FAN

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/717,493, filed Nov. 7, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/644,710, filed May 9, 2024, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fans, such as jobsite fans, are used to induce airflow in an environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a fan including a base having a base housing, a battery receptacle disposed on the base housing, the battery receptacle configured to receive a battery, a user interface disposed on the base housing, and a plurality of cleats extending from a bottom surface of the base housing. The plurality of cleats are configured to cooperate with corresponding recesses on a support structure. The fan includes a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a blower unit housing, a motor positioned within the blower unit housing and having a motor output shaft, and a blade coupled to the motor output shaft.

The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a fan including a base and a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing and having a motor output shaft, a blade coupled to the motor output shaft, and a grille coupled to the housing. The grille includes a plurality of vanes forming hexagonal shapes sized to prevent a probe having a diameter of 12 millimeters from being inserted through the grille.

The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a fan including a base and a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a housing having a motor housing and a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the motor housing, a motor positioned within the motor housing and having a motor output shaft, a blade coupled to the motor output shaft, and a boot located between the motor housing and the motor to at least partially isolate the motor housing from vibrations from the motor.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fan, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fan of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the fan of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fan taken at lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fan taken at lines 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a motor and blade of the fan of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a blower unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the blower unit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of vanes of a plurality of vanes of a blower unit housing of the blower unit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the vanes of the plurality of vanes of the inlet grate of the blower unit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a blower unit housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a fan 100 including a base 104, a pair of arms 108 fastened to the base 104, and a blower unit 112 supported by the base 104. Specifically, the blower unit 112 is pivotably coupled to the pair of arms 108. The base 104 includes a base housing 116, a user interface 118 (e.g., dial), and an actuator 120. The user interface 118 and the actuator 120 are disposed on a front portion of the housing 116. The base 104 includes a battery receptacle 124 disposed at a rear portion of the housing 116. The battery receptacle 124 is configured to receive a battery 128 along an insertion axis A1. In some embodiments, the battery receptacle 124 includes a support structure (e.g., rails, etc.) configured to mechanically couple the battery 128 to the fan 100 and contacts configured to electrically couple the battery 128 to the fan 100.

In some embodiments, the battery 128 may be an 18-volt rechargeable power tool battery pack. The battery 128 may include multiple battery cells having, for example, a lithium (Li), lithium-ion (Li-ion), or other lithium-based chemistry. For example, the battery cells may have a chemistry of lithium-cobalt (Li—Co), lithium-manganese (Li—Mn) spinel, or Li—Mn nickel. In such embodiments, each battery cell may have a nominal voltage of about, for example, 3.6V, 4.0V, or 4.2V. In other embodiments, the battery cells may have a nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, or lead acid battery chemistry. In further embodiments, the battery 128 may include fewer or more battery cells, and/or the battery cells may have a different nominal voltage. In yet another embodiment, the battery 128 may be a dedicated battery housed (partially or entirely) within the housing 116 of the base 104. The battery 128 may also be configured for use with other cordless power tools, such as drills, screwdrivers, grinders, wrenches, and saws. When received in the battery receptacle 124, the illustrated battery 128 remains at least partially exposed. In other embodiments, the base 104 may include a cover or lid to enclose the battery 128.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the pair of arms 108 are fastened to sides of the housing 116 that extend between the front and the rear portion. The pair of arms 108 extend upwardly from the base 104. The blower unit 112 includes a blower unit housing 132 that is pivotably coupled to the pair of arms 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower unit housing 132 is generally cylindrical. The blower unit housing 132 includes a handle 138. The handle 138 extends radially outward from an outer circumferential wall of the blower unit housing 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 138 is located on a side of the blower unit housing 132 opposite from the base 104. In other embodiments, the handle 138 may be located elsewhere on the fan 100. The blower unit 112 includes a grille 136 that is coupled to the blower unit housing 132. The grille 136 is generally cylindrical and has a similar size (e.g., diameter) as the blower unit housing 132. The grille 136 includes a plurality of outlet vanes 140. In the illustrated construction, the grille 136 is an outlet grille. The blower unit housing 132 includes a plurality of inlet vanes 144. In other words, the blower unit housing 132 forms a grille. In the illustrated construction, the blower unit housing 132 forms an inlet grille.

