Blade for a ceiling fan, ceiling fan and method for moving air in a space

Abstract

A blade for a ceiling fan, a ceiling fan, and a method for moving air within a space. A ceiling fan or similar air moving device can include a motor for rotating one or more blades to drive a volume of air around a space. A blade can include a body having an outer surface and a side edge, the outer surface having a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface. A curved transition can extend between one of the flat top surface and the flat bottom surface and the side edge. The side edge can be disposed at an angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a ceiling fan blade. Background Technology

[0002] A ceiling fan is a machine typically suspended from a structure to move a volume of air around an area. A ceiling fan includes a motor with a rotor and a stator, suspended from and electrically connected to the structure. A set of blades is mounted to the rotor such that the blades are rotatably driven by the rotor, and these blades can be angled to move the volume of air around the area. As energy costs become increasingly important, there is a need to improve the operating efficiency of ceiling fans. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a blade for a ceiling fan having a motor for rotating the blade, the blade comprising: a body including a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending in a spanwise direction between a root and a tip, and in a chordwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge; a planar portion disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface; and a planar first edge disposed at one of the leading edge and the trailing edge; wherein the planar first edge is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis defined as orthogonal to the planar portion.

[0004] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a ceiling fan comprising: a motor configured to be suspended on a structure; blades rotatably driven by the motor, the blades having a body including a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending between a root and a tip in a spanwise direction and between a front edge and a rear edge in a chordwise direction; a planar portion disposed on the top surface; and a planar first edge disposed at one of the front edge and the rear edge; wherein the planar first edge is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis defined as orthogonal to the planar portion.

[0005] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for moving air within a space, the method comprising: driving ceiling fan blades suspended on a structure by means of a motor, the structure at least partially defining the space; wherein the ceiling fan blades include a planar portion disposed on a top surface and a planar first edge disposed at a first side edge, and wherein the planar first edge is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis defined as orthogonal to the planar portion. Attached Figure Description

[0006] In the attached diagram:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a ceiling fan structure that is suspended on a structure and includes a set of blades.

[0008] Figure 2 It comes from a group of blades or Figure 1 A top view of a blade with a curved surface that transitions to the blade edge.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the blade shows the curved transition to the blade edge on the top and bottom surfaces.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of one edge of the blade shows the planar side edge and the elliptical curved surface of the blade according to several aspects disclosed herein.

[0011] Figure 5 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge of an alternative blade, showing the planar side edge and the elliptical curved surface of the blade according to several aspects disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge of another alternative blade, showing a blade with inclined flat sections, curved transitions and planar side edges according to several aspects disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0013] This disclosure relates to a ceiling fan and ceiling fan blades, which can be used, for example, in residential and commercial applications. These applications can be indoors, outdoors, or both. While this description is primarily directed to residential ceiling fans, it is also applicable to any environment that utilizes a fan or is used to cool an area using airflow.

[0014] As used herein, the term "group" or "set" of elements can refer to any number of elements, including the case of a single element. All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, tail, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and do not constitute limitation, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of various aspects of the disclosure described herein. Unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and joining) should be interpreted broadly and can include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between these elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and fixedly connected to each other. The exemplary figures are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes shown in the accompanying figures may vary.

[0015] Now for reference Figure 1The ceiling fan 10 is suspended from the structure 12. In a non-limiting example, the ceiling fan 10 may include one or more fan components, including a suspension bracket 14, a top cover 16, a lower rod 18, a motor adapter 20, a motor housing 22 that at least partially surrounds a motor 24 having a rotor 26 and a stator 28, a lighting kit 30, and a set of blade irons 32. In other non-limiting examples, the ceiling fan 10 may include a controller, a wireless receiver, a ball base, a hanging ball, a lighting glass, a lighting cage, a main shaft, a top cover, a switch housing, blade forks, blade tips or blade covers, and one or more other fan components. A set of blades 34 may extend radially from the ceiling fan 10 and may be rotatable to drive a volume of fluid (e.g., air). The blades 34 may be operatively coupled to the motor 24 at the rotor 26, for example, via blade irons 32. The blades 34 may include a set of blades 34 having any number of blades, including the case of only one blade.

[0016] For example, structure 12 may be a ceiling with ceiling fan 10 suspended from it. It should be understood that structure 12 is shown schematically and by way of example only, and may be included in any suitable building, structure, residential, commercial, or other environment in which the use of a ceiling fan for air movement is appropriate or desirable. Structure 12 may also include a power supply unit 36, which may be disposed within structure 12 and electrically connected to ceiling fan 10 to supply power to ceiling fan 10 and its motor 24. In a non-limiting example, it is also contemplated that the power supply originates from somewhere other than structure 12, such as a battery or generator.

