Ceiling fan assembly

Abstract

A ceiling fan assembly includes a motor housing defining an interior; an electric machine having a rotor and a stator, where the stator is received within the interior; at least one blade operably coupled to the motor; a motor shaft extending from the stator; a platform within the interior and having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, where the motor shaft opening is dimensioned to define a gap between the motor shaft and the platform, where the platform and the gap extend around an entire circumference of the motor shaft; and a split adapter located within the interior and having a plurality of interconnected segments, the plurality of interconnected segments surrounding the motor shaft and enclosing the gap.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the application number of the parent application is 202110090465.0 (the corresponding application number of the US application is US16 / 750,371), the application date is January 22, 2021, and the name of the invention is “Ceiling fan assembly”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly. Background Art

[0003] Conventional ceiling fans are electrically powered and electrically connected to the building's power supply. The ceiling fan includes an electric motor suspended from the ceiling below by a hollow hanger rod through which wires extend from the building's power supply to the motor. An annular array of fan blades is coupled to the motor so that the blades can rotate around the motor, thereby driving air flow.

[0004] The ceiling fan may utilize a mounting plate to support various components located above the motor. The mounting plate may have an opening through which the motor shaft may extend and couple to the hanger rod. The mounting plate may have an opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein a slot extending radially from the motor shaft allows the mounting plate to slide down the motor shaft without damaging the wires exiting the motor shaft.

[0005] The technical problem with this mounting plate is that after the ceiling fan is assembled, the slots form a path for water to reach the motor and other electrical components. In addition, the configuration of the mounting plate can prevent subsequent access to the motor and other electronic components located below the mounting plate in order to repair a ceiling fan that is not operating properly. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly comprising: a motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one blade operably coupled to the rotor; a motor shaft extending from the motor and having an internal wire passage and a wire opening in a side of the motor shaft, wherein the wire opening provides access to the internal wire passage; a control mounting plate having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the control mounting plate, and the control mounting plate is positioned between the wire opening and the motor relative to the motor shaft, the control mounting plate having a first side and a second side opposed to each other, wherein the first side is oriented toward the wire opening and the second side is oriented toward the rotor and the stator; an electronic control unit carried by the first side of the control mounting plate and electrically connected to the motor via wires passing through the wire opening and the wire passage; and a split adapter for closing the gap, wherein the split adapter is assembled from a plurality of sections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the attached picture:

[0008] Figure 1A schematic side view of a ceiling fan mounted to a structure and including a mounting assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a ceiling fan showing a mounting assembly including a split adapter.

[0010] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a ceiling fan with a portion of the mounting assembly removed.

[0011] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of a split adapter.

[0012] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 Exploded view of the split adapter.

[0013] Figure 6 According to another aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a ceiling fan including a mounting assembly in a partially assembled view.

[0014] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6 A top perspective view of a portion of a mounting assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of a portion of a mounting assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly having a multi-section mounting plate that can be assembled in blocks around a motor shaft under the wires, rather than sliding over the wiring, thereby eliminating the need for slots in the mounting plate for the wires. The lack of slots eliminates water access to electrical components. For purposes of illustration, the present disclosure will be described with respect to an exemplary ceiling fan motor housed in an exemplary ceiling fan housing. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may have general applicability in all ceiling fans or mounting facilities, such as lighting or hanging for industrial, commercial and residential facilities, and a variety of different ceiling fan designs. It may also be applied to ceiling fans that include multiple motors or motors oriented at an angle. In addition, a split adapter as described herein will be compatible with all ceiling fan assemblies.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly that can be used, for example, in residential and commercial settings. Such settings can be indoors, outdoors, or both. Although the present description is primarily directed to residential ceiling fans, it is also applicable to any environment that utilizes a fan or an area that utilizes air movement for cooling.