FIG. 2 illustrates the base 104 including a plurality of cleats 148 extending from a bottom surface of the base 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 104 includes four cleats 148. In other embodiments, the base 104 may include fewer or more cleats 148 (e.g., a single cleat 148 or more than four cleats 148). The illustrated cleats 148 extend from a bottom surface of the housing 116. The cleats 148 are configured to cooperate with recesses on a support structure. For example, the cleats 148 may be configured to cooperate or interface with a toolbox, a wall plate, or the like of the PACKOUT modular storage system sold by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. The base 104 also includes a plurality of feet 152 disposed on the plurality of cleats 148. The feet 152 are comprised of an elastomer (e.g., rubber, polyurethane, silicone). The feet 152 help resist movement of the fan 100 relative to the support structure and reduce marring of the support structure. Additionally, the feet 152 attenuate vibration between the fan 100 and the support structure. The actuator 120 (FIG. 1) includes a projection 156 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the housing 116. The actuator 120 and the projection 156 are biased by a spring. In the resting position, the actuator 120 and projection 156 are biased by the spring such that the projection 156 projects from the housing 116. A user may retract the projection 156 into the housing by manipulating the actuator 120. The projection 156 is configured to selectively engage and disengage a corresponding recess on the support structure to releasably secure the fan 100 to the support structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates the blower unit housing 132 including a pair of circumferential vanes 160. The circumferential vanes 160 extend about a circumference of the blower unit housing 132 and couple the inlet vanes 144 to one another. The inlet vanes 144 and the circumferential vanes 160 are arranged such that openings formed between adjacent vanes of the vanes 144, 160 satisfy dimensional requirements of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60335-1. Similarly, the outlet vanes 140 are arranged to satisfy dimensional requirements of IEC 60335-1. Specifically, the outlet vanes 140 and the vanes 144, 160 are arranged to prevent the insertion of the probe according to the IEC 60335-1. The blower unit housing 132 and the grille 136 enclose a blade 164. The blade 164 is configured to propel air out of the grille 136. In other words, the fan 100 is configured to induce an airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 164 is comprised of a glass reinforced polymer (e.g., glass-reinforced polypropylene). In other embodiments, the blade 164 is comprised of a polymer (e.g., Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). In other embodiments, the blade 164 is comprised of a metal. The blade 164 includes a plurality of projections 168 extending from a hub 170 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of projections 168 define a blade diameter D1 (FIG. 5). Specifically, the ends 172 of the plurality of projections 168 define the blade diameter D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D1 is between 150 millimeters and 200 millimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D1 is 180 millimeters.

The fan 100 includes a width W1 that is measured between the pair of arms 108 along a direction that is parallel to a pivot axis A2 (FIG. 5). The width W1 is between 22 centimeters and 27 centimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W1 is approximately 24.50 centimeters. The fan 100 includes a length Li measured from the front portion to the rear portion of the housing 116 of the base 104 (FIG. 2). The length Li is between 21 centimeters and 25 centimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the length Li is approximately 23 centimeters. The fan 100 includes a height H1 that is measured from the bottom of the cleats 148 to the handle 138 in a direction that is perpendicular to the insertion axis A1 and the pivot axis A2 (FIG. 5). The height H1 is between 35 centimeters and 47 centimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the height H1 is approximately 41 centimeters.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the base 104 includes an alternative power source connection 176 (e.g., an AC inlet or prongs). In other embodiments, the alternative power source includes an IEC AC input. In some instances, the fan 100 is powered by the battery 128. In other instances, the fan 100 is powered by an AC power source coupled to the AC prongs 176. In some embodiments, the fan 100 may include a charging circuit positioned within the base 104. In such embodiments, the AC power source may both power the fan 100 and charge the battery 128. In other words, if AC and DC power sources are simultaneously available (e.g., AC power source coupled to the AC prongs 176 and the battery 128 coupled to the fan 100), the power will be drawn from the AC power source to prevent discharge of the DC source (e.g., the battery 128).

