A Fan
The present invention relates to a fan appliance. Particularly, but not exclusively, the
present invention relates to a domestic fan, such as a desk fan, for creating air
circulation and air current in a room, in an office or other domestic environment.
A number of types of domestic fan are known. It is common for a conventional fan to
include a single set of blades or vanes mounted for rotation about an axis, and driving
apparatus mounted about the axis for rotating the set of blades. Domestic fans are
available in a variety of sizes and diameters, for example, a ceiling fan can be at least
1 m in diameter and is usually mounted in a suspended manner from the ceiling and
positioned to provide a downward flow of air and cooling throughout a room.
Desk fans, on the other hand, are often around 30 cm in diameter and are usually free
standing and portable. In standard desk fan arrangements the single set of blades is
positioned close to the user and the rotation of the fan blades provides a forward flow of
air current in a room or into a part of a room, and towards the user. Other types of fan
can be attached to the floor or mounted on a wall. The movement and circulation of the
air creates a so called 'wind chill1 or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a
cooling effect as heat is dissipated through convection and evaporation. Fans such as
that disclosed in USD 103,476 and US 1,767,060 are suitable for standing on a desk or a
table. US 1,767,060 describes a desk fan with an oscillating function that aims to
provide an air circulation equivalent to two or more prior art fans.
A disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the forward flow of air current
produced by the rotating blades of the fan is not felt uniformly by the user. This is due
to variations across the blade surface or across the outward facing surface of the fan.
Uneven or 'choppy' air flow can be felt as a series of pulses or blasts of air and can be
noisy. A further disadvantage is that the cooling effect created by the fan diminishes

with distance from the user. This means that the fan must be placed
to the user in order for the user to receive the benefit of the fan.
In a domestic environment it is desirable for appliances to be as small and compact as
possible due to space restrictions. It is undesirable for parts to project from the
appliance, or for the user to be able to touch any moving parts of the fan, such as the
blades. Some arrangements have safety features such as a cage or shroud around the
blades to protect a user from injuring himself on the moving parts of the fan.
USD 103,476 shows a type of cage around the blades however, caged blade parts can be
difficult to clean.
Other types of fan or circulator are described in US 2,488,467, US 2,433,795 and
JP 56-167897. The fan of US 2,433,795 has spiral slots in a rotating shroud instead of
fan blades. The circulator fan disclosed in US 2,488,467 emits air flow from a series of
nozzles and has a large base including a motor and a blower or fan for creating the air
flow.
Locating fans such as those described above close to a user is not always possible as the
bulky shape and structure mean that the fan occupies a significant amount of the user's
work space area. In the particular case of a fan placed on, or close to, a desk the fan
body or base reduces the area available for paperwork, a computer or other office
equipment. Often multiple appliances must be located in the same area, close to a
power supply point, and in close proximity to other appliances for ease of connection
and in order to reduce the operating costs.
The shape and structure of a fan at a desk not only reduces the working area available to
a user but can block natural light (or light from artificial sources) from reaching the
desk area. A well lit desk area is desirable for close work and for reading. In addition,
a well lit area can reduce eye strain and the related health problems that may result from
prolonged periods working in reduced light levels.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved fan assembl
disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
compact fan assembly which, in use, generates air flow at an even rate over the
emission output area of the fan.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bladeless fan assembly
for creating an air current, the fan assembly comprising a nozzle mounted on a base
housing means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an
interior passage for receiving the air flow from the base and a mouth through which the
air flow is emitted, the nozzle extending substantially orthogonally about an axis to
define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air
flow emitted from the mouth, wherein the nozzle and the base each have a depth in the
direction of the axis, and wherein the depth of the base is no more than twice the depth
of the nozzle.
Preferably the depth of the base is in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm, more preferably
around 150 mm. In this arrangement it is preferred that the fan assembly has a height
extending from the end of the base remote from the nozzle to the end of the nozzle
remote from the base, and a width perpendicular to the height, both the height and the
width being perpendicular to the said axis, and wherein the width of the base is no more
than 75% the width of the nozzle.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a bladeless
fan assembly for creating an air current, the fan assembly comprising a nozzle mounted
on a base housing means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle
comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the base and a mouth
through which the air flow is emitted, the nozzle extending substantially orthogonally
about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is
drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth, the fan assembly having a height
extending from the end of the base remote from the nozzle to the end of the nozzle
remote from the base, and a width perpendicular to the height, both the height and the

