FIELD
The present disclosure relates to ceiling fans, and more particularly, to a bladeless ceiling fan.
BACKGROUND
Ceiling fans generally include an electric motor and a plurality of fan blades rotatably coupled to the motor. The motor drives rotation of the fan blades to circulate air within a room or area in which the ceiling fan is mounted. However, rotation of the fan blades can be noisy and undesirable. Additionally, the air circulated by rotation of the fan blades is generally non-uniform (e.g., turbulent).
U.S. Publication No. 2019/0242391 to Whitmire discloses a bladeless ceiling fan including nozzle defining an interior passageway and an outlet in fluid communication with the interior passageway. A motor rotates an impeller to move air through conduits into the interior passageway of the nozzle and expels air out of the outlet. In Whitmire, the outlet is along a top interior edge of the nozzle.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,797,411 to Dyson discloses a ceiling fan with an annular nozzle having an interior passage and an air outlet on the bottom. An air inlet assembly is positioned horizontally and outside of the annular nozzle. The ceiling fan has a support assembly for supporting the nozzle on a ceiling including a pivotable arm with the wiring run through the arm.
There is a need for improved ceiling fans. The present invention solves these and other problems in the prior art.
SUMMARY
In one exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, a bladeless fan is provided, including a housing, an impeller within the housing, a motor within the housing for rotatably driving the impeller, an outlet device having an at least partially circular outlet, and a diffuser configured to receive air from the impeller and direct the air into the outlet device.
The diffuser may at least partially change a direction of the air being directed into the outlet device. In some embodiments, the diffuser redirects at least a portion of the air from a vertical direction to a horizontal direction into the outlet device.
The outlet device may be a circular ring having a hollow cavity for receiving the air, wherein the outlet extends around a bottom surface of the outlet device. In some embodiments, the housing is positioned within an inner circumference of the circular ring. In some embodiments, there is a barrier within the hollow cavity of the circular ring preventing air from flowing entirely around the hollow cavity.
The bladeless ceiling fan may further include at least one lighting component such as a light in a bottom of the housing and/or a light extending around the bottom surface of the outlet device adjacent to the outlet.
In some embodiments, the outlet device includes a first disk positioned adjacent to a second disk defining a passage therebetween, wherein the outlet is defined between distal edges of the first disk and the second disk. In some embodiments, the diffuser is formed integrally with the second disk. The bladeless ceiling fan may further include at least one lighting component such as a light shade and a light positioned below the first disk and the second disk.
The first disk may have a first diameter greater than a second diameter of the second disk. In some embodiments, a third disk having a third diameter is positioned between the second disk and the light shade. The third diameter may be less than the first and second diameters.
In some embodiments, the bladeless fan includes a plurality of light rings attached to the housing, each of the light rings having a circular light around a bottom surface, an interior surface, and/or an exterior surface of the respective light ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is top view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 is a side cutaway view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a side view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is a side cutaway view of the bladeless fan shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view of the bladeless fan of FIG. 19.
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a bladeless fan according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21 is a side transparent view of the ring of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a rear view of the ring of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a top enlarged view of a portion of the ring of FIG. 21.
FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a housing and motor assembly configured for use with a bladeless fan.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.
Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a bladeless fan 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan 100 includes an outlet device in the form of a ring 102, and a housing 130 attached to an inner circumference of the ring 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 130 has a cylindrical shape and is positioned vertically within an interior of the ring 102, perpendicular to the ring 102. The housing 130 includes one or more inlets 132 for receiving air. The housing 130 further includes a mounting bracket 150 for mounting the fan 100 to a ceiling or other surface (e.g., with fasteners).
