CEILING FAN

- Panasonic

A ceiling fan including a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling, and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting via a suspension device. The ceiling fan main body includes a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a horizontal direction, a shaft protruding to an upper part of the motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft. The suspension device includes a first connecting portion capable of being movably mounted on the connecting fitting, and a second connecting portion located in a lower part of the first connecting portion. The joint portion is movably mounted on the second connecting portion.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a ceiling fan suspended from a ceiling.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional ceiling fan includes a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling, and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting via a suspension device.

When such a ceiling fan is operated in a state in which it is suspended from a ceiling, a ceiling fan main body may occasionally swing. That is to say, in a conventional ceiling fan, a shaft protruding from the upper part of the ceiling fan main body is movably anchored to the connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling. However, not-specified swing components in all directions are generated due to vane weight and unbalanced pitch in a ceiling fan, circulation air generated during operation of a ceiling fan main body, outside wind, and the like, causing a ceiling fan main body to swing non-constantly.

In such circumstances, conventionally, in order to suppress swing, a ceiling fan main body is firmly fixed to a ceiling via a suspension structure so as to reduce the swing width of the ceiling fan main body. However, an abnormal noise may occur on a ceiling depending on ceiling structures.

[Citation List]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. H3-294696

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ceiling fan of the present invention includes a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling; and a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting via a suspension device. The ceiling fan main body includes a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a horizontal direction, a shaft protruding to an upper part of the motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft. The suspension device includes a first connecting portion capable of being movably mounted on the connecting fitting; and a second connecting portion located in a lower part of the first connecting portion. The joint portion is movably mounted on the second connecting portion.

Such a ceiling fan has a suspension device provided with two movable connecting portions between a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling and a ceiling fan main body. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of the ceiling fan main body during operation is reduced by the two movable connecting portions. Furthermore, the swing of the ceiling fan main body during operation is partially cancelled by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the vibration of the ceiling fan main body during operation is not easily transmitted to the ceiling, and the swing of the ceiling fan main body can be suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on the ceiling is reduced significantly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a principal part of a suspension device of the ceiling fan.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of the ceiling fan.

FIG. 9 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan. Ceiling fan 50 includes connecting fitting 6, suspension device 7, and ceiling fan main body 1. Herein, connecting fitting 6 is fixed to ceiling 5. Ceiling fan main body 1 is suspended from connecting fitting 6 via suspension device 7.

Suspension device 7 includes a first connecting portion including horizontal axis connecting portion 8 and a second connecting portion including horizontal axis connecting portion 9. Herein, the first connecting portion can be movably mounted on connecting fitting 6. The second connecting portion is located in the lower part of the first connecting portion.

Ceiling fan main body 1 includes motor 3, shaft 4, and joint portion 10. Herein, motor 3 rotates a plurality of blades 2 attached in the horizontal direction. Shaft 4 protrudes to the upper part of motor 3. Joint portion 10 is fixed to the upper part of shaft 4, and movably mounted on the second connecting portion.

Furthermore, central axis 14 of shaft 4 is defined as Y-axis 11, and coordinates of the horizontal plane perpendicular to Y-axis 11 are defined as X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13. Herein, the first connecting portion is rotatable in the direction of X-axis 12 as a rotation axis. Furthermore, the second connecting portion is rotatable in the direction of Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis.

Horizontal axis connecting portion 8 as the first connecting portion has pulley 22 on a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal direction, and is hooked over hook-shaped connecting fitting 6 fixed to ceiling 5. Furthermore, pulley 22 has groove 20 on the center of the periphery thereof and is made of rubber.

Horizontal axis connecting portion 9 forming the second connecting portion includes a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal direction, and is hooked through joint portion 10 having a hole in the upper part of shaft 4.

That is to say, suspension device 7 has a configuration in which the columnar axis of the first connecting portion and the columnar axis of the second connecting portion are fixed in a state in which they are displaced by 90° in the horizontal direction by using suspension section 15.

Therefore, even if not-specified swing components in all directions are generated due to the weight of ceiling fan main body 1 and blades 2, unbalanced pitch of blades 2, and air flow and circulation air generated during operation, outside wind, and the like, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 occurs non-constantly, they are suppressed as follows. That is to say, a swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing component in the direction of rotation around Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the second connecting portion. In this way, swing components in the directions of rotation around X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 can be handled. Therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first exemplary embodiment and the description thereof is omitted, and only different configuration is described. The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the first exemplary embodiment are different from each other in a configuration of a second connecting portion.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the ceiling fan. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a principal part of a suspension device of the ceiling fan.

Suspension device 37 of ceiling fan 51 includes a first connecting portion including horizontal axis connecting portion 8, and a second connecting portion holding horizontal plane axis connecting portion 16. The first connecting portion is rotatable in the direction of X-axis 12 as a rotation axis. The second connecting portion is hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13.

