Ceiling fan

Abstract

The utility model relates to a ceiling fan with retractable blades and improved flow rate, and specifically relates to a ceiling fan comprising a central body, a motorized system, and a plurality of blades configured to transition between a first position and a second position, the blades each extend between a first end proximate to the axis of rotation and a second end remote from the axis of rotation in the second position. The fan comprises a supporting piece extending from the body, and each blade is assembled with the body along the middle portion through the supporting piece to form a pivot. Such that the transition from the first position to the second position corresponds to an approach of the first end toward the axis of rotation and a departure of the second end relative to the axis of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ceiling fans with retractable blades.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a ceiling fan assembly having an improved design that provides a greater air flow rate than conventional ceiling fans having retractable blades.

[0003] Therefore, the present invention will find many advantageous applications in the fields of furniture and interior design. Background Art

[0004] A ceiling fan is a fan designed to be fixed to the ceiling of a room. This fan consists of a central body and a set of blades extending from the central body. The blades are rotated to provide ventilation within the room. The central body can advantageously be equipped with a lighting device, combining the functions of a light fixture and a fan.

[0005] Designs of ceiling fans with retractable blades are also known. Thus, the fan blades are configured in various ways to expand when driven to form a fan and retract when the fan is stopped. The retraction of the blades, typically on the fan body, allows for a more compact shape when the fan is stopped, which facilitates transportation and installation, and can also offer aesthetic advantages by presenting a shape that differs from the fan, particularly the shape of a light fixture.

[0006] However, the applicant notes that fans with retractable blades have a significantly reduced air flow rate relative to conventional ceiling fans with fixed blades. Thus, the applicant estimates that there is a flow rate loss of approximately 40% between conventional fixed-blade ceiling fans and fans with retractable blades.

[0007] The applicant therefore submits that, to date, there has been no satisfactory alternative solution for a fan with retractable blades that provides a suitable air flow rate. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to improve the above-mentioned situation.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention aims to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing a ceiling fan with retractable blades, the structure of which allows a better air flow rate with respect to existing solutions.

[0010] To this end, the object of the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a ceiling fan comprising a central body defining an axis of rotation of the fan, a plurality of blades assembled to the body, and a motorized system configured to drive the blades in rotation about the axis of rotation, the blades being configured to transition between a first position, referred to as a stacked position, corresponding to a stop of the fan, and a second position, referred to as a deployed position, corresponding to a rotation of the fan. In the second position, the blades each extend between a first proximal end of the axis of rotation and a second distal end of the axis of rotation.

[0011] It should be understood that the fan according to the present invention has the characteristics of ceiling fans with retractable blades known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the fan can include different variations known to those skilled in the art, in particular with regard to the number of blades, the size of the blades, the presence or absence of a central lighting associated with the body, the angle of rotation associated with the deployment of the blades, or even the specific shape of the blades. In particular, the number and size of the blades allow for adapting the ventilation air flow rate and the diameter of the fan in the deployed position. The motorized system can also be arranged in the central body, above or below the blades.

[0012] Advantageously, the fan comprises a support extending from the body and driven by a motorized system, each blade being assembled to the body via the support along a middle portion of the blade, the middle portion being rotatably mounted relative to the support so as to form a pivot about which the blade pivots to transition between a first position and a second position, the pivot being remote from the axis of rotation such that transition from the first position towards the second position corresponds to an approach of the first end towards the axis of rotation and a distance of the second end relative to the axis of rotation.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a plurality of branches extending from the body away from the axis of rotation, each pivot being arranged between a branch (preferably at its distal end) and the middle portion of the blade. According to other variations, the support is in the form of a disk or annulus, the axis of rotation of which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the body, the pivots between the middle portion of the blade and the disk being arranged at the periphery of the disk or on the annulus, the blades being deployed below or above the disk or annulus. According to yet another variation, the body itself forms the support and is driven in rotation by a motorized system.