The housing 130 may be manufactured in various sizes and, particularly, heights to accommodate different applications. For example, the housing 130 may be manufactured with an increased height to space the fan 100 farther away and/or any desired distance from a ceiling. In other embodiments, a stem mount design, e.g., elements 330, 350, and 352 shown in FIGS. 13-16, may be used with the fan 100.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fan 100. As illustrated, the ring 102 has an inner portion 104 and an outer portion 106 connected to one another. In some embodiments, the inner portion 104 and outer portion 106 are formed integrally. The ring 102 may be manufactured in different sizes, such as a 36 in. diameter ring. The inner portion 104 and the outer portion 106 define a hollow cavity within the ring 102 allowing air to circulate within and/or around the interior of the ring 102. A circular gap or outlet 108 is formed between the inner portion 104 and the outer portion 106, around a bottom of the ring 102, configured as an outlet for the air. The bottom of the housing 130 may have a cover 134.
In some embodiments, the ring 102 includes a barrier 107 inside the hollow cavity of the ring 102. The barrier 107 may extend between a bottom and a top of the ring 102. The barrier 107, when implemented, at least partially prevents or blocks air from circulating entirely around the ring 102 and aids in directing the air downward through the outlet 108.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the fan 100. As illustrated, the fan 100 includes a motor 140. In the exemplary embodiment, the motor 140 is a brushless DC electric motor. The motor 140 is secured in a motor housing comprised of, e.g., an upper part 142 and a lower part 144. The motor housing 142,144 may be positioned in a housing component 136. The motor 140 includes a rotatable shaft which drives an impeller 146 positioned above and/or adjacent to the motor housing 142,144. The impeller 146 may be positioned in a suction cover 138 having an open top which is attached to the housing component 136.
In the exemplary embodiment, the motor 140 is configured to rotate the impeller 146 at about 5,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) or more. However, the motor 140 speed may be configured or adjustable to operate at higher and/or lower rpms. In some embodiments, the motor 140 is configured to rotate the impeller 146 up to 10,000 rpm or greater.
FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the fan 100. The impeller 146, when rotated by the motor 140, draws air into the housing 130 via the inlets 132 in a direction A. The air is forced through holes around the outer edge of the motor housing 142,144 and into a diffuser 110, in the form of a funnel, which redirects the air in a direction B. The diffuser 110 is attached to or formed integrally with the inner portion 104 of the ring 102. The air is forced at least partially around the ring 102 and downward through the outlet 108 in a direction C.
In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes one or more lighting components. As shown in FIG. 7, the fan 100 may include a light 135 on a bottom of the housing 130. The fan 100 may also, or alternatively, include a light 105 around the bottom of the ring 102. The light 105 and the light 135 may be light bulbs or LED board light engines.
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another bladeless fan 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan 200 includes a housing 230 and a plurality of concentric deflectors or disks attached to the housing 230. In the exemplary embodiment, the fan 200 includes a first disk 202, a second disk 204, and a third disk 206. The fan 200 further includes a light shade 210 around a light 205. The light 205 may be any type of light emitter including a light bulb or an LED board light engine. The light 205 can also include other integrated components such as a sensor, microphone, or speaker. The housing 230 includes one or more inlets 232 for receiving air.
The fan 200 further includes a mounting bracket 250 for mounting the fan 200 to a ceiling or other surface (e.g., with fasteners). In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 230 is attached to a pole 252 via a bracket 254. However, other means of attaching the housing 230 may be used, including the means in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A mounting cover 256 is positioned on the pole 252 adjacent to the mounting bracket 250. When the fan 200 is mounted, the mounting cover 256 is positioned against the ceiling or other mounting surface.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan 200 shown in FIG. 8. As illustrated, the fan 200 includes a motor assembly 240 secured in the housing 230 with brackets 242 and a housing part 238. The motor assembly 240 may include a motor (e.g., a brushless DC electric motor), impeller, and housing components as in the above-described embodiment. The motor assembly 240 may also be used in the other embodiments described herein. A diffuser 246, e.g., air distributor, is positioned below the motor assembly 240 and between the first disk 202 and the second disk 204. The diffuser 246 has a generally hourglass shape configured to change direction of the air flow at least partially towards a horizontal direction. The diffuser 246 may further include a gasket 236. The disks 202,204,206 and light shade 210 are connected to one another with fasteners 234.