FIG. 4 illustrates the battery 128 fully inserted into the battery receptacle 124 along the insertion axis A1. In the instance the battery 128 powers the fan 100, the battery 128 supplies energy to a printed circuit board 180 (“PCB”) that is mounted within the housing 116. Alternatively, the PCB 180 can be supplied with energy from the AC power source coupled to the AC prongs 176. The PCB 180 is mounted in the housing 116 on a plane P1 that is perpendicular to the insertion axis A1. The PCB 180 is coupled to the user interface 118 and includes a controller programmed with an algorithm configured to supply power to a motor 184 that powers the blade 164 (FIG. 3) based on user input from the user interface 118. The fan 100 includes wires 188 that are routed from the PCB 180, through an arm of the pair of arms 108, and to the blower unit 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates the pivotable connection between the pair of arms 108 and the blower unit 112. The blower unit housing 132 includes cylindrical projections 192 (FIG. 3) that each receive a bushing 196 to define a pivot axis A2. The blower unit housing 132 is pivotable about the pivot axis A2. The bushings 196 include a pair of seals 200 (e.g., O-rings) such that the cylindrical projections 192 can pivot about the bushings 196. The seals 200 help maintain the blower unit 112 in any angular position relative to the arms 108. The bushings 196 are coupled to the pair of arms 108 via fasteners (not shown) that are received by protrusions 204 of the pair of arms 108. Each bushing 196 includes an outer lip 208 such that the blower unit housing 132 is disposed between the bushing 196 and an arm of the pair of arms 108 when the bushing 196 is coupled to the arm of the pair of arms 108.

FIG. 5 illustrates the grille 136 including an inner wall 212 and an outer wall 216. The inner wall 212 is proximal to the blade 164 and is coupled to the plurality of outlet vanes 140. The plurality of outlet vanes 140 extend radially inward from the inner wall 212 and to a center hub 220. In other words, the center hub 220 is coupled to the inner wall 212 via the outlet vanes 140. The outlet vanes 140 extend radially outward from the center hub 220 in a spiral manner. The outer wall 216 includes a projection 224 that meshes with a groove 228 formed in in the blower unit housing 132. The meshing between the projection 224 and the groove 228 is configured to align the blower unit housing 132 and the grille 136. The blower unit housing 132 and the grille 136 are coupled together via plurality of fasteners 264 that extend through projections 236 on the blower unit housing 132 and corresponding projections 240 on the grille 136 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The inner wall 212 includes an end 244 that abuts the blower unit housing 132.

FIG. 5 illustrates the blower unit housing 132 including a motor housing 248 that partially defines a motor cavity 252 that houses the motor 184. The motor 184 used may vary depending on airspeed requirements. Similarly, the motor housing 248 may have a different diameter to accommodate different motors. The inlet vanes 144 extend radially outward relative to an outer surface of the motor housing 248. The fan 100 includes a motor cover 256 that encloses the motor cavity 252. The motor cover 256 is coupled to the motor housing 248 via a plurality of fasteners 264 and partially defines the motor cavity 252. The motor cover 256 includes a plurality of openings 260. The openings 260 may facilitate cooling the motor 184 within the motor housing 248. The blower unit housing 132 includes a wire support 268 that routes the wire from one arm of the pair to arms 108 to the motor 184. The wire support 268 has a side opening 272 facing the blade 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire support 268 is integrated with a vane of the plurality of inlet vanes 144. In other embodiments, the wire support 268 is separate from the plurality of inlet vanes 144. The motor housing 248 includes an opening 276 for the wires 188 to be routed into the motor cavity 252 and connected to the motor 184. An optional wire cover 280 can be coupled to wire support 268 via a fastener passing through the wire cover 280 and into a protrusion 284 of the wire support 268. The wire cover 280 covers the side opening 272 of the wire support and the opening 276 of the motor housing 248. In the illustrated embodiment, a surface 286 the inlet vanes 144 proximal to the blade 164 are disposed at a distance X1 from the blade 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance X1 is approximately 71 millimeters. The inlet vanes 144 include a thickness T1 of approximately 10 millimeters. As such, an external surface of the inlet vanes 144 is disposed approximately 81 millimeters from the blade 164. In some embodiments, the external surface of the inlet vanes 144 may be disposed at least 80 millimeters from the blade 164. In such embodiments, the distance X1 and/or the thickness T1 may be larger or smaller, as long as the combination of the distance X1 and the thickness T1 is at least 80 millimeters. For example, the distance X1 may be approximately 75 millimeters and the thickness T1 may be approximately 5 millimeters. Alternatively, the distance X1 may be approximately 60 millimeters and the thickness T1 may be approximately 20 millimeters.