Horizontal axis connecting portion 8 as the first connecting portion has pulley 22 on a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal direction, and is hooked over hook-shaped connecting fitting 6 fixed to ceiling 5. Furthermore, pulley 22 has groove 20 on the center of the periphery thereof and is made of rubber.

Hanger 17 as the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding ball joint 21b. Ball joint 21b forming joint portion 10 has a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with groove 20b provided thereon, and is fixed on the upper part of shaft 4. Furthermore, hanger 17 includes notch portion 18b through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass and protrusion 19b that can be inserted into groove 20b.

That is to say, suspension device 37 has a configuration in which the columnar axis having pulley 22 of the first connecting portion is fixed to hanger 17, and hanger 17 as the second connecting portion holds ball joint 21b.

With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by the second connecting portion holding ball joint 21b. As a result, a swing component in the rotation direction around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis and a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the horizontal plane can be handled. Therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4, that is, ball joint 21b, via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via hanger 17 as the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5 via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire. This is because hanger 17 for holding ball joint 21 is provided with protrusion 19 that can be inserted into groove 20.

Furthermore, suspension device 37 having such a configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.

Furthermore, by using pulley 22 in the first connecting portion, the swing component in the rotation direction of the axis of pulley 22 can be suppressed by pulley 22 with friction reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation and to facilitate suspension to a J-hook or a U-hook at the time of construction.

Furthermore, since pulley 22 of the first connecting portion is made of rubber, the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 by rotation during operation can be absorbed and relieved.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first exemplary embodiment and the description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations are described. The third exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the first exemplary embodiment are different from each other in a configuration of a first connecting portion.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Suspension device 47 of ceiling fan 52 includes a first connecting portion that is horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 and a second connecting portion that is horizontal axis connecting portion 9. The first connecting portion is rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13. The second connecting portion is rotatable in the direction of X-axis 12 as a rotation axis.

Horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 that is the first connecting portion includes ball joint 21a. Ball joint 21a fixed to suspension section 15 has a substantially hemispherical shape and has a groove (not shown) on the spherical surface thereof. Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has a notch portion and a protrusion (both are not shown). Furthermore, the notch portion has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21a and through which suspension section 15 is allowed to pass. The protrusion can be inserted into the groove. Joint portion 10 is provided with a hole (not shown).

Horizontal axis connecting portion 9 that is the second connecting portion includes a columnar axis fixed in the horizontal direction, and is rotatably hooked through the hole of joint portion 10.

That is to say, suspension device 47 has a configuration in which a columnar axis that forms the second connecting portion and ball joint 21a that forms the first connecting portion are fixed by suspension section 15.

With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing component in the rotation direction around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis is suppressed by the second connecting portion. As a result, a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the horizontal plane and a swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 as a rotation axis can be handled. Therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4, that is, the second joint portion via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via suspension device 47. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5 via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire. This is because connecting fitting 46 has a notch portion for rotatably holding ball joint 21a and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove.

Furthermore, suspension device 47 having such a configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

In accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first to third exemplary embodiments and the description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations are described. The fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the third exemplary embodiment are different from each other in a configuration of a second connecting portion.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a ceiling fan in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of the ceiling fan. Suspension device 57 of ceiling fan 53 includes a first connecting portion that is horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 and a second connecting portion holding horizontal plane axis connecting portion 16.

Horizontal plane axis connecting portion 23 as the first connecting portion includes ball joint 21a, and hanger 17 as the second connecting portion holds ball joint 21b of horizontal plane axis connecting portion 16.

The first connecting portion is rotatable around a rotation axis on a horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13. Ball joint 21a fixed to connecting member 25 has a substantially hemispherical shape and has groove 20a on the spherical surface. Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has notch portion 18a and protrusion 19a. Notch portion 18a has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21a and through which connecting member 25 is allowed to pass. Protrusion 19a can be inserted into groove 20a. Connecting fitting 46 is fixed to ceiling 5, and has notch portion 18a and protrusion 19a.

Joint portion 10 includes ball joint 21b. Ball joint 21b has a substantially hemispherical shape and has groove 20b on the spherical surface. Hanger 17 includes notch portion 18b through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass and protrusion 19b.

That is to say, suspension device 57 has a configuration in which ball joint 21a forming the first connecting portion is fixed to hanger 17 of the second connecting portion movably holding ball joint 21b.

With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by upper and lower connecting portions, i.e., the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4 via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via hanger 17 forming the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5 via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire. This is because hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b has notch portion 18b and protrusion 19 that can be inserted into groove 20b.

Furthermore, suspension device 57 having such a configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

In accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first to fourth exemplary embodiments and the description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations are described. The fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the fourth exemplary embodiment are different from each other in a configuration of a first connecting portion.