[0018] As used herein, the term "group" or "a group of" elements may be any number of elements, including only one. 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, backward, etc.) are only used for identification purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure, and do not form restrictions, especially the position, orientation or use of the various aspects of the disclosure described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection and engagement) will be interpreted broadly and may include relative motion between intermediate members and elements between element sets. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and are fixed to each other. The exemplary drawings are only for illustrative purposes, and the size, position, order and relative size reflected in the drawings attached herein may vary.

[0019] Reference now Figure 1 , ceiling fan 10 is suspended from a structure 12, such as a building ceiling. A structural bracket 14 is secured to structure 12 and houses a ball bracket assembly 16. A shroud 18 surrounds structural bracket 14, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing interface between ball bracket assembly 16 and structure 12. A hanger rod 20 is coupled to ball bracket assembly 16 at a first end 22. A motor adapter assembly 24 is coupled to hanger rod 20 at a second end 26 opposite ball bracket assembly 16. A motor housing 30 and a motor shaft 32 are coupled to motor adapter assembly 24 opposite hanger rod 20. Motor housing 30 may be divided into an upper housing 34 and a lower housing 36, wherein upper housing 34 is coupled to motor adapter assembly 24. Motor housing 30 encloses a motor 38 having a rotor 40 and a stator 42, wherein motor shaft 32 extends from motor 38 to motor adapter assembly 24.

[0020] A set of blade irons 44 may couple a set of complementary blades 46 to the motor 38. The motor 38 may be electrically driven to rotatably drive the blades 46 to move a volume of air. Optionally, a light kit 47 or switch housing may be provided on the motor housing 30 and is shown positioned at the bottom of the lower housing 36.

[0021] The controller 48 may be mounted above the motor 38 and enclosed in the upper housing 34. The controller 48 may be electrically coupled to a power source 50 to control the operation of the ceiling fan 10 and to provide power to the motor 38. Alternatively, the controller 48 may be wirelessly or communicatively coupled to the ceiling fan 10 and configured to remotely control the operation of the ceiling fan 10 without requiring a dedicated connection. Non-limiting examples of control of the ceiling fan 10 may include fan speed, fan direction, or light operation. Additionally, a separate wireless controller 52 may be communicatively coupled to a controller or wireless receiver in the ceiling fan 10, either alone or in addition to the wired controller 48, to control the operation of the ceiling fan 10. In an alternative example, it is further contemplated that the ceiling fan is operated solely by the wireless controller 52 without being operably coupled to the wired controller 48.

[0022] In ceiling fans having components mounted directly above the motor 38, the mounting assembly 53 may support such components. As non-limiting examples, the components may include a controller, a plate for securing other parts of the ceiling fan 10, portions of the upper housing 34, and other decorative features of the ceiling fan 10.

[0023] Go to Figure 2 , the mounting assembly 53 includes a control mounting plate 54 and a split adapter 60. The control mounting plate 54 forms a platform that supports the controller 48 above the motor 38. The control mounting plate 54 includes an upper side 56, a lower side 57 opposite the upper side 56 and facing the motor 38, and a central opening 58 through which the motor shaft 32 extends. The split adapter 60 surrounds the motor shaft 32 and closes the remainder of the central opening 58 in the control mounting plate 54.

[0024] The motor shaft 32 includes an interior 62 through which electrical wiring can pass. An upper wiring hole 64 and a lower wiring hole 66 are formed in the motor shaft 32, allowing electrical wires to pass from the interior 62 of the motor shaft 32 to the exterior 68 of the motor shaft 32 to electrically connect the motor 38, the controller 48, and the power source 50.

[0025] exist Figure 3 , the control mounting plate 54 has been removed for clarity. The first section 70 and the second section 72 are coupled together to form the split adapter 60. The split adapter 60 may include an annular base 82 having an upper surface 74, a lower surface 76 opposite the upper surface 74 and facing the motor 38, and a motor shaft opening 78 through which the motor shaft 32 extends. It is contemplated that any number of the sections 70, 72 may be combined to form the split adapter 60. The split adapter 60 may also include a centrally located collar 80 that circumscribes the motor shaft 32, defines at least a portion of the motor shaft opening 78, and extends axially from the annular base 82.

