U.S. patent application number 11/501006 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for ceiling fan.
Invention is credited to Anthony JR. Fedeli, Christine Fedeli.
Application Number | 20070036654 11/501006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37742708 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070036654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fedeli; Christine ; et
al. |
February 15, 2007 |
Ceiling fan
Abstract
The ceiling fan of the present invention has at least one
locking mechanism, i.e., rotor brake, that may be an integral
subsystem of the ceiling fan, or an add on attachment kit, either
of which holds the fan rotor stationary to prevent the fan blades
from rotating during cleaning or other maintenance of the fan. The
rotor brake may comprise an electrically actuated mechanical system
that prevents rotation of the rotor. Alternatively, the rotor brake
may comprise an electrically actuated electromagnetic field to
prevent rotation of the rotor. In yet another embodiment, the rotor
brake may comprise a retractable or pivotal yoke that attaches to
the fan so that the yoke may extend or pivot to engage a stationary
fan blade or blade iron to prevent the blades from rotating. The
yoke may be operated by a switch, a pull chain, or manually.
Inventors: |
Fedeli; Christine; (Naples,
FL) ; Fedeli; Anthony JR.; (Naple, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
PO BOX 15035
CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
37742708 |
Appl. No.: |
11/501006 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60706448 |
Aug 9, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
416/169R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/169.00R |
International
Class: |
B63H 15/00 20060101
B63H015/00 |
Claims
1. A ceiling fan, comprising: motor; the motor comprising a stator
having electromagnetic windings capable of providing a rotational
electromagnetic force when the stator is electrically energized;
the motor further comprising a rotor that is proximate to and
disposed concentric to the stator; the rotor being rotation ally
responsive to the rotational electromagnetic force provided by the
stator; a motor housing that surrounds the motor; fan blades, the
fan blades being connected to the rotor so that when the rotor is
rotating, the fan blades rotate in a corresponding manner; a rotor
brake, the rotor brake being capable of being selectively applied
to keep the fan blades in a stationary position when the rotational
electromagnetic force is not present, thereby allowing a user to
clean the fan blades without them free-wheeling during the cleaning
process.
2. The ceiling fan according to claim 1, wherein the rotor brake
comprises an electrically actuated mechanical system to prevent
rotation of the rotor.
3. The ceiling fan according to claim 2, wherein the electrically
activated mechanical system comprises: at least one locking pin
being non- rotation ally disposed and extending from a stationary
non-rotatable portion of the ceiling fan at a predetermined radial
distance from the center axis of rotation of the ceiling fan
blades; at least one corresponding locking pin receiver being
disposed in at least one ceiling fan blade, while being adapted to
receive the locking pin; and, an electric actuator capable of
extending the locking pin to engage the locking pin receiver so
that the ceiling fan blade assembly is prevented from rotating.
4. The ceiling fan according to claim 3, wherein the electric
actuator is a solenoid.
5. The ceiling fan according to claim 2, wherein the electrically
activated mechanical system comprises: at least one locking pin
being non-rotation ally disposed and extending from a stationary
non-rotatable section of the ceiling fan at a predetermined radial
distance from the center axis of rotation of the ceiling fan
blades; at least one corresponding locking pin receiver being
disposed in a rotor extension, the rotor extension being connected
to the rotor, the locking pin receiver in the rotor extension being
adapted to receive the locking pin; and, an electric actuator
capable of extending the locking pin to engage the locking pin
receiver so that the ceiling fan blade assembly is prevented from
rotating.
6. The ceiling fan according to claim 5, wherein the electric
actuator is a solenoid.
7. The ceiling fan according to claim 2, wherein the electrically
activated mechanical system comprises: at least one locking pin
being non-rotation ally disposed within a stationary non-rotatable
portion of the ceiling fan at a predetermined radial distance from
the centeraxis of rotation of the ceiling fan blades; at least one
corresponding locking pin receiver being disposed in the rotor, the
locking pin receiver being adapted to receive the locking pin; and,
an electric actuator capable of extending the locking pin to engage
the locking pin receiver so that the ceiling fan blade assembly is
prevented from rotating.
8. The ceiling fan according to claim 2, wherein the electric
actuator is a solenoid.
9. The ceiling fan according to claim 2, wherein the electrically
activated mechanical system comprises: at least one friction pin
being non-rotation ally disposed within a stationary non-rotatable
section of the ceiling fan at a predetermined radial distance from
the center axis of rotation of the ceiling fan blades; a brake pad
being attached to a free end of the friction pin; and, an electric
actuator capable of extending the friction pin so that the brake
pad frictionally engages a rotating component of the ceiling fan in
order to prevent the blade assembly from rotating.