[0017] Controller 38 can be electrically connected to power supply unit 36 ​​to control the operation of ceiling fan 10 via power supply unit 36. Alternatively, controller 38 can be wirelessly or communicatively connected to ceiling fan 10, configured to remotely control the operation of ceiling fan 10 without a dedicated connection. Non-limiting examples of controlling ceiling fan 10 may include fan speed, fan direction, or lighting operation. Furthermore, a standalone wireless controller 40 (alone or together with wired controller 38) can be communicatively connected to the controller or wireless receiver in ceiling fan 10 to control the operation of ceiling fan 10. In an alternative embodiment, it is also envisioned that the ceiling fan is operated independently by wireless controller 40 and is not operatively connected to wired controller 38.

[0018] refer to Figure 2 , with a leaf 34 Figure 1The rest of the fan 10 is separated. Three fastener holes 50 are provided in the blade 34 for fastening the blade 34 to the motor 24 or blade iron 32 to allow the blade 34 to rotate about the fan 10; however, any number of fastener holes or blade attachment methods are also contemplated. The blade 34 includes an outer surface 52 having a top surface 54. The top surface 54 terminates at a side edge 56. The top surface 54 may include a flat portion 58 and a top curved transition portion 60 transitioning from the flat portion 58 to the side edge 56. Alternatively, the top surface is not necessarily flat and may be an alternative geometry extending to the curved transition portion 60. In one example, the curved transition portion 60 may be defined in the chordal direction for approximately one inch; however, any width is also contemplated. In another example, the curved transition portion 60 may extend between 5% and 40% of the blade chordal width between opposing side edges 56; however, distances less than 5% or greater than 40% are also contemplated.

[0019] The blade 34 also includes a tip 62 and a root 64 defining a spanwise direction therebetween, the root 64 being adjacent to the fastener aperture 50 and the tip 62 being opposite to the root 64. A curved corner 66 transitions between the tip 62 and the side edges 56; it should be understood that the curved corner 66 may be optional or may include other shapes, such as sharp corners. The chordal direction may be defined between the opposing side edges 56, and the spanwise direction may be defined between the tip 62 and the root 64. The blade 34 may widen in the chordal direction as it extends in the spanwise direction; however, any top-to-bottom shape of the blade is contemplated, such as having a chordal width that thins outward as it extends in the spanwise direction. Non-limiting examples of blade shapes may include square, rectangular, curved, angular, or rounded shapes, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Furthermore, the blade 34 may include a first edge 68 and a second edge 70 as side edges 56. The first edge and the second edge may be arranged as a leading edge and a trailing edge, respectively, and the specific arrangement may be changed based on the rotation direction of the blade. The chordal direction may be defined between the first edge 68 and the second edge 70, thereby defining the blade chord.

[0021] Furthermore, the curved transition portion 60 may extend along the entire first edge 68, second edge 70, tip 62, or root 64. As shown, the curved transition portion extends along the first edge 68, second edge 70, and tip 62, and bends at the corner 66 where the side edges 68, 70 intersect with the tip 62.

[0022] refer to Figure 3 ,along Figure 2Section III-III is taken, and blade 34 also includes a flat bottom surface 80 and a bottom curved transition 82 that transitions from the flat bottom surface 80 to the side edge 56. The side edge 56 may have a planar surface 57. The planar surface 57 includes a width 84 that defines the distance between the curved transition 60 at the top surface 54 and the curved transition 82 at the bottom surface 80. Blade 34 may be symmetrical about the centerline 86; however, it is also contemplated that blade 34 may be asymmetrical, curved, or may include other shapes and should not be limited to the symmetrical shape shown. The width 84 may range from 10% to 40% of the maximum thickness of blade 34 at the centerline 86. In a non-limiting example, the width 84 may be 25% of the maximum thickness.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be understood that the blades 34 can be mounted at an angle of attack. The angle of attack can be defined based on the angular position of the blades 34, such that the flat bottom surface 80 and the flat top surface 54 are arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane or relative to a surface suspended or mounted on the ceiling fan. The angle of attack allows the blades 34 to drive a volume of air and, depending on the angle and the direction of movement of the blades 34, push the air upwards or downwards. Without an angle of attack, the air movement generated by the blades 34 will be minimal.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the first edge 68 shows a planar surface 57 that can be arranged at a first angle 59 relative to an axis 88, defined as orthogonal to either the bottom surface 80 or the flat portion 58. The axis 88 can be orthogonal to both the bottom surface 80 and the flat portion 58, provided the bottom surface 80 is parallel to the flat portion 58. The first angle 59 can be in the range of -89 degrees to 89 degrees, and it is also envisioned that this range may include only non-zero angles. Figure 4 In one non-limiting example shown, the first angle 59 can be a positive angle between about 0.5 degrees and 89 degrees, wherein the positive angle defines the second angle 61 as an obtuse angle between the planar portion disposed on the bottom surface 80 and the planar surface 57. Furthermore, if the first angle 59 is a positive angle, the planar surface 57 can define an acute angle relative to the flat top surface 58. In a non-limiting example, the angle 59 can be between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, or between 1 degree and 45 degrees.

[0025] Figure 5A non-limiting example of a blade 134 is shown, having a planar surface 157 arranged at a first angle 159 between approximately 0.5 degrees and -89 degrees. Blade 134 is similar to blade 34; therefore, similar components will be identified by similar numbers incremented by 100, and it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of similar components of blade 34 applies to blade 134. The first angle 159 can be a negative angle between approximately -0.5 degrees and -89 degrees relative to axis 188. In this case, the first angle 159 is a negative angle, and a second angle 161 between the planar portion disposed on the bottom surface 180 and the planar surface 157 is defined as an obtuse angle. Furthermore, if the first angle 159 is a negative angle, the planar surface 157 can define an obtuse angle relative to the flat top surface 158.

[0026] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown, the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, 182 can provide a transition between the top surfaces 54, 154 and the bottom surfaces 80, 180 and the planar surfaces 57, 157, which are arranged perpendicular to the top surfaces 54, 154 and the bottom surfaces 80, 180. One or both of the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, 182 can be specifically shaped to have elliptical arcs, thereby defining at least a portion of the elliptical profile of the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, 182. More specifically, one or more curved transitions can be represented by equation (1) written in standard form:

[0027]

[0028] In this Cartesian coordinate system, x represents the x-axis 88 and y represents the y-axis 90. The x-axis 88 can be defined in the direction extending from the top surface 54 to the bottom surface 80, and the y-axis 90 can be defined in the chordal direction. Furthermore, a represents the length of the ellipse on the x-axis, and b represents the length of the ellipse on the y-axis. It should also be understood that when a = b, the ellipse can be circular, and since the diameter of a circle is equal, the major or minor axis is not defined. Furthermore, all other ellipses can be non-circular, where a is not equal to b, and the major and minor axes are defined as the maximum and minimum diameters, respectively. Therefore, it is conceivable that the curved transitions 60 and 82 can be defined as elliptical, non-circular elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic shapes.

[0029] exist Figure 4 In the meantime, the curved transition 60 from the top surface 54 to the planar surface 57 can be represented, for example, by the following equation (2):

[0030]

[0031] Where a = 6 and b = 1. Furthermore, the curved transition 82 from the planar surface 57 to the bottom surface 80 can be a 90-degree circular ellipse, for example, represented by the following equation (3):

[0032]

[0033] Where a = 2 and b = 2. It should be understood that although the curved transition 82 at the bottom surface 80 is shown as an ellipse forming a circle with equal major and minor axes, it is alternatively possible that the curved transition is also an ellipse with unequal major and minor axes. Furthermore, the specific equations representing the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, 182 can be any suitable elliptical arc and should not be limited to the specific arc defined by the above equations (2) and (3). The flat portion 58 and the flat surface 57 can be defined as tangent to the elliptical curved portion, however, it is also contemplated that they deviate from the tangent.

[0034] In instances where one of the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, and 182 is a parabola, the equation representing at least a portion of the curved portion of the curved transition 60, 82, 160, and 182 can be expressed in standard form as follows:

[0035] (xh) 2 =4p(yk) (4)

[0036] The focus can be defined as (h, k+p), and the directrix can be defined as y = kp.x. x can represent the x-axis (88°), and y can represent the y-axis (90°).

[0037] In another example, where one of the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, and 182 is a hyperbola, the equation representing at least a portion of the curved portion of the curved transition 60, 82, 160, and 182 can be expressed in standard form as follows:

[0038]

[0039] or

[0040]

[0041] Equation (5) is based on the horizontal transverse axis, and equation (6) is based on the vertical transverse axis, which ultimately depends on the local coordinate system defining the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, 182 of blade 34. (h,k) can be used to define the center of the hyperbola, while x can represent the x-axis 88 and y can represent the y-axis 90.

[0042] The chordal extent of the curved transitions 60 and 160 at the top surfaces 54 and 154 from the planar surfaces 57 and 157 is greater than that of the curved transitions 82 and 182 at the bottom surfaces 80 and 180. For example, this greater chordal extent can be defined by the larger major axis of the elliptical bends of the curved transitions 60 and 160 at the top surfaces 54 and 154. Furthermore, it should be understood that although shown as having two curved transitions 60, 82, 160, and 182, it is conceivable that the blade 34 may include only one curved transition 60 or 160, replacing the second curved transition 82 or 182 with a corner or edge, for example, along the dashed lines at any of the curved transitions 60, 82, 160, and 182.