[0014] It should be understood here that the term "support" corresponds to the component that receives the blades and is driven to rotate about the axis of rotation. The exact shape of the support is determined to provide a lightweight structure that minimally interferes with the air flow while being sufficiently strong to receive the blades. Thus, the support extends from the body, for example, away from the axis of rotation, so as to receive the blades offset relative to the axis of rotation. In particular, a support consisting of multiple branches allows for substantially complementary shapes between the branches and the blades in the deployed position. Preferably, the blades deploy below or above the support, i.e., below or above the branches, discs, or rings, preferably below the support.

[0015] In other words, the blades are assembled offset from the rotational axis of the body and pivotally positioned at a distance from the first and second ends, allowing for simultaneous deployment of the blades toward the exterior of the fan via the second end and toward the interior of the fan via the first end. For example, in the stacked position, the blades are arranged in a ring around, below, or above the body, connected to the body via supports (e.g., branches). Preferably, the blades are arranged around the body; stresses on the body are reduced when the supports are separate from the body, allowing for a smaller design.

[0016] It should be understood that the intermediate portion corresponds to a section of the blade that is located at a significant distance from the first end, unlike conventional designs of retractable blades, which are fixed to the body by means located near the first end. The intermediate portion is, for example, located at a distance from the first end that is greater than at least one fifth of the length of the blade.

[0017] Thus, when the fan is rotated, the support is driven in rotation by the motor system and transmits the rotational motion to the blades, which are driven in parallel to switch to the second position to generate the air flow. For example, the support is formed as a single component that is driven in rotation by the motor system. According to another example, the support is made of multiple parts, for example, a plurality of independent branches, each of which is independently indexed on the motor block of the motor system so that they can be driven separately.

[0018] Applicants propose that this design allows for a compact, stacked form factor, wherein the blades can, in particular, take on the appearance of a lampshade surrounding a central body, rather than resting on it. Consequently, this design significantly reduces stress on the central body, which can be reduced in size. In the deployed position, the blades extend from the central body in a manner similar to that of conventional ceiling fans and offer similar performance. Furthermore, the blades in the deployed position are closer to the axis of rotation, limiting the fan's span while maintaining the same efficiency as prior art ceiling fans with fixed blades.

[0019] The Applicant thus proposes that the fan according to the invention has an air flow rate increased by about 50% compared to a conventional fan with retractable blades and approaches the performance of a standard non-retractable fan. Furthermore, the reduction in the size of the central body limits the weight of the product and therefore the associated manufacturing and shipping costs.

[0020] By means of the invention, it is thus possible to design a ceiling fan which, in its unfolded position, retains the performance of a conventional fan while, in its stacked position, having a different appearance, in particular the appearance of a decorative light fixture.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, rotation of the fan causes the blades to transition from the first position towards the second position, and stopping the fan causes the blades to transition from the second position towards the first position.

[0022] In other words, the fan is constructed so that the spreading and stacking of the blades is not controlled but is caused naturally by the rotation of the fan.For each blade, the rotation about the axis of rotation drives the rotation about the pivot.

[0023] The fan is configured, for example, so that the blades reach the second position when the rotational speed reaches approximately 50 revolutions per minute, ensuring full deployment at 70 revolutions per minute, corresponding to the low operating speed of the fan.

[0024] According to another example, the fan is equipped with a device that allows the blades to be deployed synchronously. This device takes the form of, for example, spacers between each blade, as described in particular in documents EP2388483B1 and EP2400158B1. This design ensures that the blades deploy and overlap simultaneously, but may add weight to the structure and create visual obstructions and / or air passages.

[0025] One way to achieve transition of the blades from the first position to the second position as the fan rotates is to construct the blades so that the rotation produces an imbalance of forces along the blades, ie the forces exerted, in particular due to centrifugal forces, are not equal on either side of the pivot axis.

[0026] Preferably, for each blade, the intermediate portion is offset relative to a longitudinal centre of the blade such that rotation of the fan creates an imbalance of forces along the blade causing the blade to transition from the first position towards the second position.

[0027] It should be understood that the rotation of the fan exerts centrifugal force along the blades. It is further understood that the location of the intermediate portion corresponds to the location of the pivot axis, i.e., the point along which the blades are assembled with the branches. Thus, the intermediate portion defines the two portions of the blade, and offsetting the intermediate portion relative to the center of the blade allows for additional force to be exerted on the longest portion of the blade relative to the shortest portion. For example, the intermediate portion may be closer to the proximal end than the distal end.