[0026] The collar 80 may have a cutout 84 that corresponds to the defined edge 86 of the lower wiring hole 66 so that the collar 80 does not block the lower wiring opening 88. The collar 80 may also include one or more apertures 90 ( Figure 5 ), the aperture being configured to receive a fastener such as a bolt 91 to removably secure the split adapter 60 to the motor shaft 32.

[0027] The base 82 includes an indexing rib 92 formed in a circular shape on the upper surface 74 and radially spaced from the collar 80. The central opening 58 can receive the indexing rib 92 of the split adapter 60. It is contemplated that the indexing rib 92 can have a peripheral shape complementary to the central opening 58, and the remainder of the upper surface 74 of the split adapter 60 faces the underside 57 of the control mounting plate 54.

[0028] The base 82 may also include one or more apertures 93 configured to receive fasteners to secure the split adapter 60 to the motor 38, the control mounting plate 54, or both, and one or more apertures 94 configured to receive fasteners to secure the first section 70 and the second section 72 to each other. As non-limiting examples, the fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or any other fasteners capable of securing corresponding elements together.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective bottom view of the split adapter 60. The lower surface 76 of the base 82 may include a lower portion 95 of the collar 80 that at least partially defines the motor shaft opening 78. The lower surface 76 may also include one or more circumferential ribs 96 radially spaced from the collar 80. One or more radial ribs 97 extend radially from the collar 80 and may intersect with the one or more circumferential ribs 96. The circumferential ribs 96 and radial ribs 97, together with the indexing ribs 92, provide stability and rigidity to the split adapter 60. In addition, the circumferential ribs 96 may help prevent water from reaching the motor 38.

[0030] Figure 5The split adapter 60 is shown divided into a first section 70 and a second section 72. Although the first section 70 and the second section 72 generally bisect the split adapter 60 along the diameter 98, it is contemplated that any number of sections 70, 72 may be combined to form the split adapter 60. For clarity, it should be understood that the first section 70 is complementary in shape to the second section 72. Therefore, only the elements of the first section 70 will be described herein, and it should be understood that the elements of the first section 70 also apply to the second section 72, which has corresponding reference numbers unless otherwise indicated. When assembled, the collar member 110 of the first section 70 and the collar member 112 of the second section form the collar 80. It is contemplated that each collar member 110, 112 may form at least a portion of the cutout 84. Alternatively, the cutout 84 may be formed by only the collar member 110 or the collar member 112. Each collar member 110, 112 includes an aperture 90 for receiving a fastener, however, it is also contemplated that only the collar member 110 or the collar member 112 includes an aperture 90. Each collar member 110, 112 also includes an upper end 120 and a lower end 122. When the first section 70 and the second section 72 are coupled, each upper end 120 protrudes upward from the upper surface 74 of the split adapter 60, thereby forming an upper portion 99 ( Figure 3 When the first section 70 and the second section 72 are coupled, each lower end 122 protrudes downward from the lower surface 76 to form a lower portion 95 of the collar 80 ( Figure 4 ).

[0031] In addition, the first section 70 and the second section 72 each include a lower step 124 and an upper step 126 of complementary shape opposite the lower step 124, which are configured to couple the first section 70 and the second section 72 in an overlapping manner. The lower step 124 extends radially from the collar 80. The lower step 124 includes a riser 128 depending from the upper surface 74, and a tread 130 extending from the depending riser 128 at an angle of about 90 degrees. Alternatively, the tread 130 may extend from the depending riser 128 at any angle complementary to the upper step 126. The upper step 126 is formed by a tread portion 132 of the lower surface 76 of the base 82 and a radial riser rib 134 located on the lower surface 76 and having a height complementary to the height of the depending riser 128. The radial riser rib 134 can optionally be formed by at least a portion of one of the radial ribs 97.

