VENTILATION DEVICE FOR GENERATING UNIFORM FLUID FLOWS, AND A DRIVE UNIT FOR A DEVICE OF SAID TYPE

Abstract

A device according to the present disclosure (60) for generating a directed fluid flow comprises a support structure (1); a rotary structure (5) disposed in relation to the support structure so as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation (10); and at least one active element (61, 61′) disposed on the rotary structure (5) so as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation (9,9′), and which has an active surface (67). The at least one active element is rotatably connected to the rotary structure and the support structure such that, when the rotary structure rotates in relation to the support structure by one revolution around the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation, the at least one active element rotates in relation to the rotary structure by half of one revolution around the second axis of rotation in the opposite direction of rotation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for generating fluid flows, particularly ventilation devices for generating air flow, as well as drive units for generating superimposed rotational movements of active elements, particularly slated to such devices for the purpose of generating fluid flows.

PRIOR ART

Modern tabletop, standing and ceiling fans are for the most part constructed as axial-flow fans, wherein the axis of rotation of the axial-flow rotor extends parallel or axially, respectively, relative to the air flow. The air is moved by the axial-flow rotor. Axial-flow fans have comparatively minimal dimensions while still providing a relatively high throughput of conveyed air. Fans typically do not include a compression housing (pressure ratio between intake side and pressure side>1). Correspondingly, such housing-less continuous-flow machines are in fact propeller machines.

Fans for residential and occupational environments generally suffer from certain disadvantages. In general, propeller fans generate air flows that are much too strong and too directional. The relevant measurement unit for the strength of a fan is primarily the air volume that can be transported per time unit. Typically, a great amount of air in excess of what is needed is circulated, thereby resulting in unnecessarily high energy costs.

The fast air flow blows directly against the user, which is often perceived as uncomfortable, especially when the flow is directed in the area of the face. Since large air flows also swirl around much dust as well as pathogens distributing them throughout the room, health problems can result. Due to the fact that the machine rotates at a high speed, and propellers chop up the air, unwanted noise is generated and bothersome fluttering or flapping occurs, which is perceived as disturbing especially at nighttime and in quiet locations.

Fans usually include a grating that is intended as a protective shield against fast turning rotor blades. However, the danger persists, for example, for small children, because the clearances within the grating are not narrow enough. Attempts have been made to develop alternate ventilation devices. For example, DE 2005050055 discloses a ventilation device that provides for a linearly pivoting fan. By providing for an asymmetrical and flexible shape design of the fan, an air flow is generated that is directed in a certain direction. To change the direction, the entire apparatus must be rotated.

US 2010/0226751 A1 discloses a ventilation device in form of a standing fan that provides for air being sucked in through openings in the carrier column, which is then is pumped into an angular nozzle from where said air is discharged as an angular primary air flow. The air flow pulls further air along with it, and a directional air flow is created. A device of this kind does not include any accessible, fast-moving parts and is, therefore, less hazardous. However, the apparatus is afflicted by problems due to noise because of the fast rotating fan that transports the primary air flow, on the one hand, and discharge noises at the nozzle, on the other hand. Moreover, the air flow is strong, because the system is no longer functional with lower air-conveying outputs.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to describe a device for generating fluid flows, particularly a ventilation device that does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art as mentioned above, or from further disadvantages.

In particular, a ventilation device of this kind shall have low energy consumption and run as quietly as possible.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ventilation device that is functional without fast moving parts, and thus without injury risk.

It is a further object of the invention to provide advantageous drive units for generating superimposed rotational movements by active elements. In particular, a drive unit of this kind shall be suitable for powering a ventilation device according to the invention.

A drive unit of this kind shall allow for a compact construction. It shall generate minimal noise emissions and low energy consumption. A drive unit of this kind shall be cost-effective and easy to manufacture, and it shall be made of as few components as possible.

Advantageously, the device shall allow for changing the gear ratio and/or for flexible controlling of the two rotational movements during operation.

These and other tasks are achieved by a ventilation device according to the invention and a drive unit according to the invention corresponding to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodied examples are set forth in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus that generates a gentle, directional and adjustable flow in a fluid, particularly air. A device of this kind can be used anywhere where there is a demand or need for a gentle, directional and adjustable air flow. As an air flow machine, the device is especially suited for applications in residential, occupational and public environments as a direct cooling means for one person or several people using an air flow, or generally for improving the air circulation in a room.

In a ventilation device according to the invention, a directional air flow is generated by means of the superimposed movements of a single or a plurality of paddles and a rotating plate connected thereto. The rotating plate rotates around the own vertical axis thereof, which, in turn, is disposed orthogonally relative to the generated flow axis. The paddles, which are offset relative to the vertical axis of the rotating plate, rotate for every revolution of the rotating plate by one half of a revolution around the own vertical axis thereof, however in the opposite direction relative to the rotation of the rotating plate. This superimposed movement has the effect that a certain air volume is taken up over the impingement surface of the paddle, accelerated and released in the direction that is orthogonal relative to the paddle surfaces in the direction of rotation.

A device according to the invention for generating a directional fluid flow, particularly a directional air flow, by means of moving an active element with an active surface in a fluid comprises a support structure, a rotary structure that is rotatably supported in relation to the support structure around a first axis of rotation, and at least one active element with an active surface that is rotatably supported on the rotary structure around a second axis of rotation. The at least one active element is operatively connected to the rotary structure and the support structure in such a manner that, upon a rotation of the rotary structure in relation to the support structure around the first axis of rotation at a first frequency of rotation, the at least one active element rotates in relation to the rotary structure by a second rotational speed around the second axis of rotation. The ratio between the first and second frequency of rotation is >1. Preferably, the ratio is ≧1.5 and especially preferred ≧1.7.