[0028] In another embodiment, for each blade, the intermediate portion is longitudinally centered on the blade, thereby forming two halves of the blade, with the first half of the blade weighing less than the second half of the blade, such that rotation of the fan generates an imbalance of forces along the blade, thereby causing the blade to transition from the first position to the second position. This central position of the intermediate portion may be subject to certain tolerances, particularly due to the shape of the blade and the implementation of the connecting pivot.

[0029] It should be understood that in this design, the blade does not have a regular profile, but rather is designed so that the second half of the blade is heavier than the first half, resulting in different centrifugal forces between the first and second halves of the blade and, therefore, a pivoting motion about the middle portion. For example, the second half can be thicker or wider than the first half, or can be equipped with a counterweight that allows for precise adjustment of the applied force, independent of the blade's shape. The second half, for example, corresponds to the portion of the blade extending between the middle portion and the distal end, and the first half, for example, corresponds to the portion of the blade extending between the middle portion and the proximal end.

[0030] Obviously, numerous design variants of the blade are conceivable which result in an imbalance of forces along the blade, in particular on both sides of the middle portion, in particular by creating different dimensions and / or weights on each side of the middle portion.

[0031] In additional embodiments, the fan further comprises a set of resilient devices located between the blades and the body, the resilient devices being configured to urge the blades toward the first position during a period when the fan is stopped.

[0032] In other words, in the absence of external action, in particular the absence of centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the fan, the elastic means urges the blade towards a rest position corresponding to the first position. Obviously, the elastic means is also dimensioned so that the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the fan are sufficient to shift the blade towards the second position, despite the opposite action of the elastic means.

[0033] The applicant has proposed, in particular, that the use of elastic means allows for a more gradual deployment and stacking of the blades, thereby ensuring silent operation. The elastic means may in particular correspond to a torsion and / or compression and / or traction spring system. The use of such elastic means is described, inter alia, in documents CN212672083U, EP1904793B1, and EP2400158B1.

[0034] It is also possible to design a fan whose blades automatically return to the stacked position by other means when the fan stops. Document CN113187745A discloses the natural stacking of blades under the action of their own weight when the fan stops.

[0035] In additional embodiments, the vanes are disposed about the body, and the first end of each vane has a complementary shape to the body such that the first end is aligned against the body when the vane is in the second position.

[0036] In other words, the first end of each blade abuts the body so as to avoid or minimize any space between the blade and the body when the blade is deployed. This design allows the blades to be positioned in the extension of the body and avoids any air rising between the blades and the body, so as to optimize the flow rate and achieve a shape as close as possible to a classic fan.

[0037] It should also be understood that the blades are arranged at substantially the same height as the body against which they are adjusted, unlike conventional fan designs with retractable blades, in which the blades are arranged above the body which holds the blades and all the means allowing their articulation. This design allows to ensure a shape and operation similar to conventional fans with fixed blades.

[0038] In an embodiment which may be combined with the before-addressed embodiment, the blade and the support have respectively complementary shapes, such that when the blade is in the second position the blade forms an extension of the support.

[0039] It should be understood that this design corresponds to adjusting the blades against the support in the second position, and this adjustment can be achieved in a variety of ways depending on the respective positions of the blades. According to a specific example, when the blades are deployed, the support covers the blades. Placing the blades in an extension of the support minimizes any interference with the air flow by the support, thereby ensuring good ventilation performance. This design is also particularly advantageous when the support comprises multiple branches, each of which covers its associated blade.

[0040] In an embodiment, the blades are dimensioned to provide at least partial overlap between adjacent blades in the first position.

[0041] In other words, the blades are stacked on top of each other to achieve a more compact shape relative to the diameter of the fan once the blades are deployed.

[0042] It should also be understood that one skilled in the art can size the blades so that they overlap in the stacked position, or so that there is a gap between two adjacent blades in the stacked position. Thus, this design allows for a variety of combinations between the shape of the fan in the stacked position and the size in the deployed position.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the blade pivots along an axis that is inclined relative to the axis of rotation, such that between the first position and the second position the blade has an inclination along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0044] In other words, the blades do not pivot along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, but rather along an inclined axis or even along a combination of a first axis parallel to the axis of rotation and a second axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the stacked position, the blades extend, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and in the deployed position have an inclination relative to this plane.