[0032] To form the split adapter 60, the first segment 70 is coupled to the second segment 72 in an overlapping relationship such that the upper step 126 of the first segment 70 covers the lower step 124 of the second segment 72, the upper step 126 of the second segment 72 covers the lower step 124 of the first segment 70, and the indexing ribs 92 form a circle on the upper surface 74 of the base 82. Optionally, each of the lower step 124 and the upper step 126 may include an aperture 94 on the upper step 126 and an aperture 136 on the lower step 124 that are configured to receive fasteners to fasten the first segment 70 to the second segment 72 during assembly of the ceiling fan 10. As non-limiting examples, the fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or any other fasteners capable of securing corresponding elements together.

[0033] During assembly of the ceiling fan 10, the split adapter 60 may be assembled around the motor shaft 32, above the motor 38, and below the lower wiring aperture 66. Fasteners may secure the split adapter 60 to the motor shaft 32 through aperture 90, and to the motor 38, the control mounting plate 54, or both through apertures 93, 94. As non-limiting examples, the fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or any other fasteners capable of securing corresponding elements together. Because the split adapter 60 is assembled from the sections 70, 72, the split adapter 60 may be similarly disassembled after installation in the event of a failure of the ceiling fan 10. Disassembling the split adapter 60 forms a central opening in the control mounting plate 54 that is large enough to allow the control mounting plate 54 to slide vertically relative to the motor shaft 32 without damaging or contacting any wiring that exits the interior 62 through the upper and lower wiring apertures 64, 66. Removing the split adapter 60 allows easier access to the motor 38 and wiring than when using a solid one-piece adapter or control mounting plate. The ability to access the motor and wiring allows a malfunctioning ceiling fan to be repaired without the need for replacement.

[0034] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly 53 may include a single split adapter mounting plate 200 . Figure 6 1 shows a partially assembled view of the split adapter mounting plate 200 of the ceiling fan 10. The first section 212 and the second section 214 are coupled together to form a circular split adapter mounting plate 200. Although the first section 212 and the second section 214 are shown along a diameter 215 ( Figure 7) generally divides the split adapter mounting plate 200 into two, but it is contemplated that any number of sections 212, 214 may be combined to form the split adapter mounting plate 200. As a non-limiting example, the first section 212 is a mirror image of the second section 214 and is complementarily shaped therewith, and therefore, only the elements of the first section 212 will be described herein, it being understood that the elements of the first section 212 also apply to the second section 214 in a mirrored form.

[0035] Go to Figure 7 , the first segment 212 may include a top surface 216, a bottom surface 218 opposite the top surface 216 and facing the motor 38, and a central passage 220. The central passage 220 may be located at or near the center of the diameter 215 and have a curved interior 222 configured to form a motor shaft opening 224 through which the motor shaft 32 may extend when the first segment 212 is coupled to the second segment 214. The central passage 220 includes an upper edge 226 at the top surface 216 and a lower edge 228 depending from the bottom surface 218. The lower edge 228 of each of the first segment 212 and the second segment 214 may form a lower collar 230 of the motor shaft opening 224.

[0036] Each of the first flange side 232 and the second flange side 234 flanks a portion of the central passage 220 on each of a pair of radial sides 236 of the curved inner portion 222 and at least partially defines the central passage. A first aperture 238 is formed in the first flange side 232, and a second aperture 240 is formed in the second flange side 234. The first aperture 238 in the first segment 212 is configured to couple with the second aperture 240 in the second segment 214. Likewise, the second aperture in the first segment 212 is configured to couple with the first aperture 238 in the second segment 214. As a non-limiting example, the first aperture 238 may be a pocket hole formed in the top surface 216 such that a fastener may be driven from the top surface 216, through the first aperture 238 of the first segment 212 and into the second aperture 240 of the second segment 214 to secure the first segment 212 and the second segment 214 to each other during assembly of the split adapter mounting plate 200 about the motor shaft 32. Furthermore, the first segment 212 and the second segment 214 may include any number of additional apertures 242 configured to receive fasteners to secure the split adapter mounting plate 200 to the motor 38.