The ratio between the first and the second frequency of rotation is advantageously <3, preferably ≦2.5, and especially preferred ≦2.25.

Even more advantageously, the ratio between the first and the second frequency of rotation is between 1.9 and 2.1, and especially preferred 2, which corresponds to a constant direction of action. A ratio that is not 2, in turn, has the advantage that the direction of action is not constant.

In the present configuration, the rotary structure and the support structure are rotatably connected in such a manner that, upon a rotation of the rotary structure around the first axis, in a certain angular position, the active surface of the paddle is radially disposed in relation to the rotary structure such that the active surface moves frontally in the air. The active element has the maximum effect thereof in this position, because the active surface thereof moves perpendicularly in relation to the air. The normal of the active surface of the active element in the aforementioned position defines the entire direction of action of the device in the mentioned position. The related angular position can be defined in that the normal of the active surface is parallel relative to the tangent of a circle in this position, whereby said circle is described by the intersection of the movement of the second axis of rotation with a normal plane in relation to the first axis of rotation.

In an angular position that is shifted by 180°, the active surface of the paddle is disposed tangentially relative to the rotary structure, such that the active surface essentially does not pose any air resistance.

Preferably, the active elements are substantially configured as flat paddles.

A device of this kind can be implemented in the context of diverse embodied examples, providing various adjustment options to the user. The device operates with a small energy expenditure and at minimum noise. The air flow is generated by means of a special arrangement and movement of a paddle apparatus having a single or a plurality of paddles. The generation of the movement pattern of the device and the paddle can be achieved by different drive variants.

Preferably, the device rotates slower than conventional fans, thereby ensuring the safety of the application, especially for children. Certain embodied examples can be automatically locked or switched off when an external force is applied to the paddles.

The device according to the invention is scalable and can be embodied in different sizes, thereby allowing for an implementation, for example, as miniature, tabletop, standing, wall and ceiling fans. The device therein can be positioned as lying, standing of hanging, all the while maintaining the same direction of action thereof.

In an advantageous embodied example of a device according to the invention, the second direction of rotation is equal to the first direction of rotation. This is seen from the perspective of an outside observer. Seen in the reference system of the rotary structure, on the other hand, the at least one active element would rotate in an opposite direction. While the first perspective is important for an understanding of the relationship between time-dependent direction of action and frequency ratio, the second perspective is relevant for an understanding of the transfer of the rotational movement between rotary structure and active elements.

In another advantageous embodied example of a device according to the invention, the first axis of rotation of the rotary structure and the second axis of rotation of the active elements are parallel.

In another embodied example, the angle between the first axis of rotation of the rotary structure and the second axis of rotation of the active elements is less than 90°, preferably less than 45°, particularly preferred less than 30°.

The angle between the paddle axis and the axis of rotation of the rotating plate can be configured in the off-state, for example by way of holding means with different angles on the rotating plate. The holding means angle can also be modified during operation using an additional drive machine, or also a mechanical drive and an adjustment screw.

The flow strength of the air flow can be configured in stages or gradually within certain limits in the off-state, and/or it can be adjusted during operation by increasing the speed of the drive powering the rotating plate. The characteristic of the flow can be configured in the off-state, by replacing the paddles with other paddles, that can have different shapes and sizes (and therefore impingement areas) or material properties (elastic, rigid). A more constant strength of the air flow and/or a higher conveying output at the same speed can be achieved by increasing the number of paddles. This is also accompanied by an esthetic effect.

The direction of action, meaning the direction of the generated air flow can be automatically changed in the horizontal position during operation, and is able to rotate, for example at a certain cadence over the full 360°, around the vertical axis of the rotating plate. In such a mode of rotation, the device thus generates a directional air flow, and the direction of action of which rotates within a certain amount of time one time by 360°. The speed of this rotation and the direction of the rotation can be configured in the switched-off state or adjusted during running operation, or made available in a fixed configuration. For example, the gear ratio can be selected as non-equal 2:1; or it is possible to provide an additional drive. An adjustment of the direction of flow by 180° can also be achieved by reversing the direction of rotation of the rotary structure and of the active elements. At a gear ratio that is non-equal 2:1, this also reverses the direction of rotation of the direction of action.

It is also possible to pivot the generated direction of flow within a certain angular range. In such an oscillation mode, the device covers a wider angular range, as known from conventional fans that have rotors which are often also pivotable. Contrary to these conventional devices, however, it is not necessary to pivot the entire device; only the alignment of the active elements must be pivoted.

If a time-dependent change of the direction of flow shall be achieved by means of a gear ratio that is different from 2:1, the change of the direction of flow results from the following relationship: the first frequency of rotation of the rotary structure shall be f₁, and the second frequency of rotation of the active element shall be f₂, at a ratio of R=f₁/f₂. Resulting for the angle of rotation β of the rotary structure and the angle of rotation of the active element α is the ratio of R=β/α. The angle β, α=0° therein is an angle of rotation for which the active element is in the position with maximum active output in which the normal of the active surface, as described above, defines the direction of action.

If R is not 2, with R=2+d, there results a change of the direction of action by an angle ι. If for β=0° the active element is perpendicular relative to the direction of action, and if β′ is the angle of rotation for which an active element is perpendicular relative to the new direction of action, with β′+δ=360°, then it must apply for this angle of rotation β′=α′+180°. Simultaneously, it always applies β′=R*α′. After conversion the result is δ=−180°*([R−2]/[R−1]), and/or δ=180°*(−d/[1+d]). For small d<<1, the result is δ≈180°*(−d).