10. The ceiling fan according to claim 9, wherein the rotating
component of the ceiling fan is the rotor.
11. The ceiling fan according to claim 9, wherein the rotating
component of the ceiling fan is a central hub, the central hub
being connected to the rotor and having a flat disc-like surface
suitable for frictional engagement with the friction pin brake
pad.
12. The ceiling fan according to claim 9, wherein the electric
actuator is a solenoid.
13. The ceiling fan according to claim 1, wherein the rotor brake
comprises a yoke that attaches to the fan so that the yoke may be
disposed to engage a stationary, rotatable fan member attached to
the rotor of the fan to prevent the blades from rotating when power
is not applied to the fan motor.
14. The ceiling fan according to claim 13, wherein the engagement
of the yoke to the rotatable fan member is mechanically
actuated.
15. The ceiling fan according to claim 13, wherein the engagement
of the yoke to the rotatable fan member is electrically
actuated.
16. The ceiling fan according to claim 13, wherein the rotatable
fan member is selected from one of the following: a fan blade iron,
a fan blade.
17. The ceiling fan according to claim 1, wherein the rotor brake
comprises a selectively activated electromagnetic field generator
that applies an electromagnetic field proximate to the rotor to
prevent rotation of the rotor, thereby holding the blades
stationary.
18. The ceiling fan according to claim 17, wherein the
electromagnetic field is non-time varying in order to provide
magnetic poles that have substantially constant direction and
amplitude.
19. The ceiling fan according to claim 17, wherein the
electromagnetic field generator is selected from one of the
following: at least one of the stator windings of the motor, at
least one stationary auxiliary brake winding, the at least one
stationary auxiliary brake winding being attached to a stationary,
non-rotational portion of the ceiling fan.
20. A rotor brake kit for ceiling fans, comprising: a base; a yoke
extending from the base; means for securing the base to a
stationary, non-rotatable section of the ceiling fan, so that the
yoke is capable of engaging one of the following: a fan blade, a
fan blade iron, to prevent the fan blades from rotating.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/706,448, filed Aug. 9, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to ceiling fans. More
specifically, the invention relates to a ceiling fan having one or
more mechanisms for preventing rotation of the ceiling fan rotor
during blade cleaning or other ceiling fan maintenance
activity.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Ceiling fans are used in many homes to circulate the air in
rooms in an economical manner. The fans are often ornamental,
matching the furniture and interior decoration. Over time, the fan
blades accumulate a layer of dust sediment, particularly on their
leading edges, caused by cutting through the dust-filled air. The
dust is unattractive at the least, and if the dust particles
collect in the fan bearings, the rotation of the fan blades during
operation may be hindered. Therefore, the dust must be regularly
cleaned from the blades, and the bearings and motor may
occasionally need to be cleaned and oiled for smoother
operation.
[0006] The fan blades typically rest on a set of bearings, which
allow the blades to rotate with as little friction as possible.
When the fan. Is turned off, the slight friction from the bearings
and the air resistance against the blades causes the fan blades to
slowly stop rotating. However, not much force is required to start
the blades rotating without power applied to the motor, i.e.,
free-wheeling. This creates a potentially troublesome and possibly
dangerous situation for someone attempting to clean or repair the
fan and its blades. Moreover, German Patent No. DE 3942344, issued
to Weller and published Jul. 18, 1991, appears to disclose a
directional rotation lock for a synchronous motor. Additionally,
European Patent EP 0 823,557, issued to Pearce and published Feb.
11, 1998 discloses a blade ring attachment system for a ceiling
fan. However neither patent either alone or in combination
discloses or suggests the exact features of the present
invention.
[0007] A mechanism for easily locking the fan blades in place while
the fan is turned off would help prevent injury from accidentally
rotating fan blades during blade cleaning and fan maintenance.
Thus, a ceiling fan having one or more rotor locking mechanisms
solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The ceiling fan of the present invention has at least one
locking mechanism, i.e., rotor brake, that may be an integral
subsystem of the ceiling fan, or an add on attachment kit, either
of which holds the fan rotor stationary to prevent the fan blades
from rotating, i.e., freewheeling during cleaning or other
maintenance of the fan.