[0045] The pivoting along the tilt axis is achieved for example by an assembly directly allowing pivoting along such an axis or by an assembly allowing combined movement along the two axes as described above. Document CN109826812A discloses a double hinge system that allows each blade to rotate along two axes for deployment.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the blade has a first planar portion along which the blade is assembled with the branch and a second portion extending from the first portion to define a profile of the blade.

[0047] It should be understood that the first portion allows the blades to be received on the fan and is preferably of minimal size to minimize the impact on the air flow rate, while the second portion is dimensioned to generate air flow when the blades rotate. The first portion, for example, extends in a plane substantially parallel to the branch. The second portion can be at a right angle or even tilted relative to the first portion, depending on the fan design. For example, the first portion can also be dimensioned to ensure that the blades form an extension of the branch, in particular so that the branch covers the blades.

[0048] Therefore, through the above-mentioned different functional and structural technical features, the applicant has proposed a ceiling fan that combines the advantages of a fan with retractable blades while approaching the ventilation performance of a traditional fan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 11 The following is a description of a specific and non-limiting example of implementation of the invention, in which:

[0050] [ Figure 1 ]

[0051] Figure 1 A first perspective view schematically shows a ceiling fan in a stacked position according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] [ Figure 2 ]

[0053] Figure 2 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A second perspective view of the ceiling fan is in a stacked position.

[0054] [ Figure 3 ]

[0055] Figure 3 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A top view of a ceiling fan transitioning between a stacked position and an extended position.

[0056] [ Figure 4 ]

[0057] Figure 4 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A top view of the ceiling fan in the deployed position.

[0058] [ Figure 5 ]

[0059] Figure 5 A first perspective view schematically shows a ceiling fan in an unfolded position according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] [ Figure 6 ]

[0061] Figure 6 Schematically shows the Figure 5 A second perspective view of the ceiling fan is in the deployed position.

[0062] [ Figure 7 ]

[0063] Figure 7 FIG2 schematically shows a perspective view of a ceiling fan in a stacked position according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] [ Figure 8 ]

[0065] Figure 8 Schematically shows the Figure 7 Perspective view of a ceiling fan in the deployed position.

[0066] [ Figure 9 ]

[0067] Figure 9 FIG2 schematically shows a side view of a ceiling fan in an unfolded position according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] [ Figure 10 ]

[0069] Figure 10 A first representative graph showing the velocity field in a vertical cross section of a prior art conventional ceiling fan is shown.

[0070] [ Figure 11 ]

[0071] Figure 11 A second representative diagram of the velocity field in a vertical cross section of a ceiling fan according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 11 In the following description, the same elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0073] As mentioned earlier in this specification, fans with retractable blades are less efficient than conventional fans due to their design which reduces their air flow rate.

[0074] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a ceiling fan with retractable blades, which retains the advantages of the retractable design while having ventilation performance comparable to that of a traditional fan.

[0075] This is made possible in the example described below.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the example described herein, a ceiling fan 1 is provided, which comprises a central body 11 and a plurality of blades 12, which are capable of being positioned in a first position (called a stacked position) Figure 1 、 2 and 7) and a second position called the deployed position (Figures 4 to 6, 8 and 9). Figure 3 A transition position between the first position and the second position is shown. In this example, the blades 12 are arranged around the body 11 .

[0077] The fan 1 comprises a motorized system, preferably integrated into the central body 11, for driving the fan 1 in rotation about an axis Z, the structure of which substantially defines the axis of rotation Z. In the second position, the blades 12 thus extend between a first end 121 closest to the axis of rotation Z and a second end 122 furthest from the axis of rotation Z. Thus, when the blades 12 are in the deployed position, the rotation of the fan 1 generates an air flow.