FIG. 6 illustrates the motor 184 coupled to the motor housing 248. Specifically, the motor housing 248 includes an aperture 288 that receives a screw bushing 292. A boot 296 is located between the motor housing 248 and the motor 184. The boot 296 is comprised of an elastomer (e.g., rubber, polyurethane, silicone). The boot 296 is configured to isolate the motor housing 248 from vibrations from the motor 184. A shoulder screw 300 extends through the screw bushing 292 and the boot 296 and is received by the motor 184. Although only a single screw bushing 292 and screw 300 is illustrated, a plurality of bushings and screws secure the motor 184 to the motor housing 248. Specifically, in the illustrated construction, the aperture 288 is a first aperture of a trio of apertures.

The motor 184 includes a stator (not shown) and a rotor 304. The motor 184 includes a motor output shaft 308 coupled for co-rotation with the rotor 304 about a motor axis A3. The motor axis A3 is perpendicular to the pivot axis A2. When the blower unit 112 is in an upright position (i.e., when the grille 136 is facing forward and perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 104), the motor axis A3 is parallel to the insertion axis A1. As the blower unit 112 pivots or rotates about the arms 108, the motor axis A3 becomes angled relative to the insertion axis A1. A sleeve 312 is coupled to the motor output shaft 308 via an interference fit. In other embodiments, the motor output shaft 308 is coupled to the sleeve 312 via a fastener. The sleeve 312 is coupled to the blade 164, such that the blade 164 co-rotates with the motor output shaft 308 about the motor axis A3.

Specifically, the sleeve 312 is received by an aperture 316 of the blade 164. The sleeve 312 includes a shoulder 320 on a first side of the blade 164 that is proximal to the motor 184 along the motor axis A3. A seal 324 (e.g., an O-ring) is disposed between the shoulder 320 and the blade 164 such that the blade 164 is axially preloaded by O-ring compression along the motor axis A3. The axial preloading of the blade 164 promotes isolation from axial vibrations from the motor output shaft 308. In other words, the seal 324 isolates the blade 164 from vibrations from the motor output shaft 308. The sleeve 312 includes a channel 328 on a second side of the blade 164 that is located further away from the motor 184 on the motor axis A3 than the first side of the blade 164. The channel 328 is configured to receive a fastener 332 (e.g., a clip) on the second side of the blade 164. The combination of the shoulder 320 abutting the seal 324 against the first side of the blade 164 and the clip 332 on the second side of the blade 164 axially secures the sleeve 312 to the blade 164 along the motor axis A3. In some embodiments, the sleeve 312 is coupled to the blade 164 via an interference fit (e.g., a press fit). In some embodiments, the sleeve 312 is coupled to the blade 164 with a combination of the shoulder 320, the seal 324, the clip 332, and the interference fit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 100 includes continuous variable speed control. That is, the fan 100 can operate at any speed within a range of speeds, rather than only at discrete speed settings. In some embodiments, motor 184 of the fan 100 is a variable speed motor that rotates the blade 164 at a speed set the user interface 118. As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated user interface 118 includes a dial that is rotatable to set the speed of the motor 184. The dial is located on the front portion of the housing 116, opposite from the battery receptacle 124. The illustrated dial is also offset from a central plane of the fan 100 (i.e., a vertical plane that includes the motor axis A3). In other embodiments, the user interface 118 may include other suitable actuators, such as a slidable switch, a touchscreen, and the like, to set the speed of the motor 184 and/or the user interface 118 may be located elsewhere on the housing 116. In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes the controller of the PCB 180 programmed with an algorithm capable of varying the rotation of the motor 184 by using a variable voltage.