width being perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the width of the ba
75% the width of the nozzle.
Both aspects of the invention provide arrangements in which an air current is generated
and a cooling effect is created without requiring a bladed fan. The bladeless
arrangement leads to lower noise emissions due to the absence of the sound of a fan
blade moving through the air, and a reduction in moving parts and complexity. The
dimensions of the base are small compared to those of the nozzle and compared to the
size of the overall fan assembly structure. The depth of the base of the fan assembly is
such that the fan assembly is a slim product, occupying little of a user's work space area.
Advantageously the invention provides a fan assembly delivering a suitable cooling
effect from a footprint smaller than that of prior art fans. Advantageously, by this
arrangement the assembly can be produced and manufactured with a reduced number of
parts than those required in prior art fans. This reduces manufacturing cost and
complexity.
In the following description of fans and, in particular a fan of the preferred embodiment,
the term 'bladeless' is used to describe apparatus in which air flow is emitted or
projected forward's from the fan assembly without the use of blades. By this definition a
bladeless fan assembly can be considered to have an output area or emission zone
absent blades or vanes from which the air flow is released or emitted in a direction
appropriate for the user. A bladeless fan assembly may be supplied with a primary
source of air from a variety of sources or generating means such as pumps, generators,
motors or other fluid transfer devices, which include rotating devices such as a motor
rotor and a bladed impeller for generating air flow. The supply of air generated by the
motor causes a flow of air to pass from the room space or environment outside the fan
assembly through the interior passage to the nozzle and then out through the mouth.
Hence, the description of a fan assembly as bladeless is not intended to extend to the
description of the power source and components such as motors that are required for

secondary fan functions. Examples of secondary fan functions cs
adjustment and oscillation of the fan.
Preferably, the width of the base of the fan assembly is in the range from 65% to 55%
the width of the nozzle, more preferably around 50% the width of the nozzle. In a
preferred embodiment the height of the fan assembly is in the range 300 mm to 400
mm, more preferably around 350 mm. The preferred features and dimensions of the fan
assembly result in a compact arrangement while generating a suitable amount of air
flow from the fan assembly for cooling a user.
It is preferred that the base is substantially cylindrical. This arrangement creates a fan
assembly with a compact base that appears tidy and uniform. This type of uncluttered
design is desirable and often appeals to a user or customer. In addition, when placed on
a desk or work surface the area of the desk surface occupied by the base of the fan
assembly is less than the space occupied by other known fan assemblies. The nozzle
occupies space above the desk surface, extending away from the base without obscuring
the desk surface or impeding the user's access to the surface of the desk.
Preferably the base has at least one air inlet arranged substantially orthogonal to the
axis. Preferably the base has a side wall comprising said at least one air inlet. Locating
air inlets around the base provides flexibility in the arrangement of the base and the
nozzle, and enables air to flow into the base from a variety of points thereby to enable
more air to flow into the assembly as a whole. More preferably, said at least one air inlet
comprises a plurality of air inlets extending about a second axis substantially orthogonal
to said first-mentioned axis. In this arrangement it is preferred that the assembly has a
flow path extending from each air inlet to an inlet to the means for creating an air flow
through the nozzle, wherein the inlet to the means for creating an air flow is
substantially orthogonal to the or each air inlet. The arrangement provides an inlet air
path that minimises noise and frictional losses in the system.