[0037] The first section 212 also includes one or more tab openings 244 of complementary shape to receive tabs 246 that protrude outwardly from the diameter 215 of the split adapter mounting plate 200. Each tab 246 includes a snap element 248 at a distal end that is configured to form a cooperative snap-fit ​​connection between each tab 246 and each tab opening 244.

[0038] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of the first section 212 of the split adapter mounting plate 200 is shown. The bottom surface 218 includes one or more support structures for the split adapter mounting plate 200. One or more circumferential ribs 250 are radially spaced from the central channel 220. One or more radial ribs 252 extend from the central channel 220 and may intersect the one or more circumferential ribs 250. The circumferential ribs 250 may be used to align the split adapter mounting plate 200 during installation. The circumferential ribs 250 and radial ribs 252 provide stability and rigidity to the split adapter mounting plate 200. Additionally, the circumferential ribs 250 may help prevent water from reaching the motor 38.

[0039] During assembly of the ceiling fan 10, the split adapter mounting plate 200 may be assembled around the motor shaft 32, above the motor 38 and below the lower wiring holes 66. Fasteners may secure the first section 212 and the second section 214 of the split adapter mounting plate 200 together through the apertures 238, 240, and to the motor 38 through the aperture 242. As non-limiting examples, the fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or any other fasteners capable of securing corresponding elements together. Because the split adapter mounting plate 200 is assembled from the sections 212, 214, the split adapter mounting plate 200 may be similarly disassembled after installation in the event of a malfunction of the ceiling fan 10. Disassembly of the split adapter mounting plate 200 enables access to the electrical components of the ceiling fan 10 without damaging or contacting any wiring that exits the interior 62 through the upper wiring holes 64 and the lower wiring holes 66. Removal of the split adapter mounting plate 200 allows easier access to the motor 38 and wiring than when a solid, one-piece adapter or mounting plate is used. Access to the motor and wiring allows a malfunctioning ceiling fan to be repaired rather than replaced.

[0040] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0041] A ceiling fan assembly includes: a motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one blade operably coupled to the rotor; a motor shaft extending from the motor and having an internal wire passage and a wire opening in a side of the motor shaft, wherein the wire opening provides access to the internal wire passage; a control mounting plate having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the control mounting plate, and the control mounting plate is positioned between the wire opening and the motor relative to the motor shaft, the control mounting plate having a first side and a second side opposite each other, wherein the first side is oriented toward the wire opening and the second side is oriented toward the rotor and stator; an electronic control unit carried by the first side of the control mounting plate and electrically connected to the motor via wires passing through the wire opening and the wire passage; and a split adapter for closing the gap, wherein the split adapter is assembled from a plurality of sections.

[0042] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one segment of the plurality of segments is mounted to the motor shaft.

[0043] A ceiling fan assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein all of the plurality of segments are mounted to the motor shaft.

[0044] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein at least two of the plurality of segments have overlapping portions.

[0045] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the overlapping portions is a stepped portion.

[0046] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein other of the overlapping portions are located above the stepped portion.

[0047] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one segment of the plurality of segments defines at least a portion of a collar circumscribing the motor shaft.

[0048] A ceiling fan assembly as in any preceding clause, wherein all of the plurality of segments have portions that collectively define the collar.

[0049] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the collar has a cut-out portion corresponding to the wire opening.

[0050] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one segment of the plurality of segments includes an indexing rib received within the motor shaft opening.

[0051] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein all of the plurality of segments include indexing ribs that collectively have a peripheral shape complementary to the motor shaft opening.

[0052] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one segment of the plurality of segments is located on the second side of the control mounting plate.

[0053] A ceiling fan assembly as in any preceding clause, wherein all of the plurality of segments are located on the second side.

[0054] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein at least two of the plurality of segments have cooperating snap-fit ​​connections.

[0055] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection comprises a tab and a tab opening to receive the tab.

[0056] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein each of the at least two sections has both a tab and a tab opening.

[0057] A ceiling fan assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of sections includes two sections.

