U.S. patent application number 12/989448 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for ceiling fan.
This patent application is currently assigned to Panasonic Corporation. Invention is credited to Kiyohiko Iwamoto, Tetsuji Kawazu, Kiminobu Yamamoto, Hiroshi Yoshikawa.
Application Number | 20110052411 12/989448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41318539 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110052411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamamoto; Kiminobu ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
CEILING FAN
Abstract
A ceiling fan including a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling,
and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting
via a suspension device. The ceiling fan main body includes a motor
for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a horizontal
direction, a shaft protruding to an upper part of the motor, and a
joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft. The suspension
device includes a first connecting portion capable of being movably
mounted on the connecting fitting, and a second connecting portion
located in a lower part of the first connecting portion. The joint
portion is movably mounted on the second connecting portion.
Inventors: |
Yamamoto; Kiminobu; (Shiga,
JP) ; Kawazu; Tetsuji; (Osaka, JP) ;
Yoshikawa; Hiroshi; (Aichi, JP) ; Iwamoto;
Kiyohiko; (Aichi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Panasonic Corporation
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
41318539 |
Appl. No.: |
12/989448 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 14, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/002102 |
371 Date: |
October 25, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
416/244R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/244.R |
International
Class: |
F04D 29/00 20060101
F04D029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2008 |
JP |
2008-128020 |
Claims
1. A ceiling fan comprising: a connecting fitting fixed to a
ceiling; and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting
fitting via a suspension device, wherein the ceiling fan main body
comprises: a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a
horizontal direction; a shaft protruding to an upper part of the
motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft, the
suspension device comprises: a first connecting portion capable of
being movably mounted on the connecting fitting; and a second
connecting portion located under a lower part of the first
connecting portion, and the joint portion is movably mounted on the
second connecting portion.
2. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis, and when
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of
the X-axis as a rotation axis, and the second connecting portion is
a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of
the Z-axis as a rotation axis.
3. The ceiling fan of claim 2, wherein the connecting fitting has a
hook shape, the first connecting portion includes a columnar axis
which is fixed in the horizontal direction and which the connecting
fitting is hooked over, the joint portion has a hole, and the
second connecting portion includes a columnar axis which is fixed
in the horizontal direction and which is hooked through the hole of
the joint portion.
4. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis, and when
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of
the X-axis as a rotation axis, and the second connecting portion is
a hanger that holds a horizontal plane axis connecting portion
rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane.
5. The ceiling fan of claim 4, wherein the connecting fitting has a
hook shape, the first connecting portion includes a columnar axis
which is fixed in the horizontal direction and which the connecting
fitting is hooked over, the joint portion is a ball joint having a
substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided
thereon, the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably
holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which
the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted
into the groove.
6. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a
rotation axis on the horizontal plane, and the second connecting
portion is a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the
direction of the X-axis as a rotation axis.
7. The ceiling fan of claim 6, wherein the first connecting portion
is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a substantially
hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon, the
connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint
and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to
pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove, the
joint portion is a hook provided with a hole, and the second
connecting portion includes a columnar axis hooked through the hole
and fixed in the horizontal direction.
8. The ceiling fan of claim 3, wherein the columnar axis has a
pulley.
9. The ceiling fan of claim 8, wherein the pulley is made of
rubber.
10. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a
rotation axis on the horizontal plane, and the second connecting
portion is a hanger holding a horizontal plane axis connecting
portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal
plane.
11. The ceiling fan of claim 10, wherein the first connecting
portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a
substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided
thereon, the connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding
the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the
shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into
the groove, the joint portion is a ball joint having a
substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided
thereon, and the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably
holding a ball joint of the joint portion and including a notch
portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion
that can be inserted into the groove.
12. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
three-dimensional axis connecting portion rotatable around rotation
axes in all directions in three dimensions, and the second
connecting portion is a hanger holding a horizontal plane axis
connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the
horizontal plane.
13. The ceiling fan of claim 12, wherein the first connecting
portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a
substantially hemispherical shape, the connecting fitting has a
bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch
portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass, the joint
portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped
surface with a groove provided thereon, and the second connecting
portion has a bowl shape movably holding a ball joint of the joint
portion and including a notch portion through which the shaft is
allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the
groove.
14. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein in the suspension device,
when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and
coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are
defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a
three-dimensional axis connecting portion rotatable around rotation
axes in all directions in three dimensions, and the second
connecting portion is a hanger holding a three-dimensional axis
connecting portion having rotation axes in all directions in three
dimensions.