[0009] The rotor brake may comprise an electrically actuated
mechanical system that prevents rotation of the rotor.
Alternatively, the rotor brake may comprise an electrically
actuated electromagnetic field to prevent rotation of the
rotor.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the rotor brake may comprise a
retractable or pivotal yoke that attaches to the fan so that the
yoke may extend or pivot to engage a stationary fan blade or rotor
extension to prevent the blades from rotating. The yoke may be
operated by a switch, a pull chain, or manually.
[0011] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an environmental, elevational view of one
embodiment of a ceiling fan according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an environmental, elevational view of one
embodiment of a ceiling fan according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective view of yet another
embodiment of a ceiling fan according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged scale perspective view of the locking
mechanism shown in FIG. 3, according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an environmental, perspective view of a further
embodiment of a ceiling fan according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale plan view of the locking
mechanism shown in FIG. 5, according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism shown
in FIG. 6, according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8A is a schematic. diagram showing an electrically
actuated rotor brake, according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8B is a side view of a fan using the electrically
actuated friction pin in combination with brake pad, according to
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a DC electromagnetic
rotor brake, according to the present invention Similar reference
characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout
the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention is a ceiling fan 105a having a locking
mechanism, i.e., rotor brake designated generally as 10a in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 8A and 9, the ceiling fan generally operates
by applying alternating current (AC) to stator windings 805 which
are affixed to a section of stator shaft 110 inside housing 14 and
disposed in such a manner as to provide a rotating magnetic field.
A metal, substantially cylindrical rotor 115 is disposed proximate
to and concentric to the stator so that the rotor 115 can respond
to the rotating magnetic field by following the. field, i.e.,
rotating with the field. Outside of the housing 14, a rotor
extension in the form of a central hub 16a is attached to the rotor
115 and also to fan blades 12. Thus the rotary motion of rotor 115
is transferred through the central hub in order to impart rotary
motion to the fan blades 12.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, rotor brake 10a for the ceiling fan is
preferably an integral subsystem of the ceiling fan 105 that can
keep the rotor 115 stationary in order to prevent the fan blades 12
from rotating during cleaning and maintenance of the fan. The rotor
brake 10a has at least one electrically actuated locking pin 20
capable of extending to be received by at least one corresponding
locking pin receiver, such as mating hole or socket 22a, being
disposed on the fan blades 12 or central hub rotor extension 16a,
as shown in FIG. 1. The locking pin actuators 24a may be comprised
of, for example, without limitation, solenoids which are disposed
in the fan's main housing 14.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of the rotor
brake 10b may include electric actuators 24b disposed in the fan
blades 12 or disposed in central hub rotor extension 16a to
activate locking pins 20 to cause the locking pins 20 to extend
from the fan blades 12 or rotor extension 16a into locking pin
receivers 22b in the main housing 14. The electric actuators 24b
may be energized by a power source that is switched on or off by
switch 26 housed in the lower housing 18, and are connected to the
switch 26 by interior wiring 28 running through the center axis of
the rotor extension 16 and extending to the actuators 24bvia a slip
ring (not shown).
[0025] The locking pins 20 may optionally be selectively actuated
by a remote switch, such as in a nearby wall or a hand-held device,
thereby allowing the actuators 24b to be energized even when the
power to the fan motor is turned off. This remote actuation of the
locking pins 20 allows for safer cleaning and maintenance of the
fan 105 and fan blades 12.
[0026] Moreover, it should be clearly understood that actuators of,
for example, without limitation, type 24a or type 24b may be
disposed within an interior space of the housing 14 in positions
that enable the locking pins 20 to engage locking pin receivers of,
for example, without limitation type 22a or type 22b, being
disposed on a section of the rotor 115 that is within the housing
14 in order to lock the rotor in a stationary position when the
actuators 24a or 24b, or other suitable type actuators are
energized.
[0027] As an alternative to locking pins 20, FIG. 8B shows an
actuator 24aattached to a friction pin 20b. The free end of the
friction pin is attached to a brake pad 830. The friction pin 20b
may have an adjustment wheel 835 capable of adjusting the stroke of
the friction pin 20b. When the actuator 24a is energized, friction
pin 20b applies pressure through brake pad 830 to a rotating fan
surface such as central hub rotor extension 16a to hold the rotor
115 stationary. Alternatively, the actuator 24a and friction pin
20b may be disposed within housing 14 so as to apply braking
directly to the rotor 115.