To activate the blower unit 112, the user actuates the user interface 118 from an off position to an on position. In the illustrated embodiment, the off position is indicated when an off indicator 336 on the dial is aligned with an arrow 340 on the housing 116 (FIG. 1). The on position is indicated by various speed indicators 344 circumferential located on the dial. In the on position, the controller of the PCB 180 receives the signal from the dial and controls the rotational speed of the motor 184 and consequently the speed of the motor output shaft 308 and the blade 164 based on the signal from the dial.

FIG. 7 illustrates a blower unit 400 compatible with the fan 100. In other words, the blower unit 400 is interchangeable with the blower unit 112. The blower unit 400 is like the blower unit 112 with like features being denoted by the same reference numerals. Since the blower unit 400 is like the blower unit 112, only differences will be discussed. The blower unit 400 includes a housing 404 having projections 408 that extend from the housing 404. In some embodiments, the projections 408 are coupled to the arms 108. In some embodiments, the housing 404 includes the cylindrical projections 192 such that the blower unit 400 is pivotable relative to the arms 108 of the fan 100. In some constructions, the projections 408 are coupled to the base 104. The blower unit 400 includes a grille 412 (e.g., an outlet grate) that is coupled to the housing 404 and a blower unit housing 416 (e.g., an inlet grate) that is coupled to the housing 404.

The grille 412, or outlet grille, includes a plurality of outlet vanes 420 that extend between a central portion 424 and an outer portion 428. The outer portion 428 is coupled to the housing 404. An inner surface of the outer portion 428 defines a diameter D2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of outlet vanes 420 are linear in shape and couple the central portion 424 and the outer portion 428 together. The plurality of outlet vanes 420 include between 5 vanes and 15 vanes. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of outlet vanes 420 includes 10 vanes. In the illustrated embodiment, the grille 412 includes a uniform construction (e.g., monolithic).

FIG. 8 illustrates the blower unit housing 416, or inlet grille, including a plurality of vanes 432 compatible with the fan 100. The plurality of vanes 432 are arranged such that openings formed between adjacent vanes of the vanes 432 satisfy dimensional requirements of IEC 60335-1. The vanes 432 include walls extending in a direction parallel to the motor axis A3. The vanes 432 extend between a central portion 436 and an outer portion 440. The outer portion 440 is coupled to the housing 404. An inner surface of the outer portion 440 defines a diameter D3. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D3 is larger than the diameter D2. The plurality of vanes 432 includes an alternating pattern of a first group of vanes 444, a second group of vanes 448, and a space 450 within the blower unit housing 416. Specifically, the first group of vanes 444 and the second group of vanes 448 alternate circumferentially relative to the central portion 436 and the outer portion 440. The space 450 extends between outer peripheries 451 of adjacent vanes of the first and second groups of vanes 444, 448. The first group of vanes 444 form a collection of hexagons (e.g., honeycomb structure) organized in a stack extending between the central portion 436 and the outer portion 440. The stack of the first group of vanes 444 includes a width equivalent to that of a single hexagon. The central portion 436 includes an outer surface 452 and a central circle 456. The outer surface 452 is disposed radially outward relative to the central circle 456 and is coupled to the central circle 456. The outer surface 452 includes a plurality of partial hexagonal shapes. The first group of vanes 444 is coupled to the outer surface 452. The second group of vanes 448 form a collection of hexagons (e.g., honeycomb structure) formed as a triangle with a base of the triangle disposed on the outer portion 440 and a tip of the triangle disposed proximal to the central portion 436 relative to the outer portion 440. In other words, the second group of vanes 448 diverges from the central portion 436 to the outer portion 440. The tip of the triangle of the second group of vanes 448 is defined by a single hexagon and is coupled to the central circle 456 by a linear vane 460. The second group of vanes 448 includes some adjacent hexagons that share a common interior space. In other words, the second group of vanes 448 include adjacent hexagons without a wall separating adjacent hexagons.