In either of the aforementioned aspects, the nozzle may comprise
located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air now.
A Coanda surface is a known type of surface over which fluid flow exiting an output
orifice close to the surface exhibits the Coanda effect. The fluid tends to flow over the
surface closely, almost 'clinging to' or 'hugging' the surface. The Coanda effect is
already a proven, well documented method of entrainment whereby a primary air flow
is directed over the Coanda surface. A description of the features of a Coanda surface,
and the effect of fluid flow over a Coanda surface, can be found in articles such as
Reba, Scientific American, Volume 214, June 1963 pages 84 to 92. Through use of a
Coanda surface, air from outside the fan assembly is drawn through the opening by the
air flow directed over the Coanda surface.
In the present invention an air flow is created through the nozzle of the fan assembly. In
the following description this air flow will be referred to as primary air flow. The
primary air flow exits the nozzle via the mouth and preferably passes over the Coanda
surface. The primary air flow entrains the air surrounding the mouth of the nozzle,
which acts as an air amplifier to supply both the primary air flow and the entrained air
to the user. The entrained air will be referred to here as a secondary air flow. The
secondary air flow is drawn from the room space, region or external environment
surrounding the mouth of the nozzle and, by displacement, from other regions around
the fan assembly. The primary air flow directed over the Coanda surface combined
with the secondary air flow entrained by the air amplifier gives a total air flow emitted
or projected forward to a user from the opening defined by the nozzle. The total air
flow is sufficient for the fan assembly to create an air current suitable for cooling.
The air current delivered by the fan assembly to the user has the benefit of being an air
flow with low turbulence and with a more linear air flow profile than that provided by
other prior art devices. Linear air flow with low turbulence travels efficiently out from
the point of emission and loses less energy and less velocity to turbulence than the air
flow generated by prior art fans. An advantage for a user is that the cooling effect can
be felt even at a distance and the overall efficiency of the fan increases. This means that

the user can choose to site the fan some distance from a work area
able to feel the cooling benefit of the fan.
Advantageously, the assembly results in the entrainment of air surrounding the mouth of
the nozzle such that the primary air flow is amplified by at least 15%, whilst a smooth
overall output is maintained. The entrainment and amplification features of the fan
assembly result in a fan with a higher efficiency than prior art devices. The air current
emitted from the opening defined by the nozzle has an approximately flat velocity
profile across the diameter of the nozzle. Overall the flow rate and profile can be
described as plug flow with some regions having a laminar or partial laminar flow.
Preferably the nozzle comprises a loop. The shape of the nozzle is not constrained by
the requirement to include space for a bladed fan. In a preferred embodiment the nozzle
is annular. By providing an annular nozzle the fan can potentially reach a broad area.
In a further preferred embodiment the nozzle is at least partially circular. This
arrangement can provide a variety of design options for the fan, increasing the choice
available to a user or customer.
Preferably, the interior passage is continuous, more preferably substantially annular.
This allows smooth, unimpeded air flow within the nozzle and reduces frictional losses
and noise. In this arrangement the nozzle can be manufactured as a single piece,
reducing the complexity of the fan assembly and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
In the preferred fan arrangement the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle is
arranged to create an air flow through the nozzle having a pressure of at least 400 kPa.
This pressure is sufficient to overcome the pressure created by the constriction caused
by the mouth of the nozzle and provides pressure for an output air flow suitable for
cooling a user. More preferably, in use, the mass flow rate of air projected from the fan
assembly is at least 450 1/s, most preferably in the range from 600 1/s to 700 1/s.
Advantageously this mass flow rate can be projected forward from the opening and the

area surrounding the mouth of the nozzle with a laminar flow and can
the user as a superior cooling effect to that from a bladed fan.
In the preferred fan arrangement the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle
comprises an impeller driven by a motor. This arrangement provides a fan with
efficient air flow generation. More preferably the means for creating an air flow
comprises a DC brushless motor and a mixed flow impeller. This arrangement reduces
frictional losses from motor brushes and also reduces carbon debris from the brushes in
a traditional motor. Reducing carbon debris and emissions is advantageous in a clean or
pollutant sensitive environment such as a hospital or around those with allergies.
The nozzle may be rotatable or pivotable relative to a base portion, or other portion, of
the fan assembly. This enables the nozzle to be directed towards or away from a user as
required. The fan assembly may be desk, floor, wall or ceiling mountable. This can
increase the portion of a room over which the user experiences cooling.
The mouth may be substantially annular. By providing a substantially annular mouth
the total air flow can be emitted towards a user over a broad area. Advantageously, an
illumination source in the room or at the desk fan location or natural light can reach the
user through the central opening. The mouth may be concentric with the interior
passage. This arrangement will be visually appealing and the concentric location of the
mouth with the passage facilitates manufacture.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of a fan assembly;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the fan assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side sectional view through a portion of the fan assembly
at line A-A;
Figure 4 is an enlarged side sectional detail of a portion of the fan assembly of Figure 1;
and
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the fan assembly taken along line B-B of Figure 3 and
viewed from direction F of Figure 3.
Figure 1 shows an example of a fan assembly 100 viewed from the front of the device.
The fan assembly 100 comprises an annular nozzle 1 defining a central opening 2. With
reference also to Figures 2 and 3, nozzle 1 comprises an interior passage 10, a mouth 12
and a Coanda surface 14 adjacent the mouth 12. The Coanda surface 14 is arranged so
that a primary air flow exiting the mouth 12 and directed over the Coanda surface 14 is
amplified by the Coanda effect The nozzle 1 is connected to, and supported by, a base
16 having an outer casing 18. The base 16 includes a plurality of selection buttons 20
accessible through the outer casing 18 and through which the fan assembly 100 can be
operated. The fan assembly has a height, H, width, W, and depth, D, shown on Figures
1 and 3. The nozzle 1 is arranged to extend substantially orthogonally about the axis X.
The height of the fan assembly, H, is perpendicular to the axis X and extends from the
end of the base 16 remote from the nozzle 1 to the end of the nozzle 1 remote from the
base 16. In this embodiment the fan assembly 100 has a height, H, of around 530 mm,
but the fan assembly 100 may have any desired height, for example around 475 mm.
The base 16 and the nozzle 1 have a width, W, perpendicular to the height H and
perpendicular to the axis X. The width of the base 16 is shown labelled Wl and the
width of the nozzle 1 is shown labelled as W2 on Figure 1. The base 16 and the nozzle
1 have a depth in the direction of the axis X. The depth of the base 16 is shown labelled
Dl and the depth of the nozzle 1 is shown labelled as D2 on Figure 3,
Figures 3, 4 and 5 show further specific details of the fan assembly 100. A motor 22 for
creating an air flow through the nozzle 1 is located inside the base 16. The base 16 is