To achieve the angular position β′, the rotary structure needs t′=)(β′/360°*(1/f₁). The angular frequency of the direction of action is thus 360°*f_w=|δ|/t′=|δ|[(1−δ/360°]|*f₁. The frequency of the change of the direction of action is thus f_w=f₁*|δ/(360°−δ)|, and/or for small d<<1: f_w≈f₁*(|δ/360°|)=(|d/2|)*f₁.

If, for example, R=1.99 (and/or R=2.01), and thus d=−0.01 (and/or d=0.01), and the rotary structure rotates with a frequency of f₁=20 r/min, then there results δ=180°*(0.01/1.01)=1.8° (and/or −1.8°). The direction of action rotates with the frequency f_w=0.005*20 r/min=0.1 r/min. Every 10 minutes, the direction of action rotates one time around the first axis of rotation.

With R=1.9 and/or 2.1 there results already f_w≈0.05*20 r/min=1 r/min. This means, the direction of action rotates each minute one time by 360°. If R is even R=1.8 (and/or R=2.2), then it applies f_w=2.2 r/min and/or 1.8 r/min.

To achieve an effective air flow, it is necessary for the active surfaces to cooperate with a certain direction of action, such that a corresponding movement can result in the fluid. Correspondingly, the ratio of the two frequencies of rotation R=f₁/f₂ should not deviate too much from 2. The greater the number of active elements that are included in a device, the greater is the number of active surfaces that operate per revolution of the rotating plate in the direction of action, and the stronger is the resulting air flow. The same applies for larger active surfaces. Correspondingly, in such a case, the deviation of the ratio from 2 can be selected as greater, and an air flow can still be generated. In the aforementioned example of a device according to the invention with an active element and with f₁=20 r/min, an active element acts ca. every 3 seconds in the direction of action pushing the air ahead of the same. The “active frequency” is thus ⅓ Hz. With a device having two active elements, this occurs every 1.5 s, and with three active elements every second (active frequency 1 Hz), etc.

The frequency of rotation of the direction of action should, advantageously, be at least eight times smaller than the frequency of rotation of the rotary structure, such that an air flow that is directed according to the invention can form, A=f_w/f₁≦⅛. In a back-calculation this corresponds to an angle of rotation δ≦360° A/(A+1)=40°, and/or −δ≦360° A/(A−1)=51°. This, in turn, corresponds to a deviation −d≦0.28 and/or d≦0.22. Correspondingly, R should be within the range of ca. 1.72 to ca. 2.22.

In the vertical position (with the device standing), the wind direction can be configured via a certain angle in the off-state and/or adjusted during operation, for example by the use of an electrical drive. To this end, for example, except for the base plate, the complete device can be supported on a rotating horizontal axis.

Advantageously, in the device according to the invention, the at least one active element includes a drive gear that is connected thereto in a torque-resistant or rotatable manner, and the drive gear is rotatably connected to the support structure. It is especially advantageous in such an embodied example for the drive gear of the active elements to be rotatably connected via V-belts and/or intermediate gears to a center gear, wherein the mentioned center gear is disposed as fixed or reversibly locked relative to the support structure. Alternately, especially advantageously, the drive gears of the active elements are connected to a ring gear, wherein said ring gear is disposed as fixed or reversibly locked relative to the support structure.

In the previously mentioned devices according to the invention, the active elements are advantageously actuated by means of a drive motor that rotates the rotary structure relative to the support structure.

The actuation of an active element can be achieved by an direct drive motor that rotates the active element per the drive gear relative to the rotary structure.

A further advantageous embodied example according to the invention includes at least one drive unit, wherein the rotary structure and the at least one active element are rotatably connected to a drive unit, and a center gear, which is coaxially disposed relative to the first axis of rotation, is rotatably connected to the at least one active element, wherein the aforementioned center gear can be rotated in relation to the support structure and the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation. Especially advantageously, the center gear and the rotary structure are powered by a common drive unit, or by two different drive units.

The center gear and the rotary structure can have different speeds, with the same rotational speed of the drive unit.

Two or more coupling units can be provided by which the at least one drive unit can be rotatably connected to the center gear and the rotary structure, wherein the two or more coupling units can be alternately activated. With a variant of this kind, advantageously, two or more coupling units generate different speed ratios between center gear and rotary structure and/or between center gear and drive unit and/or between rotary structure and drive unit. Particularly advantageously, two coupling units are provided; and it is possible to switch back and forth between them by changing the direction of rotation of the drive unit. Preferably, the coupling units are configured such that the directions of rotation of the center gear and the rotary structure (5) are independent of the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

Another advantageous variant of a device according to the invention provides for an auxiliary drive and an addition gear with a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier means that is rotatably disposed between the ring gear and the sun gear. Planetary gears are rotatably disposed on the planet carrier means that rotatably connect the ring gear, the planet carrier means and the sun gear. A drive unit, the auxiliary drive and the center gear are rotatably connected, respectively, with one of the three units ring gear, planet carrier means and sun gear. The drive unit is preferably rotatably connected to the sun gear, the auxiliary drive is preferably rotatably connected to the ring gear and the center gear to the planet carrier means.

Advantageously, the rotary structure of a device according to the invention includes at least one active element holding means in which the active element can be reversibly fastened.

In a device according to the invention, it is possible to dispose solar cells on the active elements. Such a device according to the invention can be implemented with or without storage battery for energy storage. A paddle can thus, for example, supply the energy for the own rotation thereof.

Another device according to the invention is implemented with an accumulator (battery) inside the paddle. The storage battery can be charged by a charging device via an interface in the off-state, or it can be disassembled and recharged, or the battery is removable. The drive therein can be implemented in the paddles or inside the housing. Communication can occur between the paddles and external devices (for example, for remote operation or synchronization).