[0028] In embodiments using either locking pin 20 or friction pin
20b, the actuators may be energized as shown in FIG. 8A. An
exemplary actuator 24a is connected in an independent loop
comprising brake switch 810, fuse 815 and 120 VAC power supply
having line, neutral and ground lines. When the switch 810 is in
the closed position braking actuators, including actuator 24a is
energized to apply the rotor brake, such as rotor brake 10a, rotor
brake 10b, and the like. As further shown in FIG. 8A, power applied
to the stator windings 805 should be interrupted, i.e., switches
820 should be open before applying power via switch 810 to the
rotor brake actuator 24a. Motor directional switches 825a and 825b
may be open or closed during operation of the rotor brake 10a, 10b,
and the like. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the
fan with rotor brake 105 may comprise a rotor brake 10c having an
electromagnetic field generator 805 (one or more of the stator
coils) that selectively activates an electromagnetic field
proximate to the rotor 115 to prevent rotation of the rotor 115.
Preferably, the electromagnetic field is non-time varying in order
to provide magnetic poles that have substantially constant
direction and amplitude.
[0029] The rotor 115, being preferably formed from a stack of
electrical steel laminations is electromagnetically responsive to
magnetic fields generated in its proximity and will align itself
with the constant direction/constant amplitude field to thereby
maintain the attached blades 12 in a fixed position.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 9 power supplied to achieve the rotor
braking effect comprises a DC power source as provided by bridge
rectifier D1-D4 having AC and ground input at 905a and 905b
respectively. Negative output at 910b is applied to one of the
stator windings 805, while positive voltage output provided at 910a
can be selectively routed to the remaining end of the stator
winding 805. A field strength adjustment may be made by setting
potentiometer 930 to a position that provides appropriate
resistance to turning of the rotor 115. The rotor braking effect
can be applied when switch 810 is closed. The braking system is
protected by fuse 815. Switch 920, or either of switches 820 may be
closed to complete the braking circuit. Directional switches 825a
are preferably open and non-operational during the braking effect
mode of this embodiment. Additionally, in lieu of using the stator
coils, a stationary auxiliary brake winding (not shown) may be
provided as an attachment to a stationary, non-rotational section
of the ceiling fan, e.g., the stator 110. The auxiliary brake
winding must be disposed in a manner similar to the existing stator
windings 805 to have a similar braking effect on the rotor 115 when
energized.
[0031] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, ceiling
fan 105bhas a rotor 115 that is attached to blade iron rotor
extensions 1 6b. An attachable rotor brake 30 may be provided to
attach to the outside of ceiling fan lower housing 18. As shown,
rotor brake 30 includes arms 36 that can extend or pivot up from a
body 34 to form a yoke that engages either the stationary fan blade
12 or the stationary fan blade iron rotor extension 16b to prevent
the blades 12 from rotating. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking
mechanism 30 is an extendable attachment secured to the lower
housing 18 using an existing lower housing screw 32. Referring to
FIG. 4, the base 34 of extendable attachment has two telescoping
arms 36 extending in a diverging manner upwardly from the base 34
to form a yoke. The screw 32 is inserted into an aperture 38 that
passes through the base 34, before the screw 32 is tightened into
the lower housing 18. For additional strength, an adhesive backing
(not shown) may be used on the base 34 to help hold the base 34
against the lower housing 18. When the telescoping arms 36 are
fully extended, they form a yoke around a fan blade 12 to prevent
the blades 12 and rotor 115 from rotating. These arms 36 may be
operated by a switch, a pull chain, or manually.
[0032] In a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the locking
mechanism 40 is a pivoting yoke attachment secured to the side of
the lower housing 18 using existing lower housing screws. Referring
to FIGS. 6-7, the pivoting yoke attachment 40 includes a curved
base 42, with apertures 44 sized to receive a screw (not shown)
before the screw is tightened into the lower housing 18. The base
42 is curved to mate flush over a portion the outer surface of the
lower housing 18. A neck 46 extends vertically from the top of the
base 42. Two diverging arms 48 extend substantially vertically from
the top of the neck 46. The neck 46 includes a hinge 50, which
allows the user to pivot the arms 48 from a substantially vertical
position to a substantially horizontal position. When in the
substantially vertical position, the arms 48 surround a fan blade
12 and prevent the fan blade assembly from rotating. A pull chain
52 attached to the neck 46 or arms 48 allows the user to utilize an
actuator (not shown) to pull the arms 48 down into the horizontal
position.
[0033] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *