer frame 110 and electrically connected to the motor and the conductive probe 121.

A recessed hiding groove 113 is formed on a side wall of the outer frame 110, and the connection structure 120 is disposed on an inner wall of the hiding groove 113. The inwardly recessed hiding groove 113 may enhance waterproof protection by preventing water droplets from infiltrating the connection structure 120 when they slide down along the side wall of the outer frame 110 and contact the conductive probe 121, which may lead to short circuits.

In an embodiment, the conductive probe 121 has a POGO spring-loaded pin structure. The conductive probe 121 includes a pin shaft, a pin tube, and a spring disposed between the pin shaft and the pin tube (not shown in the figures). When the contact structure 210 mates with the connection structure 120, the pin shaft contacts and presses against the conductive contact 211. The spring ensures that the pin shaft will consistently and snugly press against the conductive contact 211, maintaining proper electrical contact.

Body of conductive contact 211 may be a copper material structure, and surfaces of the conductive contact 211 and the pin shaft can be plated with a gold layer. The copper material structure provides good electrical conductivity and heat dissipation, while the gold-plated surfaces enhance corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and enhance mechanical and electrical performance.

During assembly, multiple fan bodies 100 can be placed next to one another. Between every two adjacent fan bodies 100, the connection structure 120 of the first fan body 100 and the connection structure 120 of the second fan body 100 are brought close together. The connecting member 200 is then pressed against these two fan bodies 100, and it mates with the two connection structures 120 via a sliding snap-fit manner. At this stage, the two sets of contact structures 210 of the connecting member 200 respectively mate with the connection structure 120 of the first fan body 100 and the connection structure 120 of the second fan body 100. The locking protrusion 122 engages with the limiting groove 212, while the conductive probe 121 contacts and presses against the conductive contact 211. In this way, the outer frames 110 of these two fan bodies 100 are physical connected through the connecting member 200, and the conductive probes 121 of the two fan bodies are electrical connected through the connecting member 200, completing the assembly.

During disassembly, the connecting member 200 can be pushed in the reverse direction to disengage the contact structure 210 from the connection structure 120, thus releasing the locking engagement. The electrical connection between the two fan bodies 100 is then disconnected, and so the two become mutually independent.

By utilizing the connecting member 200, the fan assembly 10 can minimize exposed individual wires and diminish the necessity for complex wire arrangements. The connecting member 200 can connect multiple fan bodies 100 together, rendering the fan assembly 10 infinitely expandable to suit a variety of applications. Furthermore, by minimizing the number of exposed wires, the neatness of the fan assembly 10 can be enhanced and the influence of the wires on the airflow can be reduced, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the fan assembly 10.

Therefore, embodiments disclosed herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments disclosed may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The embodiments illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some number. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces.

Claims

1. A fan assembly, comprising: wherein the connection structure includes a conductive probe and a locking protrusion; wherein the contact structure includes a conductive contact configured to mate with the conductive probe, and a limiting groove configured to mate with the locking protrusion; and wherein the conductive contacts of the two sets of contact structures are electrically connected to each other.

at least two fan bodies each having an outer frame having a connection structure; and

at least one connecting member having two sets of contact structures;

2. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the two sets of conductive contacts of the same connecting member are electrically connected through a flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board is coupled to the connecting member.

3. The fan assembly of claim 2, wherein the connecting member includes a hollow plastic material structure.

4. The fan assembly of claim 2, wherein the connecting member includes a hollow structure that is made of rubber material.

5. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein a notch groove is disposed on a side wall of the locking protrusion, a corresponding position of the limiting groove includes an anti-detachment blocking rib corresponding to the notch groove, and the anti-detachment blocking rib is locked in the notch groove when the locking protrusion mates with the limiting groove.

6. The fan assembly of claim 5, wherein the conductive probe is disposed on one side of the locking protrusion having the notch groove, and the conductive contact is disposed on one side of the limiting groove where the anti-detachment blocking rib is disposed.

7. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein a recessed hiding groove is formed on one side wall of the outer frame, and the connection structure is disposed on an inner wall of the hiding groove.

8. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive probe has a POGO spring-loaded pin structure that includes a pin shaft, a pin tube, and a spring disposed between the pin shaft and the pin tube, and the pin shaft contacts and presses against the conductive contact when the contact structure mates with the connection structure.

9. The fan assembly of claim 8, wherein the conductive contact is a copper material structure, and surfaces of the conductive contact and the pin shaft are plated with a gold layer.

10. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan body includes fan blades and a motor, the outer frame has a hollow cylinder body, an end face of the cylinder body has a fixing frame, the motor is secured to the fixing frame, the fan blades are rotatably disposed in the cylinder body of the outer frame, and the fan blades are connected to an output shaft of the motor.

11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein a PCB board is coupled to the outer frame, and the PCB board is electrically connected to the motor and the conductive probe.