Light sources can be disposed on the active elements. The light sources can be LEDs, for example. A light effect (for example, a pattern against the ceiling, housing, enveloping sleeve or illumination of the paddle) can be achieved by an arrangement of the light sources on the housing or on the rotating plate. A transparent or translucent paddle can be turned into an illuminated paddle with integrated or external (for example, in the housing by means of an optical waveguide) light sources. A paddle can be used as a lamp, for example, when light sources are disposed on the paddle surface.

A plurality of devices can be connected to each other in such a manner that a new device assembly is achieved. Preferably, the devices therein have a paddle angle of 0° (parallel-rotating paddles), such that the result is a common direction of flow. This way, it is possible, for example, to obtain devices with large flow areas in a space-saving manner, for example across an entire wall of a room.

The devices according to the invention can be configured for standing, lying or hanging operation. For example, a device according to the invention can be configured as a tabletop device, or it can be mounted on a wall or a ceiling.

A device according to the invention can be combined with different other output options, such as, for example, the dissemination of light, music or odor.

The appearance of the device can be modified by exchangeable paddles having different shapes, colors, housings, materials, etc. in order to customize the device.

The energy supply is provided by means of the mains, an external solar module or solar cells that are integrated in the housing and that are optionally provided with a charging and storage battery unit, removable and thus rechargeable by the sun. Also possible is an energy supply via a USB interface or by means of integrated or removable batteries, or storage batteries.

The device can be combined with a display indicator for temperature, humidity, internet news feed, calendar, birthday calendar or other information.

If a plurality of devices are operated simultaneously in a room, the devices can be operated by a single remote control, and/or they can be electronically synchronized.

A drive unit according to the invention for generating superimposed rotational movements of active elements comprises at least a drive unit, a support structure, a rotary structure that is disposed with the ability to rotate around a first axis of rotation in relation to the support structure, and the rotary structure is rotatably connected to the drive unit; and a simple or a plurality of holding means for the active elements that are supported with the ability to rotate around second axes of rotation, which are rotatably connected to the drive unit. A center gear that is rotatably connected to the holding means of the active elements is coaxially disposed relative to the first axis of rotation, wherein the aforementioned center gear can be rotated with regard to the support structure and the rotary structure around a first axis of rotation.

The term rotating in this sense means that the center gear and the rotary structure are not connected in a torque-resistant manner. However, depending on the embodiment, an indirect, rotatable coupling can be present between the center gear and the rotary structure.

The active element can be, for example, a bar and a paddle having a certain shape and active surface for generating the directed air flow, and which is connected thereto. The at least one active element can be advantageously rotatably connected to the rotary structure and the support structure in such a manner that, upon a rotation of the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation in a certain angular position, the active element stands in a first defined position; and in an angular position of the rotary structure that is rotated by 180°, the active elements stands rotated, for example, by 90° around a second axis of rotation relative to the first defined position. The at least one active element that must be rotated can thus be rotatably connected, for example, to the rotary structure and the support structure such that, when the rotary structure rotates one time around the first axis of rotation, the at least one active element rotates, for example, half a turn in the opposite direction around the second axis of rotation. Seen from the perspective of the observer, during a single rotation of the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation in a clockwise direction, the active element rotates by half a rotation, which is also in a clockwise direction.

The center gear and the rotary structure can be powered by a common drive unit, or by two different drive units.

With the same rotational speed of the drive unit, the center gear and the rotary structure can have different speeds of rotation.

Two or more coupling units are provided in an advantageous embodied example according to the invention, and to which the at least one drive unit can be rotatably connected by the center gear and the rotary structure, wherein the two and more coupling units can be alternately activated.

In an especially advantageous embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention, two or more coupling units generate different speed ratios between the center gear and rotary structure and/or between the center gear and the drive unit and/or between the rotary structure and the drive unit.

In an especially advantageous embodied example of such a drive unit according to the invention, two coupling units are provided, and it is possible to switch back and forth between the same by changing the direction of rotation of the drive unit. Especially advantageously, the coupling units are configured such that the directions of rotation of the center gear and the rotary structure are independent of the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

A further advantageous embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention comprises an auxiliary drive and an addition gear with a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary gear device that is rotatably disposed between the ring gear and the sun gear. The planet carrier means has planetary gears rotatably disposed thereupon, which rotatably connect the ring gear, the planet carrier means and the sun gear. A drive unit, the auxiliary drive and the center gear are rotatably connected, respectively, to one of the three units of ring gear, planet carrier means and sun gear.

An especially advantageous variant provides that the drive unit is rotatably connected to the center gear, the auxiliary drive to the ring gear and the center gear to the planet carrier means.

A drive unit according to the invention can be used, for example, for a flow machine according to the Swiss patent applications no. 02138/10 and no. 00194/11 by the applicant. The superimposed rotational movement of the rotary structure and of the active elements of the paddles that is thus generated therein results in a gentle, directional and adjustable flow in a certain medium, such as, for example, air.

If the relationship of the two superimposed rotational movements is adjusted such that, upon a single revolution by the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation, the axis of the active element rotates one half of a revolution in the opposite direction around the second axis of rotation, a continuous air flow flowing in one direction is generated. If the relationship of the two rotational movements does not correspond to this characteristic, the air flow can be directed in more than one direction.