FIG. 9 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Suspension device 67 of ceiling fan 54 includes a first connecting portion that is three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24 and a second connecting portion holding horizontal plane axis connecting portion 16.

The first connecting portion that is three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24 includes ball joint 21c fixed to connecting member 25 and having a substantially hemispherical shape. Ball joint 21c is rotatable in all the three-dimensional directions, X-axis 12, Y-axis 11, and Z-axis 13 as rotation axes.

The second connecting portion is hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13.

Connecting fitting 46 fixed to ceiling 5 includes notch portion 18a. Notch portion 18a has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21c and through which connecting member 25 is allowed to pass.

Joint portion 10 includes a substantially hemispherical-shaped ball joint 21b. Hanger 17 includes notch portion 18b, and protrusion 19b that can be inserted into groove 20b. Notch portion 18b has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21b and through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass.

That is to say, suspension device 67 has a configuration in which ball joint 21c forming the first connecting portion is fixed to hanger 17 as the second connecting portion movably holding ball joint 21b.

With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component by axial torque in the rotation direction of motor 3 and a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 are suppressed by the first connecting portion. Furthermore, a swing component in the direction of rotation having a rotation axis on the horizontal plane including X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 is suppressed by the second connecting portion. In this way, since each swing component can be handled, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4 via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5 via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, by using three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24 including ball joint 21c for the first connecting portion, a structure having a degree of freedom in the rotation direction of all axes can be achieved. As a result, the swing component can be suppressed by ball joint 21c with friction reduced, and therefore, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed. This structure can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.

Furthermore, even when shaft 4 of motor 3 and a suspension structure portion of the connecting portion are to be rotated, the rotation component in the rotation direction of Y-axis 11 can be fixed. Then, it is possible to prevent ceiling fan main body 1 from being wound on the suspension structure section such as a power wire for supplying electric power to motor 3 and an anti-drop wire. This is because hanger 17 holding ball joint 21b includes notch portion 18b, and protrusion 19b that can be inserted into groove 20b.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

In accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first to fifth exemplary embodiments and the description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations are described.

FIG. 10 is a development view showing a principal part of a suspension device of a ceiling fan in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Suspension device 77 of ceiling fan 55 includes a first connecting portion that is three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24a, and a second connecting portion holding three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24b. Herein, three-dimensional axis connecting portions 24a and 24b have rotation axes rotatable in all the directions in three dimensions.

Three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24a as the first connecting portion includes substantially hemispherical-shaped ball joint 21c fixed to connecting member 25. Connecting fitting 46 fixed to ceiling 5 includes notch portion 18a. Notch portion 18a has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21c and through which connecting member 25 is allowed to pass.

Joint portion 10 includes substantially hemispherical-shaped ball joint 21c. Hanger 17 as the second connecting portion holds three-dimensional axis connecting portion 24b. That is to say, hanger 17 has a bowl shape which movably holds ball joint 21c and through which shaft 4 is allowed to pass.

That is to say, suspension device 77 has a configuration in which ball joint 21c forming the first connecting portion is fixed to hanger 17 as the second connecting portion movably holding ball joint 21c.

With the above-mentioned configuration, a swing component due to axial torque in the direction of the rotation of motor 3, and a swing component in the direction of rotation around X-axis 12 and Z-axis 13 as a rotation axis can be suppressed by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress ceiling fan main body 1 during operation.

The swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation is transmitted to joint portion 10 fixed to the upper part of shaft 4 via shaft 4 protruding to the upper part of motor 3. Furthermore, the swing is transmitted to the first connecting portion via hanger 17 as the second connecting portion. In this way, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 is not transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion simultaneously. The swing is firstly transmitted to the second connecting portion, and then to the first connecting portion late. Consequently, in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, it is thought that the swing directions are opposite to each other, the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 are partially cancelled, and the swing of ceiling fan main body 1 during operation can be suppressed.

Furthermore, ceiling fan main body 1 is fixed to ceiling 5 via two connecting portions, that is, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of ceiling fan main body 1 is suppressed by the two movable connecting portions. As a result, the transmission of the vibration to ceiling 5 is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormal noise on ceiling 5 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, suspension device 77 having such a configuration can facilitate suspension to hanger 17 at the time of construction and it can be applied to an inclined ceiling.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, the present invention can suppress the occurrence of an abnormal noise on a ceiling and is useful as ceiling fans for household use or office use.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

  • 1 ceiling fan main body
  • 2 blade
  • 3 motor
  • 4 shaft
  • 5 ceiling
  • 6, 46 connecting fitting
  • 7, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77 suspension device
  • 8, 9 horizontal axis connecting portion
  • 10 joint portion
  • 11 Y-axis
  • 12 X-axis
  • 13 Z-axis
  • 14 central axis
  • 15 suspension section
  • 16, 23 horizontal plane axis connecting portion
  • 17 hanger
  • 18a, 18b notch portion
  • 19, 19a, 19b protrusion
  • 20, 20a, 20b groove
  • 21, 21a, 21b, 21c ball joint
  • 22 pulley
  • 24, 24a, 24b three-dimensional axis connecting portion
  • 25 connecting member
  • 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 ceiling fan