15. The ceiling fan of claim 14, wherein the first connecting
portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a
substantially hemispherical shape, the connecting fitting has a
bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch
portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass, the joint
portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical shape,
and the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding
a ball joint of the joint portion and including a notch portion
through which the shaft is allowed to pass.
16. The ceiling fan of claim 5, wherein the columnar axis has a
pulley.
17. The ceiling fan of claim 7, wherein the columnar axis has a
pulley.
18. A ceiling fan comprising: a connecting fitting fixed to a
ceiling; and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting
fitting via a suspension device, wherein the ceiling fan main body
comprises: a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a
horizontal direction; a shaft protruding from an upper part of the
motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft, the
suspension device comprises: a first connecting portion
displaceable substantially only in a first axial direction; and a
second connecting portion capable of rotating substantially only in
a plane defined by the first axial direction and a second axial
direction perpendicular to the first axial direction, the joint
portion is movably mounted on one of the first and the second
connecting portions.
19. The ceiling fan of claim 18, wherein the joint portion is a
ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with
a groove provided thereon, the second connecting portion has a bowl
shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion
through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that
can be inserted into the groove.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling fan suspended
from a ceiling.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A conventional ceiling fan includes a connecting fitting
fixed to a ceiling, and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the
connecting fitting via a suspension device.
[0003] When such a ceiling fan is operated in a state in which it
is suspended from a ceiling, a ceiling fan main body may
occasionally swing. That is to say, in a conventional ceiling fan,
a shaft protruding from the upper part of the ceiling fan main body
is movably anchored to the connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling.
However, not-specified swing components in all directions are
generated due to vane weight and unbalanced pitch in a ceiling fan,
circulation air generated during operation of a ceiling fan main
body, outside wind, and the like, causing a ceiling fan main body
to swing non-constantly.
[0004] In such circumstances, conventionally, in order to suppress
swing, a ceiling fan main body is firmly fixed to a ceiling via a
suspension structure so as to reduce the swing width of the ceiling
fan main body. However, an abnormal noise may occur on a ceiling
depending on ceiling structures.
[Citation List]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined
Publication No. H3-294696
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A ceiling fan of the present invention includes a connecting
fitting fixed to a ceiling; and a ceiling fan main body suspended
from the connecting fitting via a suspension device. The ceiling
fan main body includes a motor for rotating a plurality of blades
attached in a horizontal direction, a shaft protruding to an upper
part of the motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of
the shaft. The suspension device includes a first connecting
portion capable of being movably mounted on the connecting fitting;
and a second connecting portion located in a lower part of the
first connecting portion. The joint portion is movably mounted on
the second connecting portion.
[0007] Such a ceiling fan has a suspension device provided with two
movable connecting portions between a connecting fitting fixed to a
ceiling and a ceiling fan main body. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of the ceiling fan main body during operation is
reduced by the two movable connecting portions. Furthermore, the
swing of the ceiling fan main body during operation is partially
cancelled by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the
vibration of the ceiling fan main body during operation is not
easily transmitted to the ceiling, and the swing of the ceiling fan
main body can be suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal
noise on the ceiling is reduced significantly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of the ceiling fan.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a development view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of the ceiling fan.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a development view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with a fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with a sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
are described with reference to drawings.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2
is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan. Ceiling fan 50
includes connecting fitting 6, suspension device 7, and ceiling fan
main body 1. Herein, connecting fitting 6 is fixed to ceiling 5.
Ceiling fan main body 1 is suspended from connecting fitting 6 via
suspension device 7.
[0020] Suspension device 7 includes a first connecting portion
including horizontal axis connecting portion 8 and a second
connecting portion including horizontal axis connecting portion 9.
Herein, the first connecting portion can be movably mounted on
connecting fitting 6. The second connecting portion is located in
the lower part of the first connecting portion.
[0021] Ceiling fan main body 1 includes motor 3, shaft 4, and joint
portion 10. Herein, motor 3 rotates a plurality of blades 2
attached in the horizontal direction. Shaft 4 protrudes to the
upper part of motor 3. Joint portion 10 is fixed to the upper part
of shaft 4, and movably mounted on the second connecting
portion.
[0022] Furthermore, central axis 14 of shaft 4 is defined as Y-axis
11, and coordinates of the horizontal plane perpendicular to Y-axis
11 are defined as X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13. Herein, the first
connecting portion is rotatable in the direction of X-axis 12 as a
rotation axis. Furthermore, the second connecting portion is
rotatable in the direction of Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis.
[0023] Horizontal axis connecting portion 8 as the first connecting
portion has pulley 22 on a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal
direction, and is hooked over hook-shaped connecting fitting 6
fixed to ceiling 5. Furthermore, pulley 22 has groove 20 on the
center of the periphery thereof and is made of rubber.