The areas of application of a device according to the invention for generating superimposed rotational movements are not limited to the generation of air flows. The device can also be used, for example, in water or in other media. Moreover, by a functional reversal, it is also suitable as an electrical power generator in different flow media, such as air and water, wherein the kinetic energy of a fluid can be captured by means of the active elements and transferred by means of the superimposed rotational movement to a connected power generator. Further areas of application are, for example, the mixing of media or the three-dimensional movement of items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the enclosed invention, reference shall be made below to the drawings. The drawings represent only embodiments of the subject-matter of the invention. In the schematic figures, the toothing of the different gears is only hinted at or omitted altogether for better clarity of the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic representation, the superimposed movement by the paddle and the rotating plate of a device according to the invention for generating a directional fluid flow at a gear ratio of 2:1.

FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic representation, the direction of the air flow generated by a ventilation device according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a possible embodiment of a drive unit for a ventilation device according to the invention having two paddles, a center gear and two intermediate gears.

FIG. 4 shows (a), in a perspective view of an embodied example of a ventilation device according to the invention having two paddles, (b) in a side view, and (c) in a top view.

FIG. 5 shows further advantageous embodied variants of a ventilation device according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows four further embodied variants of a ventilation device according to the invention, with illumination elements.

FIG. 7 shows an embodied example of the ventilation device according to the invention, with arrangement of the rotating plate, paddle gears, intermediate gears and fixed center gear according to FIG. 3, but not with powering of the central axis via drive gear and drive inside the housing, instead with direct drive of the paddle gears by means of a motor that is integrated in the paddle bar or paddle holder.

FIG. 8 shows an embodied example of a ventilation device according to the invention, with arrangement of rotating plate, paddle gears and central axis according to FIG. 3, with direct powering of the paddle gears by means of a motor that is integrated in the paddle bar or the paddle holder, and generation of the superimposed rotational movement via the rolling motion by the paddle gears in the internally threaded ring gear.

FIG. 9 shows an embodied example analogous to FIG. 8, and additionally with a gearing between the paddle motor and paddle gear, as well as an additional gearing between the paddle motor and paddle bar.

FIG. 10 shows (a) an embodied example of an ventilation device having two paddles with integrated solar cells therein, and (b) an embodied example of a paddle with integrated solar cells and with a stabilized solar supply in the paddle bar that allows for an intermediate storage of energy from the sun and for using said energy when needed.

FIG. 11 shows, in a schematic representation, a possible embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention, (a) in a front view and (b) in a side view.

FIG. 12 shows, in a schematic representation, a further possible embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention, (a) in a side view, (b) in a perspective view from above, and (c) in a perspective view from below.

FIG. 13 shows a variant of a device analogous to FIG. 12, (a) in a side view, and (b) in a perspective view from above.

FIG. 14 shows, a schematic representation, still further possible embodied examples of a drive unit according to the invention, (a) in a side view, (b) in a perspective view from below with switching possibility to the bottom side of the device.

FIG. 15 shows, in another schematic representation, a further possible embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention with switching possibility, (a) in a side view and (b) in a perspective view from above.

FIG. 16 shows, in another schematic representation, a further embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention with two drive elements, in a side view.

FIG. 17 shows, in a schematic representation, an embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention with two direct drive elements, in a side view.

FIG. 18 shows another embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention with a switching device that is integrated in the drive train, in a side view.

FIG. 19 shows, in a schematic representation, (a) a side view of another embodied example according to the invention with a drive and an addition gear for superimposing an additional rotational movement, and (b) the addition gear.

EMBODYING THE INVENTION

The examples that are outlined below are intended to better illustrate the present invention; in no way are these comments suitably intended to limit the characteristics in any way that are presently disclosed.

The superimposed rotational movements of paddle and rotating plate of a device according to the invention are depicted schematically in the representation according to FIG. 1. Shown is a ventilation device with only one paddle 61, the alignment of which is symbolized by the black arrow. A rotating plate of the device that is supported in a rotating fashion (not shown) is rotated around an axis of rotation 10. The paddle is rotatably supported on the rotating plate on a further axis 9, wherein this second axis of rotation is not congruent with the first axis of rotation. A rotational movement of the paddle 61 is coupled with the rotational movement of the rotating plate at a gear ratio of 2:1. This means, the paddle 61 performs one complete revolution around the own axis 9 thereof while the rotating plate 5 performs two full revolutions around the own axis 10 thereof. This is illustrated by respective 90° rotations of the rotating plate.

As a consequence of the coupled movement of the rotating plate and paddle, respectively, the paddle is aligned parallel in relation to the y-axis, α=0°, in the position with maximum operational output, when the angle of rotation β of axis 9 around the axis 10 of the rotating plate is 0° (steps 1 and 5), and parallel in relation to the x-axis (α=90°), when an angle of rotation β=180° (steps 3 and 7). In the intermediate angles, the paddle is tilted correspondingly. As a consequence, in positions 1 and 5, the paddle pushes the air toward the left in the direction of the x-axis; while, in positions 3 and 7, the paddle moves toward the right without providing any remarkable air resistance. The result is an effective air flow 100 that extends in a certain direction, presently in the direction of the x-axis. The direction of the effective air flow 100 is provided by the direction of action 101 of the device, which is defined as the normal of the active surface of the paddle at that angular position in which the active surface moves vertically through the fluid. In this figure, this angular position is α=0°, β=0°

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the direction of the thus generated air flow 100. For a device according to the invention with a paddle 61, the position and alignment of the paddle is schematically depicted as α=0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, as well as the direction of rotation of the rotating plate 5 and of the paddle 61 that rotates in the opposite direction. The wind direction 100 and the strength thereof is directional and perpendicular relative to the surface area of the paddle in that position of rotation in which the paddle is perpendicular in relation to the direction of movement of the paddle, the direction of action 101, and the paddle moves with the full impingement surfaces thereof, respectively, in the air. In FIG. 2, this is position (I).

