Importance

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Abstract

An axial flow fan has a hub with a plurality of hub struts extending radially from the hub for mounting a blade on the end of each hub strut. Inner and outer studs extend in the axial direction of the fan on each of the hub struts. An air seal covers the hub struts, and particularly the space between the hub struts. The air seal has a generally round central sheet and a number of radially adjustable segments extending radially from the central sheet corresponding to the number of hub struts. Each of the segments is a generally trapezoidal sheet spanning the space between adjacent hub struts. Inner and outer slots along each of the radial edges of the trapezoidal sheet extend in a direction parallel to a radial line through the center of the sheet with each slot engaging a stud on a hub strut. This permits the segments to be adjusted radially to closely match the roots of the blades before nuts are tightened on the threaded studs. As illustrated, each segment has an outer edge with an axially extending first wall portion normal to one adjacent hub strut and a second axially extending wall portion normal to the other adjacent hub strut. Thus, adjacent segments form a 'shroud' parallel to the root of an adjacent blade for an effective air seal. A step along each radially extending edge stiffens the segment and connects to a flange having the slots.

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First Claim