[0024] Horizontal axis connecting portion 9 forming the second
connecting portion includes a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal
direction, and is hooked through joint portion 10 having a hole in
the upper part of shaft 4.
[0025] That is to say, suspension device 7 has a configuration in
which the columnar axis of the first connecting portion and the
columnar axis of the second connecting portion are fixed in a state
in which they are displaced by 90.degree. in the horizontal
direction by using suspension section 15.
[0026] Therefore, even if not-specified swing components in all
directions are generated due to the weight of ceiling fan main body
1 and blades 2, unbalanced pitch of blades 2, and air flow and
circulation air generated during operation, outside wind, and the
like, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 occurs
non-constantly, they are suppressed as follows. That is to say, a
swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 as a
rotation axis is suppressed by the first connecting portion.
Furthermore, a swing component in the direction of rotation around
Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the second connecting
portion. In this way, swing components in the directions of
rotation around X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 can be handled. Therefore,
the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be
suppressed.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0027] In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the
same elements as in the first exemplary embodiment and the
description thereof is omitted, and only different configuration is
described. The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention
and the first exemplary embodiment are different from each other in
a configuration of a second connecting portion.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
4 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan. FIG. 5 is an
enlarged view showing a principal part of a suspension device of
the ceiling fan.
[0029] Suspension device 37 of ceiling fan 51 includes a first
connecting portion including horizontal axis connecting portion 8,
and a second connecting portion holding horizontal plane axis
connecting portion 16. The first connecting portion is rotatable in
the direction of X-axis 12 as a rotation axis. The second
connecting portion is hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b rotatable
around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12
and Z-axis 13.
[0030] Horizontal axis connecting portion 8 as the first connecting
portion has pulley 22 on a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal
direction, and is hooked over hook-shaped connecting fitting 6
fixed to ceiling 5. Furthermore, pulley 22 has groove 20 on the
center of the periphery thereof and is made of rubber.
[0031] Hanger 17 as the second connecting portion has a bowl shape
movably holding ball joint 21b. Ball joint 21b forming joint
portion 10 has a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with
groove 20b provided thereon, and is fixed on the upper part of
shaft 4. Furthermore, hanger 17 includes notch portion 18b through
which shaft 4 is allowed to pass and protrusion 19b that can be
inserted into groove 20b.
[0032] That is to say, suspension device 37 has a configuration in
which the columnar axis having pulley 22 of the first connecting
portion is fixed to hanger 17, and hanger 17 as the second
connecting portion holds ball joint 21b.
[0033] With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in
the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis is
suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing
component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on
the plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by the
second connecting portion holding ball joint 21b. As a result, a
swing component in the rotation direction around X-axis 12 as a
rotation axis and a swing component in the direction of rotation
having a rotation axis on the horizontal plane can be handled.
Therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation
can be suppressed.
[0034] Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper
part of shaft 4, that is, ball joint 21b, via shaft 4 protruding to
the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to
the first connecting portion via hanger 17 as the second connecting
portion. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not
transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second
connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted
to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting
portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the
second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to
each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially
cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation can be suppressed.
[0035] Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5
via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion
and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two
movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the
vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an
abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.
[0036] Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension
structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the
rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be
fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from
being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power
wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire.
This is because hanger 17 for holding ball joint 21 is provided
with protrusion 19 that can be inserted into groove 20.
[0037] Furthermore, suspension device 37 having such a
configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of
construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.
[0038] Furthermore, by using pulley 22 in the first connecting
portion, the swing component in the rotation direction of the axis
of pulley 22 can be suppressed by pulley 22 with friction reduced.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress the swing of ceiling fan main
body 1 during operation and to facilitate suspension to a J-hook or
a U-hook at the time of construction.
[0039] Furthermore, since pulley 22 of the first connecting portion
is made of rubber, the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 by
rotation during operation can be absorbed and relieved.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0040] In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the
same elements as in the first exemplary embodiment and the
description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations
are described. The third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention and the first exemplary embodiment are different from
each other in a configuration of a first connecting portion.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Suspension device 47 of ceiling fan 52 includes a first connecting
portion that is horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 and a
second connecting portion that is horizontal axis connecting
portion 9. The first connecting portion is rotatable around a
rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and
Z-axis 13. The second connecting portion is rotatable in the
direction of X-axis 12 as a rotation axis.
