Abstract An axial flow fan comprising a rolled fan ring, a blade rotatably mounted within the fan ring, and a lining of metal foil honeycomb about the inner periphery of the ring with the openings therethrough extending radially of the ring. At least a portion of the inner surface of the lining is crushed to provide a substantially uniform clearance about the tip of the blade. The honeycomb is constructed of sheets of the metal foil which are bent and joined together at spaced apart locations by an adhesive. A layer of the honeycomb is first annealed and then installed in the ring. Annealing renders the honeycomb soft and substantially destroys the bond so that the lining may be crushed to only a fraction of its original thickness.
In a method of manufacturing an axial flow fan, the steps of annealing a layer of metal foil honeycomb, and attaching said layer, when so annealed, to the inner surface of a fan ring so as to dispose the openings therethrough radially of the ring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a method of manufacturing an axial flow fan, the steps of annealing a layer of metal foil honeycomb, and attaching said layer, when so annealed, to the inner surface of a fan ring so as to dispose the openings therethrough radially of the ring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a method of manufacturing an axial flow fan, the steps of annealing honeycomb comprising metal foil sheets which are bent along their lengths and joined to one another at spaced locations, and lining a rolled fan ring with said annealed honeycomb so as to dispose the openings therethrough radially of the rings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a method of manufacturing an axial flow fan, the steps of annealing honeycomb comprising metal foil sheets which are bent along their lengths and joined to one another at spaced locations, and lining a rolled fan ring with said annealed honeycomb so as to dispose the openings therethrough radially of the rings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
In a method of the character defined in claim 2, wherein the sheets are joined by an adhesive which is substantially destroyed during annealing.