[0078] In particular, fan 1 can include various conventional features known from ceiling fans. Here, fan 1 includes a fixture 111 assembled with body 11 for securing to the ceiling. Central body 11 may or may not also accommodate central lighting. In some designs, central body 11 includes only the motorized system to minimize its size. Furthermore, the design described herein considers a fan equipped with three blades 12, but the design can be adapted for any number of blades, two or more.

[0079] Advantageously, the fan 1 also comprises a support 13, here in the form of a plurality of branches 13, in particular one branch 13 for each blade 12. Each branch 13 extends from the body 11 while being remote from the axis of rotation Z, is driven by a motorized system about the axis of rotation Z and is assembled with the blade 12. The branches 13 are formed, for example, as Figure 1The blade 12 and the branch 13 are assembled in a central portion 123 of the blade 12, at a distance from the first end 121 and the second end 122, and form a pivot 131. In other words, the branch 13 transmits a rotational motion about the axis of rotation Z to the blade 12, and the blade 12 can pivot relative to the branch 13 to transition between a first position and a second position.

[0080] Because the assembly between blades 12 and branches 13 occurs at an intermediate portion 123 between first end 121 and second end 122, at a distance from the axis of rotation Z, transitioning to the second position corresponds to an approach of first end 121 toward axis of rotation Z and a simultaneous movement of second end 122 away from axis of rotation Z. In this same example, first end 121 is distal to body 11 while second end 122 is proximal to body 11, with blades 12 positioned around body 11. In other words, deployment of blades 12 occurs simultaneously inward and outward. This design thus differs from conventional fans with retractable blades, where only second end 122 deploys outward, while first end 121 is fixed to body 11. Furthermore, in the first position, blades 12 are positioned at a distance from body 11, for example, in the form of a loop around body 11, with first end 121 and second end 122 positioned substantially equidistant from body 11, rather than overlapping it. This superimposed shape thus allows maintaining the advantages of a fan with retractable blades, in particular a certain compactness and its aesthetic advantages by presenting an appearance different from that of the fan when it is stopped.

[0081] Advantageously, as Figure 1 、 3 As shown in Figures 5 to 7 and 9 to 9, blade 12 includes a substantially planar first portion 124, along which blade 12 is assembled with branch 13. In other words, first portion 124 receives pivot axis 131. Thus, first portion 124 extends, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of pivot axis 131, preferably parallel to axis of rotation Z. Blade 12 also includes a second portion 125 extending from first portion 124 and defining the profile of blade 12, which is primarily determined by aeronautic and / or aesthetic criteria. Second portion 125 extends, for example, obliquely relative to first portion 124, for example, in the manner of an angled piece, at an angle between 120 and 150 degrees.

[0082] The shape and design of the blades 12 may also be adapted according to various designs still within the scope of the present invention. Figure 4 、 5Figures 8 and 9 show four variants of the fan 1 in the deployed position. In particular, the blades 12 can pivot between the first and second positions at a greater or lesser angle depending on their size, their number and their precise setting in the stacked position and in the deployed position.

[0083] According to Figure 7 and 8 the blades 12 are dimensioned so that each blade 12 covers the other adjacent blade 12 in the stacked position. In other words, the second end 122 of each blade 12 covers at least the first end 121 of the adjacent blade. It will be understood that the order of coverage of the blades 12 is necessary to allow them to pivot from the first position without colliding, that is to say so that the first end 121 can approach the rotation axis Z and the second end 122 move away from the rotation axis Z. This design thus allows to reduce the diameter of the fan 1 in the stacked position and the size of the branches 13, and / or to increase the diameter of the fan 1 in the deployed position and thus the air flow rate.

[0084] Alternatively, when the blades 12 do not overlap, in particular as shown in Figure 1 and 2 the blades 12 are dimensioned so that the second end 122 of each blade 12 is located in the vicinity of the first end 121 of the adjacent blade 12. This design also makes it possible to provide a gap to facilitate the deployment of the blades 12.

[0085] In another example shown in Figure 3 and 4 the first end 121 of each blade 12 is shaped complementarily to the body 11, i.e. to a portion of the body 11. The first end 121 then abuts the body 11 in its second position, as shown in Figure 4 . Thus, when the first end 121 abuts the body 11, the approach of the first end 121 towards the rotation axis Z stops.