By changing the alignment of the paddle with regard to the axis of rotation, the direction of flow of the device according to the invention can be easily changed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a possible embodied example of a drive unit 66 according to the invention for a ventilation device according to the invention with two active elements that take the shape of two paddles (not shown), wherein the movement of the paddles is achieved by means of a planetary gearing. On a support structure 1 that is configured as a base plate, a central axle 11 is supported, able to freely rotate and defining the central axis of rotation 10. Connected to the central axle 11 is, in turn, a support structure for the paddles in form of a rotary structure 5 that is configured as a rotating plate 5. Fastening means 7, 7′ for the paddles are rotatably supported on opposite sides of the rotating plate. These paddle holders 7, 7′ are able to receive the bars 62, 62′ of the paddles in a torque-resistant manner locking them in place therein, wherein the connection between paddle holder and paddle can be proprietary. A drive motor 3 rotates, by means of a drive axle 3a, a drive pinion 19. A drive gear 6 is fixedly connected to the central axle 11, and said gear reduces the rotation of the drive pinion to the desired speed of the central axle 11. Two intermediate gears 24, 24′ are disposed, rotatably supported, on the rotating plate. A center gear 25 is disposed coaxially in relation to the central axle 11, essentially immovably, in relation to the base plate 1, and rotatably connected to the intermediate gears. By the rotation of the rotating plate, the fixed center gear 25 causes the intermediate gears 24, 24′, and thereby the gears 8, 8′, coupled thereto, of the fastening devices 7, 7′ to rotate for the paddles. The result is a rotational movement of the paddles and/or active elements around the central axis of rotation 10, as well as, simultaneously, a counter-directed rotational movement around the axes of rotation 9, 9′ of the paddles. The gear ratios of the gears 25, 24, 24′, 8, 8′ are selected in such a manner that a ratio of 2:1 results, whereby, during one revolution of the rotating plate 5, the paddles rotate one half of a revolution around the own axes 9, 9′ thereof.

Therefore, the supported active elements rotate along with the rotating plate 5 in a circle around the axis 10. Owing to the gear coupling of the drive gears 8, 8′ of the active elements by means of the intermediate gears 24, 24′ with the stationary center gear 25, the drive gears 8, 8′ are caused to rotate on their own in a rotational direction running counter to the direction of the rotation of the rotating plate. If the drive gears 8, 8′ have double the number of teeth than the center gear 25, there results, correspondingly, a gear ratio of 2:1 or 1:2 or −1:2, respectively.

In the shown example, the axes of rotation 9, 9′ are externally tilted in relation to the central axis of rotation 10. This does not have any major impact on the action of the ventilation device according to the invention, because the effective active surface of the active element/paddle remains unchanged in the radial direction (see positions 1, 5 in FIG. 1), as long as all axes or rotation intersect.

It is even possible for the axes of rotation 9, 9′ to be perpendicular in relation to the axis of rotation 10 of the rotating plate. The efficiency of the device is greatest, however, when all axes or rotation 9, 9′, 10 are arranged in parallel, because, in this case, the air flow in the intermediate positions (see position 2, 4, 6, 8 in FIG. 1) is perpendicular in relation to the axis 10, while, when the axes of rotation 9, 9′ are tilted, this air flow has a vector component directed upward and downward, cancelling each other out.

Advantageously, the drive unit 66 is disposed inside a cover housing, which has presently been omitted to improve the clarity of the drawing.

Instead of using a planet gear means, it is also possible to use a V-belt for implementing the drive unit; said V-belt extends around the stationary center gear and the paddle gear, whereby it is possible to forego the paddle gear.

In a basic embodied example of the invention, the direction of action of the device, meaning the direction of the generated air flow, is fixed in relation to the housing. To change the direction of action, it is possible to rotate the entire apparatus. An adjustment of the direction of action can also be achieved, however, by rotating the center gear 25 with regard to the support structure. If the center gear 25 is rotated in relation to the support structure 1, this has the same effect as if the entire device were rotated.

The user can configure the generated wind direction that results from the direction of action in the off-state and/or during operation, above 360°.

In the variant of a ventilation device according to the invention as shown in FIG. 3, a housing (not shown) is rotatably supported on the support structure 1. The center gear 25 is rotatably supported on the central axle 11; however, it is simultaneously coupled to the housing by means of a connecting element (directional element) 21. With regard to the support structure, the housing has an adhesive friction of sufficient strength that, during normal operation and without external interference, the center gear is rotatably locked in relation to the support structure, and thereby essentially fixedly locked in place.

The adjustment of the center gear can be achieved manually. In the shown drive unit, the rotatably supported housing is rotated by hand. This way, the center gear 25 is also rotated by the desired angle. The rotating plate does not rotate along therein, but the active elements do. By coupling the center gear 25 by means of the intermediate gears 24, 24′ with the drive gears 8, 8′, the same are also rotationally adjusted, corresponding to the adjustment of the center gear 25. Due to the fact that the drive gears 8, 8′ are mechanically connected to the holding means 7, 7′ of the active element, and said holding means are connected to the paddle bars 62, 62′, the paddles are, consequently, rotated accordingly corresponding to an adjustment in the direction of action. Subsequently, the center gear is locked again, and the operation of the drive can be restarted.

It is also possible to rotate the fixed center gear via machine means by means of an additional adjustment drive. This way, it is possible to change the direction of action also during ongoing operation, such that, for example, an automatic pivoting function can be implemented for the air flow.

One possible embodied example of a ventilation device 60 according to the invention is depicted in FIG. 4. This apparatus provides for two paddles 61, 61′ to be inserted in corresponding holding means 7, 7′ in the rotating plate 5.