[0042] Horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 that is the
first connecting portion includes ball joint 21a. Ball joint 21a
fixed to suspension section 15 has a substantially hemispherical
shape and has a groove (not shown) on the spherical surface
thereof. Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has a
notch portion and a protrusion (both are not shown). Furthermore,
the notch portion has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint
21a and through which suspension section 15 is allowed to pass. The
protrusion can be inserted into the groove. Joint portion 10 is
provided with a hole (not shown).
[0043] Horizontal axis connecting portion 9 that is the second
connecting portion includes a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal
direction, and is rotatably hooked through the hole of joint
portion 10.
[0044] That is to say, suspension device 47 has a configuration in
which a columnar axis that forms the second connecting portion and
ball joint 21a that forms the first connecting portion are fixed by
suspension section 15.
[0045] With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in
the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the plane
including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by the first
connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing component in the rotation
direction around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the
second connecting portion. As a result, a swing component in the
direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the horizontal
plane and a swing component in the direction of rotation around
X-axis 12 as a rotation axis can be handled. Therefore, the swing
of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.
[0046] Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper
part of shaft 4, that is, the second joint portion via shaft 4
protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is
transmitted to the first connecting portion via suspension device
47. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not
transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second
connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted
to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting
portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the
second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to
each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially
cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation can be suppressed.
[0047] Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5
via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion
and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two
movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the
vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an
abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.
[0048] Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension
structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the
rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be
fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from
being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power
wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire.
This is because connecting fitting 46 has a notch portion for
rotatably holding ball joint 21a and a protrusion that can be
inserted into the groove.
[0049] Furthermore, suspension device 47 having such a
configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of
construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0050] In accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the
same elements as in the first to third exemplary embodiments and
the description thereof is omitted, and only different
configurations are described. The fourth exemplary embodiment of
the present invention and the third exemplary embodiment are
different from each other in a configuration of a second connecting
portion.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance
with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
8 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension
device of the ceiling fan. Suspension device 57 of ceiling fan 53
includes a first connecting portion that is horizontal plane axis
connecting portion 23 and a second connecting portion holding
horizontal plane axis connecting portion 16.
[0052] Horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 as the first
connecting portion includes ball joint 21a, and hanger 17 as the
second connecting portion holds ball joint 21b of horizontal plane
axis connecting portion 16.
[0053] The first connecting portion is rotatable around a rotation
axis on a horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13. Ball
joint 21a fixed to connecting member 25 has a substantially
hemispherical shape and has groove 20a on the spherical surface.
Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has notch portion
18a and protrusion 19a. Notch portion 18a has a bowl shape which
movably holds ball joint 21a and through which connecting member 25
is allowed to pass. Protrusion 19a can be inserted into groove 20a.
Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has notch portion
18a and protrusion 19a.
[0054] Joint portion 10 includes ball joint 21b. Ball joint 21b has
a substantially hemispherical shape and has groove 20b on the
spherical surface. Hanger 17 includes notch portion 18b through
which shaft 4 is allowed to pass and protrusion 19b.
[0055] That is to say, suspension device 57 has a configuration in
which ball joint 21a forming the first connecting portion is fixed
to hanger 17 of the second connecting portion movably holding ball
joint 21b.
[0056] With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in
the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the plane
including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by upper and lower
connecting portions, i.e., the first connecting portion and the
second connecting portion, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1
during operation can be suppressed.
[0057] Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper
part of shaft 4 via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor
3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting
portion via hanger 17 forming the second connecting portion. In
this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted
to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion
simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second
connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late.
Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second
connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each
other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially
cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation can be suppressed.
[0058] Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5
via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion
and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two
movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the
vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an
abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.
[0059] Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension
structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the
rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be
fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from
being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power
wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire.
This is because hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b has notch portion
18b and protrusion 19 that can be inserted into groove 20b.
[0060] Furthermore, suspension device 57 having such a
configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of
construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment
[0061] In accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the
same elements as in the first to fourth exemplary embodiments and
the description thereof is omitted, and only different
configurations are described. The fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention and the fourth exemplary embodiment are different
from each other in a configuration of a first connecting
portion.
[0062] FIG. 9 is a development view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with the fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Suspension device 67 of ceiling fan 54 includes a first
connecting portion that is three-dimensional axis connecting
portion 24 and a second connecting portion holding horizontal plane
axis connecting portion 16.
[0064] The first connecting portion that is three-dimensional axis
connecting portion 24 includes ball joint 21c fixed to connecting
member 25 and having a substantially hemispherical shape. Ball
joint 21c is rotatable in all the three-dimensional directions,
X-axis 12, Y-axis 11, and Z-axis 13 as rotation axes.