[0086] In this same example, each blade 12 also has a shape complementary to each branch 13 and extends in the extension of each branch 13 in its second position. As shown in Figure 4 , the branches 13 cover the blades 12, in particular the first portion 124, that is to say that the blades 12 extend under the branches 13 beyond the branches 13.

[0087] In another example shown in Figure 9In another variant embodiment shown, the blades 12 have, in their second position, an inclination along the horizontal, that is, along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z. Each pivot 131 is, for example, hinged along an axis inclined relative to the axis of rotation Z, or is composed of a plurality of hinges that allow a first rotation along a first axis parallel to the axis of rotation Z and a second rotation along a second axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z.

[0088] For example, the articulation of the blades 12 with respect to the branches 13 can be adapted, and various variations of the unfolding and / or stacking of the blades 12 can also be designed.

[0089] For example, it is advantageously contemplated that rotation of fan 1, i.e., operation of the motorized system to rotate branches 13 and blades 12, directly causes blades 12 to transition from a first position to a second position. The second position is achieved, for example, at a rotational speed of approximately 50 revolutions per minute or less. Such designs typically utilize the natural centrifugal force generated by the rotation to deploy blades 12. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that stopping the rotation directly causes blades 12 to transition from the second position to the first position. The first position corresponds, for example, to a rest position in the absence of centrifugal force.

[0090] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the example shown, the middle portion 123, and by extension, the pivot axis 131, are therefore offset relative to the longitudinal center of the blade 12. The portion of each blade 12 extending between the middle portion 123 and the first end 121 (i.e., the first half of each blade 12) is therefore lighter than the remainder of the blade 12 between the middle portion and the second end 122 (i.e., the second half of each blade 12), and the centrifugal force generated by the rotation is greater on the heaviest portion, thereby causing the second end 122 to move away and, through the pivoting motion, the first end 121 to move closer together. Clearly, the same result can also be achieved with other blade 12 geometries, in particular with a middle portion 123 longitudinally centered on the blade 12, assuming that the portion of the blade 12 equipped with the second end 122 (or the second half) is heavier than the portion of the blade 12 equipped with the first end 121 (or the first half), with the two portions separated by the pivot axis 131.

[0091] This design may be supplemented by other elements known to those skilled in the art of manufacturing fans with retractable blades, in particular:

[0092] - implementing synchronization means for synchronizing the opening and / or closing of the blades 12 , for example by means of spacers connecting each blade 12 ; and / or

[0093] - adding elastic means sized to urge the blades 12 towards the first position when the fan is stopped, the elastic means being sized not to prevent the blades from unfolding beyond a certain speed, i.e. to exert a force lower than the centrifugal force achieved when the fan 1 is rotating; and / or

[0094] The assembly of the blade 12 on the branch 13 allows the blade 12 to return towards the first position under its own weight, for example in combination with the implementation of a pivot 131 that converts the effect of gravity into a superimposed movement.

[0095] Therefore, the applicant proposes that the fan with retractable blades according to the present invention has aerodynamic characteristics comparable to those of a conventional fan. Figure 10 The first curve Figure 2 represents the velocity field 21 in m / s in a vertical section located in the middle of a conventional fan 1 '. At a speed of 150 revolutions per minute, this conventional fan 1 ' allows obtaining a velocity of approximately 10500 m 3 / h flow rate. In contrast, Figure 11 The second curve Figure 3 Represents the velocity field 31 in m / s in a vertical section located in the middle of the fan 1 with retractable blades according to the invention. At a speed of 150 revolutions per minute, the fan 1 according to the invention allows to obtain a velocity of about 9500 m / s. 3 / h flow rate. It thus appears that the fan 1 according to the invention is able to reproduce an air flow rate comparable to that of the conventional fan 1 ' and, compared to the fan with retractable blades according to the prior art, the flow rate is closer to that of the conventional fan 1 '. In fact, as described with respect to the prior art, the air flow rate of the known fan with retractable blades is reduced by 40% compared to the conventional fan 1 ', i.e. the flow rate here is only about 6000 m / s. 3 / h.