FIG. 12 is a side cutaway view of the fan 200. The motor assembly 240, by means of the impeller, draws air into the housing 230 via the inlets 232 in a direction A. The air is forced through the bottom of the motor housing 230 and to the diffuser 246 which redirects the air in a direction B. The air is forced between the disk 202 and the disk 204 and downward through an outlet 208 defined between distal ends of the disks 202,204 in a direction C.
FIGS. 13-14 illustrate another bladeless fan 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan 300 includes a housing 330 and a plurality of concentric deflectors or disks attached to the housing 330. In the exemplary embodiment, the fan 300 includes a first disk 306 and a second disk 310. The housing 330 has one or more inlets 332 for receiving air.
The fan 300 also includes a plurality of light rings 360,362,364 attached to the housing 330. The light rings 360,362,364 each have a light 305, such as an LED light, extending around the respective light ring 360,362,364. In the exemplary embodiment, a light 305 extends around an interior surface of each light ring 360,362,364, e.g., facing inward toward the housing 330. The light 305 may, alternatively or in addition, extend around a bottom surface of the light ring 360,362,364 or an external surface opposite the interior surface. In some embodiments, the second disk 306 also functions as a light shade around a light bulb or LED board light engine.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan 300 shown in FIG. 13. As illustrated, the fan 300 includes a motor assembly 340 secured in the housing 330 with brackets 342 and a housing part 338. The motor assembly 340 may include a motor (e.g., a brushless DC electric motor), impeller, and housing components as in the above-described embodiment. A diffuser 346, e.g., air distributor, is positioned below the motor assembly 340 below the first disk 306. In the exemplary embodiment, the diffuser 346 is formed integrally with the second disk 310. However, the diffuser 346 may be a separate component as in the previous embodiment, or formed integrally with the first disk 306. The diffuser 346 has a generally hourglass shape configured to change direction of the air flow at least partially towards a horizontal direction.
FIG. 16 is a side cutaway view of the fan 300. The motor assembly 340, by means of the impeller, draws air into the housing 330 via the inlets 332. The air is forced through the bottom of the motor housing 330 and to the diffuser 346 which redirects the air between the disks 306,310. The air is forced between the disks 306,310 and downward through an outlet defined between distal ends of the disks 306,310.
FIG. 17 illustrates another bladeless fan 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan 400 can be connected to a mounting support, such as a hanging pendant mount having a shaft extending from a ceiling or a surface or flush mount connected to a ceiling.
In the exemplary embodiment, the fan 400 includes a first disk 402, a second disk 404, and a third disk 406. The first disk 402 can include a plurality of apertures 408 helping to increase the airflow in the disks by allowing air to be drawn in due to movement of the fan. The illustrated embodiment shows apertures 408 having an elongated, curved-obround configuration, although other sizes and shapes can be used.
The fan 400 further includes a light shade 410 around a light 405. The light 405 may be any type of light emitter including a light bulb or an LED board light engine. The light 405 can also include other integrated components such as a sensor, microphone, or speaker.
The fan 400 includes a housing 430 and a plurality of concentric deflectors or disks attached to the housing 430. The housing 430 can include a removable upper section 432 having one or more inlets for receiving air.
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bladeless fan 400 shown in FIG. 17. As illustrated, the fan 400 includes a motor assembly 440 secured in the housing 430 with brackets 442 and a mounting plate 438. The motor assembly 440 may include a motor (e.g., a brushless DC electric motor), impeller, and housing components 444. The motor assembly 440 may also be used in the other embodiments described herein. A diffuser 446, e.g., air distributor, is positioned below the motor assembly 440 and between the first disk 402 and the second disk 404. The diffuser 446 has a general funnel shape configured to change direction of the air flow at least partially towards a horizontal direction. The diffuser 446 may further include a gasket. The disks 402, 404, 406 and light shade 410 can be connected to one another using one or more fasteners. In certain configurations, the mounting plate 438 can secure the first disk 402, second disk 404, and the diffuser 446 using a first set of fasteners while the third disk 406 and light shade 410 can be secured to the second disk 404.
FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view of the fan 400. The motor assembly 440, via the impeller, draws air into the housing 430 from the inlets 432 in a first direction. The air is forced through the bottom of the motor housing 430 and to the diffuser 446 which redirects the air in a second direction. The air is forced between the first disk 402 and the second disk 404 and downward through an outlet defined between distal ends of the first and second disks 402, 404 in a third direction.
FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a bladeless fan 500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan 500 includes an outlet device in the form of a ring 502, and a motor positioned in a housing 530 attached the ring 502. The motor, housing, and any additional interior structure can have the same configuration as the other embodiments described herein. The housing 530 includes one or more inlets 532 for receiving air.
The housing 530 is in communication with a diffuser 510 for discharging air from the motor into the ring 502. The diffuser 510 can be integrally formed with the ring 502 or formed as a separate component and directly or indirectly connected to the ring 502.
FIG. 21 is a side, transparent view of the ring 502. The impeller draws air into the housing 530 via the inlets 532 and out into the diffuser 510. In certain configurations, both the diffuser 510 and the ring 502 can include one or more sections having a reduced volume to help promote more uniform airflow through the diffuser 510 and the ring 502.
For example, the diffuser 510 can include a first section having a first distance D1 in an upper portion. The first distance D1 can be a dimension, such as a diameter or length depending on the configuration of the diffuser 510. A second section of the diffuser 510 spaced from the first section can include a second distance D2 which is less than the first distance D1. This decrease in size can be continuous and gradual as shown in the illustrated embodiment or in steps. The decrease in size can be a result of one or more curved surfaces converging from the first distance D1 to the second distance D2. The size can continue to decrease until the interface of the diffuser 510 with the interior of the ring 502.
The ring 502 can also include a first section having a third distance D3 in a portion of the ring 502 proximate the diffuser 510. The third distance D3 can be a dimension, such as a diameter or height depending on the configuration of the ring 502. A second section of the ring 502 spaced from the first section can include a fourth distance D4 which is less than the third distance D3. This decrease in size can be continuous and gradual as shown in the illustrated embodiment or in steps. The decrease in size can be a result of one or more curved surfaces converging from the third distance D3 to the fourth distance D4. The size can continue to decrease until reaching a ring divider 512 positioned in the ring 502. The ring divider 512 can separate the first and second sides of the ring 502.
The change in profile of the diffuser 510 and the ring 502 as the distance from the motor increases can help to provide uniform air flow by increasing or maintaining pressure as the volume of the cavity decreases, air leaves the ring, and the force of the impeller is diminished.
FIG. 23 also shows the interface of the diffuser 510 with the interior of the ring 502. The diffuser 510 can include a diffuser divider 514 that helps to split the airflow evenly between the two sides of the ring 502. The divider 514 can have an upper edge and a pair of curved sides that helps evenly distribute the airflow.
FIG. 24 shows a schematic view of a housing 630 including an upper portion 632 having one or more inlets for receiving air. A motor assembly 640 is secured in the housing 630. The motor assembly 640 can include a motor (e.g., a brushless DC electric motor), impeller, and housing components as discussed and shown herein. The housing 630 can include one or more air purification features to purify air that moves through the housing 630. For example, a filter 650 can be positioned in the upper portion 632 of the housing 630 to filer air coming in through the inlets. One or more lighting units 660 can also be positioned in the housing 630 to purify air moving through the housing 630. The lighting unit 660 can include one or more light emitters configured to emit light to decontaminate the air. The light emitters can be configured to emit UV light and/or other high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light to decontaminate the air.
As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.
Patent Application
20250101989