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically illustrate vanes of the plurality of vanes 432 (not drawn to scale). In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes have a length L2, a length L3, and length L4 measured between opposite, parallel walls of the hexagon. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lengths L2-L4 are the same value. In other words, the hexagons of the plurality of vanes are identical in dimensions. In other embodiments, the lengths L2-L4 are different from one another. The lengths L2-L4 are sized to prevent a probe 500 from contacting the blade 164. The probe 500 is representative of the standards set by the IEC 60335-1. Although not illustrated, the probe 500 is tapered from a first end to a second end. When moving along the first end of the probe 500 to the second end of the probe, a diameter D4 of the probe increases. The diameter D4 at the first end is smaller than the diameter D4 at the second end. In other words, the diameter D4 is dependent on an axial location of the probe 500.

Since the probe 500 is tapered, the lengths L2-L4 of the vanes depend on the distance X1 to prevent axial overlap of the probe 500 and the blade 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance X1 is 71 millimeters and the length L2 has a length less than or equal to 12 millimeters, the length L3 has a length less than or equal to 12 millimeters, and the length L4 has a length less than or equal to 12 millimeters. Each length of the lengths L2-L4 of the vanes 432 is less than or equal to 12 millimeters. Each of the lengths L2-L4 being 12 millimeters prevents a portion of the probe 500 having the diameter D4 being 12 millimeters and greater from passing through the vanes 432. A portion of the probe 500 having a diameter D4 being less than 12 millimeters can pass the plurality of vanes 432 but will not axially overlap with the blade 164.

In other embodiments with the distance X1 being less than 71 millimeters, each of the lengths L2-L4 decrease to accommodate the smaller diameter of the probe 500 to prevent axial overlap of the probe 500 and the blade 164. In other embodiments with the distance X1 being greater than 71 millimeters, each of the lengths L2-L4 increase to accommodate the greater diameter of the probe 500.

FIG. 9A illustrates an arrangement of the vanes of the vanes 432 forming three separate spaces 504. FIG. 9B illustrates an arrangement of the vanes of the vanes 432 forming a space 508 and a space 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the space 508 is formed by removing a shared wall between two adjacent hexagons (e.g., the first space 508 is equivalent to two of the three spaces 504). In other words, the space 508 is larger than the space 512. Despite the space 508 being larger than the space 512, the arrangement of the vanes FIG. 9B still prevents the probe 500 from being inserted. This can be attributed to maintaining at least two opposite walls that are disposed at a distance less than or equal to 12 millimeters. Larger spaces increase the available air for the blade 164. To create larger spaces and thereby increase the availability of air, walls of the vanes 432 may be removed. The removal of walls lowers a resistance experienced by the flow path induced by blade 164 when moving across the vanes of the vanes 432 and reduces the turbulence of the airflow when meeting the blade 164.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blower unit housing 600 having a plurality of vanes 604 according to another embodiment that is compatible with the fan 100. Also, the blower unit housing 600 is interchangeable with the blower unit housing 416. The plurality of vanes 604 are arranged such that openings formed between adjacent vanes of the vanes 604 satisfy dimensional requirements of IEC 60335-1. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of vanes 604 includes an alternating group of a first group of vanes 608 and a second group of vanes 612. The first group of vanes 608 extends from an outer portion 616 to a central portion 620 (e.g., radially inward from the outer portion 616). The first group of vanes 608 alternates between two hexagons and three hexagons. The first group of vanes 608 defines hexagonal spaces 624. The second group of vanes 612 extends between the first group of vanes 608 (e.g., diagonally from adjacent first groups 608). In the illustrated embodiment, the second group of vanes 612 defines spaces 628. Like the space 508, the spaces 628 are larger than individual hexagonal space because walls of adjacent hexagons are removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the second groups of vanes 612 are parallel zigzag lines (e.g., two sides of each hexagon being removed). As such, the second group of vanes 612 results in greater air availability to the fan. In some constructions, the first group of vanes 608 is optional and the plurality of vanes 604 is only comprised of the second group of vanes 612.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described.