The shown example includes further unused holding means that allow for a symmetrical configuration of the device, involving optionally one to four paddles.

The user can configure the device in the off-state. For example, it is possible to replace paddles.

A device according to the invention can be embodied using different variants. The devices can be equipped with one or a plurality of paddles, and the devices can be functionally coupled with new construction designs, or they can only be serially disposed, one after the other (meaning with or without function coupling).

For example, FIG. 5(a) depicts a ventilation device according to the invention which provides that two paddles 61, 61′ are disposed between two housings 58, 58′. A first paddle 61 (hatched) is located in the maximum active position thereof, while a second paddle 61′ is disposed perpendicularly in relation to the perspective by the observer (minimum active position). Both housings include a rotating plate, and the paddles are rotatably supported therein. The drive unit is disposed in one or both housings.

A construction of this kind allows for the possibility of a very space-saving and compact construction design. For example, it is possible to embody very small ventilation devices that can be set up at work stations in crowded spatial environments. A use as a standing fan is also advantageous.

FIG. 5(b) shows an embodied example of a device according to the invention where one rotating plate with two paddles, respectively, is disposed on each of both sides of the housing 58; the paddles rotate to the left and to the right.

Similar variants are depicted in FIGS. 5(c),(d), where two such devices are disposed as linearly stacked. The top and bottom paddles of the device 60 can rotate in the same direction, as shown in FIG. 5(c), or in opposite directions of rotation but with the same direction of action, as shown in FIG. 5(d). The two paddle sets can also be operated completely independently of each other; for example having different directions of action or output levels.

FIG. 5(e) depicts two devices with respectively one paddle disposed in series. This way, it is possible to implement construction designs with synchronously rotating paddles, or an apparatus with a plurality of active directions.

Four further embodied variants 60 of a device according to the invention are demonstrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 6(a) depicts an embodied example with light sources 90, 90′ (for example LEDs) that are integrated in the housing 58 or the rotating plate 5, and which illuminate the paddle. As seen in FIG. 6(b), a paddle 61 is made of a transparent or translucent material, wherein the light sources 90 are integrated in the paddle 61 and mounted to paddle bar 62. FIG. 6(c), in turn, shows a paddle 61 where the light sources 90 are mounted on the surface of the paddle 61. A paddle of this kind thus also serves as a light source.

In a device according to FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c), the light sources 90 draw electrical power by means of the paddle bar 62. Said bar can be configured in such a manner that it is made of an electrically conductive material and serves, simultaneously, as an electrical connection. The opposite pole can be an internal or external conductor that is shielded relative to the paddle bar material. The supply is drawn from the housing 58 by means of an electrical contact in the paddle holder 7.

A further possibility for providing an electrical supply to the light sources are solar cells that are integrated inside the paddle, optionally provided with a stabilization circuit, and which can serve, simultaneously, as a control means or communication interface, and they are optionally provided with a storage battery. A further technical solution for providing an electrical supply is a removable battery or a storage battery, which is rechargeable via an electrical connection. A further technical solution for providing the electrical supply is an integrated storage battery, wherein the entire paddle can be connected to a charging station for the related charging process thereof.

FIG. 6(d) shows yet another advantageous embodied example, wherein light is transported from a light source 90, which is integrated in the housing 58, via an optical waveguide 91, 91′ to the light-transmitting paddle bars 93, 93′, through said paddles and emitted from paddle 61, 61′.

The described embodied examples in FIG. 6 can contain different technical solutions for dimming, color mixing, switching on/off, for generating color effects or for running lights.

FIG. 7 depicts a further advantageous embodied example of a ventilation device according to the invention that provides for integrating a direct drive motor 63, 63′ in the bottom end of the paddle bar 62, 62′. The apparatus, function and movement of rotating plate 5, paddle gears 8, 8′, intermediate gears 24, 24′ and fixed center gear 25 are configured analogously to the description with regard to FIG. 3. The paddle bar 62, 62′ is connected in a torque-resistant manner to the paddle holder 7, 7′ and the paddle gear 8, 8′, as well as connected directly, or via a paddle gear gearing, to the rotor of the direct drive motor 63, 63′. The locking part 7a, 7a′ is connected in a torque-resistant manner to the rotating plate 5 and the stator of the direct drive motor 63, 63′. The direct drive motor rotates the paddle around the own axis thereof. Simultaneously, the direct drive motor powers the paddle gear 8, 8′, either directly or by means of a supplemental gearing via the drive axle thereof.