[0058] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the two sections together define a perimeter that is complementary in shape to the motor shaft opening.

[0059] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the perimeter is a circle.

[0060] A ceiling fan assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the two sections form equal halves of a circle.

[0061] To the extent not yet described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination, or may be used interchangeably as desired. A feature not described in all embodiments is not meant to be interpreted as not being so described, but rather for the sake of brevity of description. Therefore, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are explicitly described. All combinations or permutations of the features described herein are covered by the present disclosure.

[0062] This written description uses examples including the best mode to explain the present disclosure and enables those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan assembly, comprising: A motor housing defining an interior; an electric machine having a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator is received within the interior; at least one blade operably coupled to the motor; a motor shaft extending from the stator; a platform located within the interior and having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the platform, wherein the platform and the gap extend around an entire circumference of the motor shaft; as well as A split adapter is located within the interior and has a plurality of interconnected segments that surround the motor shaft and close the gap.

2. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The platform is a single piece.

3. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein: The motor shaft has a wire opening on a peripheral side of the motor shaft, and the platform is located between the wire opening and the motor.

4. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1 further comprising a controller located between the platform and the motor.

5. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least one segment of the plurality of interconnected segments is mounted to the motor shaft.

6. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 5, wherein: All of the segments of the plurality of interconnected segments are mounted to the motor shaft.

7. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least two segments of the plurality of interconnected segments have overlapping portions.

8. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 7, wherein: At least one overlapping portion among the plurality of overlapping portions is a stepped portion.

9. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 8, wherein: Other overlapping portions of the plurality of overlapping portions are located above the stepped portion.

10. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least one segment of the plurality of interconnected segments defines at least a portion of a collar circumscribing the motor shaft.

11. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 10, wherein: All of the segments of the plurality of segments have portions that together define the collar.

12. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 11, wherein: At least one segment of the plurality of interconnected segments is coplanar with the platform.

13. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 12, wherein: All of the plurality of interconnected segments are coplanar with the platform.

14. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 11, wherein: At least two of the plurality of interconnected segments have cooperating snap-fit ​​connections.

15. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 14, wherein: The snap-fit ​​connection includes a tab and a tab opening that receives the tab.

16. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 15, wherein: Each of the at least two segments of the plurality of interconnected segments has both a tab and a tab opening.

17. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of interconnected segments comprises two segments.

18. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 17, wherein: The two sections together define a periphery that is complementary in shape to the motor shaft opening.

19. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 18, wherein: The perimeter is a circle.

20. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 19, wherein: The two segments form equal halves of a circle.

21. A ceiling fan assembly comprising: An electric motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one blade operably coupled to the motor; a motor shaft extending from the stator; a platform having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the platform, wherein the platform and the gap extend around the entire circumference of the motor shaft; as well as a split adapter having a plurality of interconnected segments, the plurality of interconnected segments surrounding the motor shaft and closing the gap; as well as A controller is located between the platform and the motor.

22. A ceiling fan assembly comprising: An electric motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one blade operably coupled to the motor; a motor shaft extending from the stator; a platform having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the platform, wherein the platform and the gap extend around the entire circumference of the motor shaft; as well as a split adapter having a plurality of interconnected segments, the plurality of interconnected segments surrounding the motor shaft and closing the gap; and At least two of the plurality of interconnected segments have overlapping portions, and at least one of the plurality of overlapping portions is a step portion.

23. A ceiling fan assembly comprising: An electric motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one blade operably coupled to the motor; a motor shaft extending from the stator; a platform having a motor shaft opening through which the motor shaft extends, wherein the motor shaft opening is sized to define a gap between the motor shaft and the platform, wherein the platform and the gap extend around the entire circumference of the motor shaft; a split adapter having a plurality of interconnected segments, the plurality of interconnected segments surrounding the motor shaft and closing the gap; and wherein at least one of the plurality of interconnected segments defines at least a portion of a collar circumscribing the motor shaft, and all of the plurality of segments have portions that collectively define the collar.

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