[0096] It will thus be appreciated that the present invention provides a ceiling fan with retractable blades whose blade assembly has been modified to retain the ability to stack and deploy the blades while allowing for greatly improved air flow rates approaching the performance of conventional fans.

[0097] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to specific embodiments of the invention, but does not in any way confer any limiting character to the subject matter of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to eliminate any possible inaccuracies or misunderstandings of the subsequent claims.

[0098] In particular, in the above example, the branches 13 constitute the supports of the blades 12; however, the ceiling fan 1 according to the present invention can be designed, whose supports will be different from the branches 13 or include other structural elements in addition to the branches 13. For example, the branches 13 can be replaced by a hollow disk driven by the body 11 to rotate around the rotation axis Z, and the pivots 131 are arranged at regular intervals along the disk between the blades 12 and the peripheral part of the disk. According to another example, the distal end of the branch 13 can receive a ring, and the pivot 131 is arranged between the ring and the blade 12. In addition, the above example takes into account the blades 12 arranged around the body 11, but it is also possible to design the blades 12 arranged below or above the body, as long as they are assembled along its middle part.

[0099] It should also be pointed out that the reference signs placed between brackets in the appended claims are in no way limiting in nature. The sole purpose of these signs is to improve the clarity and understanding of the appended claims and the scope of protection sought.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan (1) comprising a central body (11) defining an axis of rotation (Z) of the fan (1), a plurality of blades (12) assembled to the body (11), and a motorized system configured to drive the blades (12) to rotate about the axis of rotation (Z), the blades (12) being configured to switch between a first position, referred to as a stacked position, corresponding to a stop of the fan (1), and a second position, referred to as a deployed position, corresponding to a rotation of the fan (1), in which the blades (12) each extend between a first end (121) close to the axis of rotation (Z) and a second end (122) away from the axis of rotation (Z), It is characterized in that The fan (1) comprises a support (13) extending from the body (11) and driven by the motorized system, each of the blades (12) being assembled with the body (11) via the support (13) along a middle portion (123) of the blade (12), the middle portion (123) being mounted to rotate relative to the support (13) so as to form a pivot (131), the blade (12) pivoting about the pivot (131) to transition between the first position and the second position, the pivot (131) being away from the axis of rotation (Z) such that the transition from the first position toward the second position corresponds to the first end (121) approaching the axis of rotation (Z) and the second end (122) moving away from the axis of rotation (Z).

2. The fan (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The rotation of the fan (1) causes the blades (12) to transition from the first position toward the second position, and the stopping of the fan (1) causes the blades (12) to transition from the second position toward the first position.

3. The fan (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that For each of the blades (12), the intermediate portion (123) is offset relative to the longitudinal center of the blade (12) so that the rotation of the fan (1) generates an imbalance of forces along the blade (12), the imbalance causing the blade (12) to transition from the first position toward the second position.

4. The fan (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that For each of the blades (12), the intermediate portion (123) is longitudinally centered on the blade (12) to form two halves of the blade (12), the first half of the blade (12) weighing less than the second half of the blade (12), so that the rotation of the fan (1) generates an imbalance in force along the blade (12), the imbalance causing the blade (12) to transition from the first position toward the second position.

5. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that It also comprises a set of elastic means located between the blades (12) and the body (11), the elastic means being configured to drive the blades (12) towards the first position during the stopping of the fan (1).

6. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The blades (12) are arranged around the body (11), and the first end (121) of each blade (12) has a complementary shape to the body (11), so that when the blade (12) is in the second position, the first end (121) is adjusted to abut against the body (11).

7. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The blade (12) and the support (13) respectively have complementary shapes, so that when the blade (12) is in the second position, the blade (12) forms an extension of the support (13).

8. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The blades (12) are sized to at least partially overlap between adjacent blades in the first position.

9. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The blade (12) pivots along an axis that is inclined relative to the axis of rotation (Z), so that between the first position and the second position the blade (12) has an inclination along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Z).

10. The fan (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The blade (12) has a planar first portion (124) and a second portion (125), the blade (12) being assembled with the support (13) along the first planar portion (124), and the second portion extending from the first portion (124) to define the outline of the blade (12).

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