substantially cylindrical and in this embodiment the base 16 has a d:
width W1 and a depth D1) of around 145 mm. The base 16 further comprises air inlets
24a, 24b formed in the outer casing 18. A motor housing 26 is located inside the base
16. The motor 22 is supported by the motor housing 26 and held in a secure position by
a rubber mount or seal member 28.
In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 22 is a DC brushless motor. An impeller 30 is
connected to a rotary shaft extending outwardly from the motor 22, and a diffuser 32 is
positioned downstream of the impeller 30. The diffuser 32 comprises a fixed, stationary
disc having spiral blades.
An inlet 34 to the impeller 30 communicates with the air inlets 24a, 24b formed in the
outer casing 18 of the base 16. The outlet 36 of the diffuser 32 and the exhaust from the
impeller 30 communicate with hollow passageway portions or ducts located inside the
base 16 in order to establish air flow from the impeller 30 to the interior passage 10 of
the nozzle 1. The motor 22 is connected to an electrical connection and power supply
and is controlled by a controller (not shown). Communication between the controller
and the plurality of selection buttons 20 enable a user to operate the fan assembly 100.
The features of the nozzle 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
The shape of the nozzle 1 is annular. In this embodiment the nozzle 1 has a diameter of
around 350 mm, but the nozzle may have any desired diameter, for example around
300 mm. The interior passage 10 is annular and is formed as a continuous loop or duct
within the nozzle 1. The nozzle 1 is formed from at least one wall defining the interior
passage 10 and the mouth 12. In this embodiment the nozzle 1 comprises an inner wall
38 and an outer wall 40. In the illustrated embodiment the walls 38, 40 are arranged in
a looped or folded shape such that the inner wall 38 and outer wall 40 approach one
another. The inner wall 38 and the outer wall 40 together define the mouth 12, and the
mouth 12 extends about the axis X. The mouth 12 comprises a tapered region 42
narrowing to an outlet 44. The outlet 44 comprises a gap or spacing formed between
the inner wall 38 of the nozzle 1 and the outer wall 40 of the nozzle 1. The spacing