Claims

1. A ceiling fan comprising:

a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling; and
a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting via a suspension device,
wherein the ceiling fan main body comprises: a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a horizontal direction; a shaft protruding to an upper part of the motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft,
the suspension device comprises: a first connecting portion capable of being movably mounted on the connecting fitting; and a second connecting portion located under a lower part of the first connecting portion, and the joint portion is movably mounted on the second connecting portion.

2. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis, and when coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of the X-axis as a rotation axis, and the second connecting portion is a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of the Z-axis as a rotation axis.

3. The ceiling fan of claim 2,

wherein the connecting fitting has a hook shape,
the first connecting portion includes a columnar axis which is fixed in the horizontal direction and which the connecting fitting is hooked over,
the joint portion has a hole, and
the second connecting portion includes a columnar axis which is fixed in the horizontal direction and which is hooked through the hole of the joint portion.

4. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis, and when coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of the X-axis as a rotation axis, and the second connecting portion is a hanger that holds a horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane.

5. The ceiling fan of claim 4,

wherein the connecting fitting has a hook shape,
the first connecting portion includes a columnar axis which is fixed in the horizontal direction and which the connecting fitting is hooked over,
the joint portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon,
the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove.

6. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane, and the second connecting portion is a horizontal axis connecting portion rotatable in the direction of the X-axis as a rotation axis.

7. The ceiling fan of claim 6,

wherein the first connecting portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon,
the connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove,
the joint portion is a hook provided with a hole, and
the second connecting portion includes a columnar axis hooked through the hole and fixed in the horizontal direction.

8. The ceiling fan of claim 3,

wherein the columnar axis has a pulley.

9. The ceiling fan of claim 8,

wherein the pulley is made of rubber.

10. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane, and the second connecting portion is a hanger holding a horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane.

11. The ceiling fan of claim 10,

wherein the first connecting portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon,
the connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove,
the joint portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon, and
the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding a ball joint of the joint portion and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove.

12. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a three-dimensional axis connecting portion rotatable around rotation axes in all directions in three dimensions, and the second connecting portion is a hanger holding a horizontal plane axis connecting portion rotatable around a rotation axis on the horizontal plane.

13. The ceiling fan of claim 12,

wherein the first connecting portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a substantially hemispherical shape,
the connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass,
the joint portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon, and
the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding a ball joint of the joint portion and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove.

14. The ceiling fan of claim 1,

wherein in the suspension device, when a central axis of the shaft is defined as Y-axis and coordinates of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Y-axis are defined as X-axis and Z-axis, the first connecting portion is a three-dimensional axis connecting portion rotatable around rotation axes in all directions in three dimensions, and the second connecting portion is a hanger holding a three-dimensional axis connecting portion having rotation axes in all directions in three dimensions.

15. The ceiling fan of claim 14,

wherein the first connecting portion is a ball joint fixed to the shaft and having a substantially hemispherical shape,
the connecting fitting has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass,
the joint portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical shape, and
the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding a ball joint of the joint portion and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass.

16. The ceiling fan of claim 5, wherein the columnar axis has a pulley.

17. The ceiling fan of claim 7, wherein the columnar axis has a pulley.

18. A ceiling fan comprising:

a connecting fitting fixed to a ceiling; and
a ceiling fan main body suspended from the connecting fitting via a suspension device,
wherein the ceiling fan main body comprises: a motor for rotating a plurality of blades attached in a horizontal direction; a shaft protruding from an upper part of the motor, and a joint portion fixed on an upper part of the shaft,
the suspension device comprises: a first connecting portion displaceable substantially only in a first axial direction; and a second connecting portion capable of rotating substantially only in a plane defined by the first axial direction and a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction,
the joint portion is movably mounted on one of the first and the second connecting portions.

19. The ceiling fan of claim 18, wherein

the joint portion is a ball joint having a substantially hemispherical-shaped surface with a groove provided thereon,
the second connecting portion has a bowl shape movably holding the ball joint and including a notch portion through which the shaft is allowed to pass and a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110052411
Type: Application
Filed: May 14, 2009
Publication Date: Mar 3, 2011
Applicant: Panasonic Corporation (Osaka)
Inventors: Kiminobu Yamamoto (Shiga), Tetsuji Kawazu (Osaka), Hiroshi Yoshikawa (Aichi), Kiyohiko Iwamoto (Aichi)
Application Number: 12/989,448
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 416/244.0R
International Classification: F04D 29/00 (20060101);