[0065] The second connecting portion is hanger 17 holding ball
joint 21b rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane
including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13.
[0066] Connecting fitting 46 fixed to ceiling 5 includes notch
portion 18a. Notch portion 18a has a bowl shape which movably holds
ball joint 21c and through which connecting member 25 is allowed to
pass.
[0067] Joint portion 10 includes a substantially
hemispherical-shaped ball joint 21b. Hanger 17 includes notch
portion 18b, and protrusion 19b that can be inserted into groove
20b. Notch portion 18b has a bowl shape which movably holds ball
joint 21b and through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass.
[0068] That is to say, suspension device 67 has a configuration in
which ball joint 21c forming the first connecting portion is fixed
to hanger 17 as the second connecting portion movably holding ball
joint 21b.
[0069] With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component by
axial torque in the rotation direction of motor 3 and a swing
component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on
the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 are
suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing
component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on
the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is
suppressed by the second connecting portion. In this way, since
each swing component can be handled, the swing of ceiling fan main
body 1 during operation can be suppressed.
[0070] Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper
part of shaft 4 via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor
3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting
portion via the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing
of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first
connecting portion and the second connecting portion
simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second
connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late.
Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second
connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each
other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially
cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation can be suppressed.
[0071] Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5
via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion
and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two
movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the
vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an
abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.
[0072] Furthermore, by using three-dimensional axis connecting
portion 24 including ball joint 21c for the first connecting
portion, a structure having a degree of freedom in the rotation
direction of all axes can be achieved. As a result, the swing
component can be suppressed by ball joint 21c with friction
reduced, and therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation can be suppressed. This structure can facilitate
suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be
applied to an inclined ceiling.
[0073] Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension
structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the
rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be
fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from
being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power
wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire.
This is because hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b includes notch
portion 18b, and protrusion 19b that can be inserted into groove
20b.
Sixth Exemplary Embodiment
[0074] In accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the
same elements as in the first to fifth exemplary embodiments and
the description thereof is omitted, and only different
configurations are described.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a principal part of a
suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with the sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Suspension device 77
of ceiling fan 55 includes a first connecting portion that is
three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24a, and a second
connecting portion holding three-dimensional axis connecting
portion 24b. Herein, three-dimensional axis connecting portions 24a
and 24b have rotation axes rotatable in all the directions in three
dimensions.
[0076] Three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24a as the first
connecting portion includes substantially hemispherical-shaped ball
joint 21c fixed to connecting member 25. Connecting fitting 46
fixed to ceiling 5 includes notch portion 18a. Notch portion 18a
has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21c and through
which connecting member 25 is allowed to pass.
[0077] Joint portion 10 includes substantially hemispherical-shaped
ball joint 21c. Hanger 17 as the second connecting portion holds
three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24b. That is to say,
hanger 17 has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21c and
through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass.
[0078] That is to say, suspension device 77 has a configuration in
which ball joint 21c forming the first connecting portion is fixed
to hanger 17 as the second connecting portion movably holding ball
joint 21c.
[0079] With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component
due to axial torque in the direction of the rotation of motor 3,
and a swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12
and Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis can be suppressed by the first
connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, it
is possible to suppress ceiling fan main body 1 during
operation.
[0080] The swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is
transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4
via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore,
the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via hanger
17 as the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing of
ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting
portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing
is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then
to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first
connecting portion and the second connecting portion, it is thought
that the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of
ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of
ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.
[0081] Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5
via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion
and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of
the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two
movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the
vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an
abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.
[0082] Furthermore, suspension device 77 having such a
configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of
construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0083] As mentioned above, the present invention can suppress the
occurrence of an abnormal noise on a ceiling and is useful as
ceiling fans for household use or office use.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0084] 1 ceiling fan main body [0085] 2 blade [0086] 3 motor [0087]
4 shaft [0088] 5 ceiling [0089] 6, 46 connecting fitting [0090] 7,
37, 47, 57, 67, 77 suspension device [0091] 8, 9 horizontal axis
connecting portion [0092] 10 joint portion [0093] 11 Y-axis [0094]
12 X-axis [0095] 13 Z-axis [0096] 14 central axis [0097] 15
suspension section [0098] 16, 23 horizontal plane axis connecting
portion [0099] 17 hanger [0100] 18a, 18b notch portion [0101] 19,
19a, 19b protrusion [0102] 20, 20a, 20b groove [0103] 21, 21a, 21b,
21c ball joint [0104] 22 pulley [0105] 24, 24a, 24b
three-dimensional axis connecting portion [0106] 25 connecting
member [0107] 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 ceiling fan
* * * * *