between the opposing surfaces of the walls 38, 40 at the outlet 44 c
chosen to be in the range from 1 mm to 5 mm. The choice of spacing will depend on
the desired performance characteristics of the fan. In this embodiment the outlet 44 is
around 1.3 mm wide, and the mouth 12 and the outlet 44 are concentric with the interior
passage 10.
The mouth 12 is adjacent the Coanda surface 14. The nozzle 1 of the illustrated
embodiment further comprises a diffuser portion located downstream of the Coanda
surface. The diffuser portion includes a diffuser surface 46 to further assist the flow of
air current delivered or output from the fan assembly 100. In the example illustrated in
Figure 3 the mouth 12 and the overall arrangement of the nozzle 1 is such that the angle
subtended between the Coanda surface 14 and the axis X is around 15°, The angle is
chosen for efficient air flow over the Coanda surface 14. The nozzle 1 extends by a
distance of around 5 cm in the direction of the axis. The diffuser surface 46 and the
overall profile of the nozzle 1 are based on an aerofoil shape, and in the example shown
the diffuser portion extends by a distance of around two thirds the overall depth of the
nozzle 1.
The fan assembly 100 described above operates in the following manner. When a user
makes a suitable selection from the plurality of buttons 20 to operate or activate the fan
assembly 100, a signal or other communication is sent to drive the motor 22. The motor
22 is thus activated and air is drawn into the fan assembly 100 via the air inlet 24. In
the preferred embodiment air is drawn in at a rate of approximately 20 to 30 litres per
second, preferably around 27 1/s (litres per second). The air passes through the outer
casing 18 and along the route illustrated by arrow F of Figure 3 to the inlet 34 of the
impeller 30. The air flow leaving the outlet 36 of the diffuser 32 and the exhaust of the
impeller 30 is divided into two air flows that proceed in opposite directions through the
interior passage 10. The air flow is constricted as it enters the mouth 12 and is further
constricted at the outlet 44 of the mouth 12. The constriction creates pressure in the
system. The motor 22 creates an air flow through the nozzle 16 having a pressure of at

least 400 kPa. The air flow created overcomes the pressure created 1
and the air flow exits through the outlet 44 as a primary air flow.
The output and emission of the primary air flow creates a low pressure area at the air
inlets 24a, 24b with the effect of drawing additional air into the fan assembly 100. The
operation of the fan assembly 100 induces high air flow through the nozzle 1 and out
through the opening 2. The primary air flow is directed over the Coanda surface 14 and
the diffuser surface 46, and is amplified by the Coanda effect. A secondary air flow is
generated by entrainment of air from the external environment, specifically from the
region around the outlet 44 and from around the outer edge of the nozzle 1. A portion
of the secondary air flow entrained by the primary air flow may also be guided over the
diffuser surface 46. This secondary air flow passes through the opening 2, where it
combines with the primary air flow to produce a total air flow projected forward from
the nozzle 1.
The combination of entrainment and amplification results in a total air flow from the
opening 2 of the fan assembly 100 that is greater than the air flow output from a fan
assembly without such a Coanda or amplification surface adjacent the emission area.
The amplification and laminar type of air flow produced results in a sustained flow of
air being directed towards a user from the nozzle 1. In the preferred embodiment the
mass flow rate of air projected from the fan assembly 100 is at least 450 1/s, preferably
in the range from 600 1/s to 700 1/s. The flow rate at a distance of up to 3 nozzle
diameters (i.e. around 1000 to 1200 mm) from a user is around 400 to 500 1/s. The total
air flow has a velocity of around 3 to 4 m/s (metres per second). Higher velocities are
achievable by reducing the angle subtended between the Coanda surface 14 and the axis
X. A smaller angle results in the total air flow being emitted in a more focussed and
directed manner. This type of air flow tends to be emitted at a higher velocity but with
a reduced mass flow rate. Conversely, greater mass flow can be achieved by increasing
the angle between the Coanda surface and the axis. In this case the velocity of the
emitted air flow is reduced but the mass flow generated increases. Thus the

performance of the fan assembly can be altered by altering the angle s"
the Coanda surface and the axis X.
The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be
apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the fan could be of a different
height or diameter. The base and the nozzle of the fan could be of a different depth,
width and height. The fan need not be located on a desk, but could be free standing,
wall mounted or ceiling mounted. The fan shape could be adapted to suit any kind of
situation or location where a cooling flow of air is desired. A portable fan could have a
smaller nozzle, say 5cm in diameter. The means for creating an air flow through the
nozzle can be a motor or other air emitting device, such as any air blower or vacuum
source that can be used so that the fan assembly can create an air current in a room.
Examples include a motor such as an AC induction motor or types of DC brushless
motor, but may also comprise any suitable air movement or air transport device such as
a pump or other means of providing directed fluid flow to generate and create an air
flow. Features of a motor may include a diftuser or a secondary diffuser located
downstream of the motor to recover some of the static pressure lost in the motor
housing and through the motor.
The outlet of the mouth may be modified. The outlet of the mouth may be widened or
narrowed to a variety of spacings to maximise air flow. The air flow emitted by the
mouth may pass over a surface, such as Coanda surface, alternatively the airflow may
be emitted through the mouth and be projected forward from the fan assembly without
passing over an adjacent surface. The Coanda effect may be made to occur over a
number of different surfaces, or a number of internal or external designs may be used in
combination to achieve the flow and entrainment required.
Other shapes of nozzle are envisaged. For example, a nozzle comprising an oval, or
'racetrack' shape, a single strip or line, or block shape could be used. The fan assembly
provides access to the central part of the fan as there are no blades. This means that