[0043] Blade 234 is similar to blade 34; therefore, similar parts will be identified by a similar number incremented by 200. It should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of similar parts to blade 34 applies to blade 234. It should be understood that the curved transition 260 does not need to be curved, but may include any combination of curved and flat features to improve blade performance. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the curved transition 260 may include a flat section 265 that is symmetrically or asymmetrically inclined, which may also be described as a chamfered edge. In other words, the flat, inclined section may extend completely from the planar surface 257 to the flat portion 258, such that there is no curved portion or any part thereof. In another non-limiting example, a curved corner may be included between the first edge of the planar surface and one of the top or bottom surfaces. The curved corner may extend completely between or between the flat portion 258 and the planar surface 257, such that the curved corner does not include the flat portion. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the flat section 265 may extend completely between the flat portion 258 and the planar surface 257. It is contemplated that the curved transitions 260, 282 may be defined as elliptical, non-circular elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic shapes as described above.

[0044] It should be understood that one or more curved transitions between the top and bottom surfaces and the planar surface can provide improved efficiency for the blade. Since both the first and second edges can include curved transitions, such efficiency gains can be achieved in either rotational direction of the blade. Furthermore, an elliptical geometry for one or more curved transitions can provide improved efficiency for the blade compared to blades with no curved transitions or only standard non-elliptical or circular transitions.

[0045] As described in this article, both the blades and their sections provide an increased total airflow volume to the ceiling fan, thereby improving efficiency, while maintaining the aesthetically pleasing unadorned bottom surface that consumers expect from ceiling fans. More specifically, the curved transition or its elliptical geometry provides an increased downward force on the air, which increases the total airflow volume, while the flat upper and lower surfaces of the blades match traditional fan blade styles, thus providing a pleasing or attractive user aesthetic.

[0046] Within the scope not yet described, different features and structures of various characteristics can be combined as needed. The fact that a feature is not shown in all aspects of this disclosure does not mean that it cannot be interpreted, but rather that it is done for the sake of brevity. Therefore, various features of different aspects described herein can be combined and matched as needed to form new features or aspects, whether or not such new aspects or features are explicitly described. All combinations or arrangements of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

[0047] This written specification uses examples to illustrate in detail the various aspects described herein (including the best mode) and to enable any person skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein, including making and using any device or system and performing any combination of methods. The patentable scope of the various aspects described herein is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A blade for a ceiling fan, the ceiling fan having a motor for rotating the blade, the blade comprising: The body includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending in a spanwise direction between a root and a tip and in a chordwise direction between a front edge and a rear edge, at least one of the front edge and the rear edge including a side edge defining a planar surface; A planar portion is disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface; as well as A transition portion is disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface and extends between the planar portion and the side edge; The planar surface is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis orthogonally defined to the planar portion, the non-zero angle being between 5 degrees and 30 degrees.

2. The blade according to claim 1, wherein, The transition section includes a performance characteristic section.

3. The blade according to claim 2, wherein, The performance feature is an elliptical curved section or a chamfered surface.

4. The blade according to claim 3, wherein, The performance feature includes the elliptical curved portion, wherein the planar portion and the planar surface are defined to be tangent to the elliptical curved portion.

5. The blade according to claim 3, wherein, The performance feature is the chamfered surface, and the chamfered surface separates the planar portion extending between the root and the tip from the planar surface.

6. The blade according to claim 2, wherein, The performance characteristic is a curved surface.

7. The blade according to claim 1, wherein, The planar portion and the planar surface extend between the root and the tip.

8. The blade of claim 1, further comprising a curved corner portion defined between the planar surface and one of the top surface and the bottom surface, excluding the planar portion.

9. A ceiling fan, comprising: The motor is designed to be suspended from a structure; The blade, rotatably driven by the motor, has a body including a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending in the spanwise direction between a root and a tip and in the chordwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge, at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge including a side edge defining a planar surface. A planar portion is provided on the top surface; as well as A transition portion is disposed on the top surface and extends between the planar portion and the side edge; The planar surface is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis orthogonally defined to the planar portion, the non-zero angle being between 5 degrees and 30 degrees.

10. The ceiling fan according to claim 9, wherein, The transition section includes a performance characteristic section.

11. The ceiling fan according to claim 10, wherein, The performance feature is an elliptical curved section or a chamfered surface.

12. The ceiling fan according to claim 10, wherein, The performance characteristic is a curved surface.

13. A method for moving air within a space, the method comprising: A ceiling fan blade is driven by a motor and suspended on a structure, which at least partially defines the space. The ceiling fan blade includes a planar portion disposed on a top surface, a planar surface defining a side edge for at least one of a front edge and a rear edge, and a transition portion disposed on at least one of the top surface and a bottom surface and extending between the planar portion and the side edge, wherein the planar surface is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to an axis orthogonally defined by the planar portion, the non-zero angle being between 5 degrees and 45 degrees.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The transition section includes a performance characteristic section.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The non-zero angle provides improved efficiency for the ceiling fan compared to the zero angle.

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