Fan with integrated energy generator and hand crank

Abstract

Fan with integrated power generation and emergency operation, characterized by: a) a fan housing (1) with base (2) and an electric motor (3) for driving fan blades (4) on a rotational axis (5), b) a permanent magnet generator (6) which is arranged coaxially on the axis of rotation (5) and which automatically generates electrical energy during mains operation of the fan by the rotation of the fan blades (4), c) a folding hand crank (7) with a gearbox (7a) and a freewheel clutch (7b), d) wherein the freewheel clutch (7b) is configured such that: (i) when the fan is powered on, the hand crank (7) is completely stationary and does not rotate, and (ii) when the hand crank (7) is operated manually, only the permanent magnet generator (6) is driven, while the fan blades (4) remain stationary, e) an electronic control unit (8) with 5 V regulator and protection circuits, f) at least one USB output (8a) for delivering the generated energy, and g) a rechargeable buffer accumulator (9) for storing and buffering the generated energy.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a fan with an integrated power generation function, in particular a fan that enables passive power generation in normal mains operation as well as providing active power generation for emergency situations via a hand crank. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Conventional fans serve solely for air circulation and cooling. The mechanical rotational energy generated during operation is not utilized. At the same time, there is a need for compact, mains-independent power sources for emergency situations, particularly for charging mobile phones or other small devices. Separate hand-crank generators (e.g., in emergency radios) and fans with additional functions such as lighting are known. A combination of fan and generator with dual operating mode (passive when powered by mains electricity, active via hand crank) in a compact housing with a USB output is unknown to the applicants. TASK OF INVENTION

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a fan that: 1. Generates additional electrical energy during normal mains operation and makes it available via standard USB ports (passive energy generation) 2. Can generate energy independently via a hand crank in the event of a power outage or in off-grid situations (active energy generation) 3. Compact, cost-efficient and suitable for everyday use 4. Provides the generated energy in a usable form (5V USB). SOLUTION

[0004] The fan according to the invention comprises: a) Fan housing (1) with stand (2) b) Electric motor (230 V AC) (3) c) Fan blades (4) and axis of rotation (5) d) Permanent magnet generator (6), mounted coaxially on the axis of rotation (5) e) Folding hand crank (7) with gear ratio 1:8-1:15 (7a) and freewheel clutch (7b) f) Electronic control unit (8) with 5 V regulator, overcurrent / short circuit protection g) At least one USB output (8a), optional USB-C (8b) h) Buffer battery (Li-Ion, LiPo or LiFePO4, 2000-5000 mAh) (9) FUNCTIONALITY 1. Passive mode (mains operation)

[0005] The fan is powered by mains electricity. The rotational axis (5) drives the coaxially mounted permanent magnet generator (6). It generates approximately 1-5 watts of electrical power (depending on fan size and efficiency). The electronic control unit (8) converts the voltage to a stable 5 V DC and protects against overload. The energy is available via USB ports (8a, 8b) for charging small devices. The buffer battery (9) stores excess energy and stabilizes the output voltage. 2. Active mode (hand crank)

[0006] In the event of a power outage, the folding hand crank (7) unfolds. Only the generator (6) is driven via the gearbox (7a) and the freewheel clutch (7b) – the fan blades (4) remain stationary. The freewheel clutch (7b) prevents the crank from turning when the power supply is on. At moderate crank rotation (60-80 rpm), approximately 3-8 watts are generated; up to 10 watts with intensive use. The electronic control unit (8) then supplies a stable 5 V to the USB outputs (8a, 8b). The buffer battery (9) allows the simultaneous use of multiple USB ports. 3. Function of the freewheel clutch (7b)

[0007] The freewheel clutch (7b) is a central element of the invention and fulfills two essential functions: - In mains operation: The freewheel clutch blocks the power transmission from the generator to the hand crank. This means the hand crank (7) remains completely stationary and does not rotate, even when the generator (6) is driven by the fan blades (4). This prevents noise, wear, and potential injury hazards. - In crank operation: The freewheel clutch allows power transmission from the hand crank (7) to the generator (6), but not to the fan blades (4). This allows the user to drive the generator with minimal effort, without having to overcome the inertia of the fan blades.

[0008] The freewheel clutch (7b) can be designed as a pawl freewheel, roller freewheel or overrunning clutch. Performance data: - Passive mode: 1-5 W from mains operation - Active mode: 3-8 W; up to 10 watts with intensive operation via hand crank (60-80 rpm) ADVANTAGES 1. Dual benefit: Cooling + power generation in one device 2. Energy efficiency: Utilizing the rotational energy that is already available 3. Emergency security: Independent energy source in case of power outage 4. Standardized outputs: USB compatible, no adapters needed 5. Compactness: No additional emergency device required 6. Cost efficiency: Cheaper than two separate devices 7. Sustainability: Optimal energy use 8. Safety: Crank remains stationary during mains operation thanks to a freewheel clutch. VERSIONS Basic version: Generator (6) directly on rotation axis (5), foldable hand crank (7) on the back of the housing, 1× USB-A (8a) (5 V / 1 A), buffer battery (9) with 2000 mAh, simple electronics (rectifier + 5V regulator), efficiency: approx. 45-55%. Extended version:

[0009] 1× USB-A (8a) (5 V / 1 A) + 1× USB-C (8b) (5 V / 3 A, Quick Charge), integrated buffer battery (9) (Li-Ion, 2000-5000 mAh), LED display for power, voltage and charge status, high-quality components: neodymium magnets (N42 / N52, remanence 1.28-1.42 T), ceramic bearings, overall efficiency: up to 60%. Variants:

[0010] Hand crank (7): telescopic, ergonomic handle; Generator (6): axial or radial flux design; Gearbox (7a): continuously adjustable gear ratio; Freewheel clutch (7b): pawl freewheel, roller freewheel or overrunning clutch. COMMERCIAL APPLICABILITY

[0011] The invention is industrially applicable in: household fans with added benefits, crisis preparedness and emergency equipment, camping and outdoor products, and off-grid and self-sufficient systems. The invention is particularly suitable for export markets in developing countries with unreliable power grids.

[0012] Target groups: Manufacturers of fans, emergency equipment, and outdoor equipment.