additional features such as lighting or a clock or LCD display could
opening defined by the nozzle.
Other features could include a pivotable or tiltable base for ease of movement and
adjustment of the position of the nozzle for the user.

We Claim:
1. A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current, the fan assembly
comprising a nozzle mounted on a base housing means for creating an air flow through
the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the
base and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted, the nozzle extending
substantially orthogonally about an axis to define an opening through which air from
outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth, wherein the
nozzle and the base each have a depth in the direction of said axis, and wherein the
depth of the base is no more than twice the depth of the nozzle.
2. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth of the base is in the
range of 100 mm to 200 mm, preferably around 150 mm.
3. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fan assembly has a
height extending from the end of the base remote from the nozzle to the end of the
nozzle remote from the base, and a width perpendicular to the height, both the height
and the width being perpendicular to the said axis, and wherein the width of the base is
no more than 75% the width of the nozzle.
4. A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current, the fan assembly
comprising a nozzle mounted on a base housing means for creating an air flow through
the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the
base and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted, the nozzle extending
substantially orthogonally about an axis to define an opening through which air from
outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth, the fan
assembly having a height extending from the end of the base remote from the nozzle to
the end of the nozzle remote from the base, and a width perpendicular to the height,

both the height and the width being perpendicular to the said axi:
width of the base is no more than 75% the width of the nozzle.
5. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the width of the base
is in the range from 65% to 55% the width of the nozzle, preferably around 50% the
width of the nozzle.
6. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the height of the fan
assembly is in the range 300 mm to 400 mm, preferably around 350 mm.
7. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is
substantially cylindrical.
8. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base has at least
one air inlet, and wherein said at least one air inlet is arranged substantially orthogonal
to said axis.
9. A fan assembly as claimed claim 8, wherein the base has a side wall comprising
said at least one air inlet.
10. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said at least one air
inlet comprises a plurality of air inlets extending about a second axis substantially
orthogonal to said first-mentioned axis.
11. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 8, 9 or 10, comprising a flow path
extending from each air inlet to an inlet to said means for creating an air flow through
the nozzle, wherein the inlet to the said means is substantially orthogonal to the or each
air inlet.
12. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle
comprises a loop.

13. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is
substantially annular.
14. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is at least
partially circular.
15. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interior passage
is continuous.
16. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interior passage
is substantially annular.
17. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means is
arranged to create an air flow through the nozzle having a pressure of at least 400 kPa.
18. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the mass
flow rate of air projected therefrom is at least 450 1/s, and preferably in the range from
6001/s to 700 Vs.
19. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for
creating an air flow through the nozzle comprises an impeller driven by a motor.
20. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the means for creating an air
flow comprises a DC brushless motor and a mixed flow impeller.
21. A fan assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.

A fan assembly for creating an air current is described. There is provided a bladeless fan
assembly (100) comprising a nozzle (1) mounted on a base (16) housing means for creating
an air flow through the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) comprises an interior passage (10) for
receiving the air flow from the base (16) and a mouth (12) through which the air flow is
emitted. The nozzle (1) extends substantially orthogonally about an axis to define an
opening (2) through which air from outside the fan assembly (100) is drawn by the air flow
emitted from the mouth (12) and the nozzle (1) and the base (16) each have a depth m the
direction of the axis, such that the depth of the base (16) is no more than twice the depth of
the nozzle (1). The fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of
cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan i.e. air flow is created by a bladeless fan.
Alternatively, the fan assembly (100) has a height extending from the end of the base (16)
remote from the nozzle (1) to the end of the nozzle (1) remote from the base (16) and a
width perpendicular to the height both the height and the width being perpendicular to the
axis so that the width of the base (16) is no more than 75% the width of the nozzle (1).
These arrangements create a fan assembly with a compact structure.