The rotation of the paddle gear results, by means of the coupling with the intermediate gear 24, 24′ and the fixed center gear 25, in the desired rotational movement of the rotating plate 5, opposite to the rotation of the paddle 61 according to the description with regard to FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodied example of a ventilation device according to the invention having a fixed, internally toothed ring gear 25a that is connected to the housing (not shown) of the support structure, and in place of the intermediate gears and fixed center gear. The paddle bar 62, 62′ therein is connected in a torque-resistant manner to the paddle holder 7, 7′ and the paddle gear 8, 8′ as well as, either directly or via gearing, to the rotor of the direct drive motor 63, 63′. The locking part 7a, 7a′ is connected in a torque-resistant manner to the rotating plate 5 and the stator of the direct drive motor. The direct drive motor 63, 63′ powers the paddle gear 8, 8′ by means of the drive axle thereof, either directly or via a paddle gear gearing; simultaneously, it rotates the paddle around the own axis thereof. The roll-off action of the paddle gears 8, 8′ on the internally toothed ring gear 25a causes the rotation of the rotating plate 5 in the opposite direction of rotation in relation to the rotation of the paddle gears 8, 8′. The teeth of the ring gear 25a in relation to the paddle gear 8, 8′, as well as the shape of the teeth are selected such that a gear ratio of, for example, 2:1 results, such that the paddle 61 is able to rotate twice around the own axis thereof during one revolution of the rotating plate 5, which, in turn, corresponds to the movement as described with regard to a device according to FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 depicts a similar embodied example as FIG. 8; however, included are additional gearings for the individual implementation of the speed of the direct drive motors 63, 63′ relative to the paddle gear 8, 8′ and the paddle bar 62, 62′. The paddle bar 62, 62′ therein is not directly connected to the paddle holder 7, 7′ and paddle gear 8, 8′. The paddle gear gearing 7b, 7b′ generates the implementation of the speed of the direct drive motor 63, 63′ to the desired speed of the paddle gear 8, 8′. The paddle gear 65, 65′ generates the implementation of the speed of the direct drive motor 63, 63′ to the desired speeds of the paddle. The relationship of the gear ratios of the two gears must be selected such that the desired speeds and directions of rotation of the paddles and the rotating plate 5 result. The advantage of this configuration in contrast to a configuration according to FIG. 8 is the fact that it is possible herein to select an identical toothing for the paddle gears 8, 8′ and the internally toothed ring gear 25a.

Supplying the direct drive motor 63, 63′ with power can be achieved by means of a removable battery or by means of a storage battery that is rechargeable via an electrical contact. In the alternative or in addition, it is possible for solar cells 70, which are integrated in the paddle, to convert light into electrical energy, supplying the direct drive motor directly with power; or the generated electrical energy can be temporarily stored in the aforementioned storage battery. FIG. 10(b) demonstrates such an embodied example of a paddle 61, wherein the direct drive 63 is directly integrated in the paddle bar, and an electric circuit 75 provides for optimal charging of the storage battery 76 and for triggering the direct drive motors and serving, if necessary, for internal and external communication. FIG. 10(a) shows how two such paddles 61, 61′ are combined into a device according to the invention. Alternately, the elements, active element gearing, additional gearing, direct drive motor, storage battery and electric circuit can optionally be disposed inside the paddle holder 7, 7′ or paddle bar 62, 62′.

A further embodied example of a device according to the invention is represented in the combination of configurations according to FIG. 10(b) and FIG. 3. The supply of solar or battery energy inside the paddle is used therein for the purpose of substituting or supplementing the supply for the drive by means of an external energy source or a battery or storage battery integrated inside the housing. The energy is connected therein directly, by means of electrical contacts (for example, sliding contacts or spherical contacts) on the paddle holder or paddle gear, to the supply of the drive motor. Alternately, it is possible for the energy to be stored in a storage battery that is integrated in the housing.

Below, various embodied examples of drive units according to the invention will be discussed, and said drive units can be especially advantageously used for the ventilation devices according to the invention. However, they are also suitable for general use with regard to the purpose of generating superimposed rotational movements.

The drive units according to the invention have the advantage, in contrast to the previously discussed drive units that they have a fixed center gear and intermediate gears, that the step of changing the gear ratio during operation can be resolved easier, and that the center gear must not be fixedly connected to the basic apparatus, whereby, in terms of the technical configuration of the ventilation device, a possibility of more flexibility is created.

FIG. 11 demonstrates an advantageous embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention using the example of a ventilation device with two paddles (active elements) 61, 61′, which provides for the transfer of the rotational movement from drive 3 to the active elements to occur separately from the powering of the rotating plate 5, which has the active elements disposed thereupon.

Drive 3, which is, advantageously, an electric motor, is fixedly connected to the support structure 1. A dual drive pinion 15 is mounted on the drive axle 3a. The rotating plate drive axle 11 is fixedly connected to the rotating plate 5 and is located, rotatably disposed by means of a support 12, inside the supported structure 1. The drive 3 provides power by means of the own axle 3a thereof and the dual drive pinion 15. The dual drive pinion transmits the torque via the bottom row of teeth 15a to the rotating plate drive gear 6, which is mounted on the rotating plate drive axle 11, such that the rotating plate 5 rotates at the speed resulting from gear ratio of the gears 6, 15a.

A dual center gear 13 is disposed above the drive gear 6, which is supported, freely able to rotate, on the rotating plate drive axle 11. The top gear 15b of the drive pinion 15 powers the bottom gear 13a of the dual center gear 13, which, in turn, powers, by means of the top gear 13b, the two active element drive gears 8, 8′ that are connected in a torque-resistant manner to the active elements 61, 61′. The active elements 61, 61′ that are rotatably supported on the rotating plate 5, for example paddles (not shown), rotate in correspondence to the preset speed, as set by the gear ratio for the gears 15b, 13a, 13b, 8, 8′ around the own axis of rotation 9, 9′ thereof. They rotate, simultaneously, due to the rotation of the rotating plate, around the central axis of rotation 10.

In order to generate a superimposed rotational movement involving a revolution of the rotating plate and a simultaneous revolution of the active elements, the ratio of the gears and the number of the teeth in the construction must be defined accordingly. The dual drive pinion 15, the rotating plate drive gear 6, dual center gear 13, as well as the drive gears 8, 8′ of the active elements must be configured such that the drive gears 8, 8′ perform, for example, one half of a revolution in the amount of time during which the rotating plate gear 6 performs a full revolution. From the perspective of the observer, these are two rotations in the same direction of rotation. Viewed only from the perspective of the axes of rotation 9, 9′ of the active elements and the axis of rotation 10 of the rotating plate, based on the own rotations of active elements that are disposed on the rotating plate, the drive gears 8, 8′ would have to execute one half of a rotation in the opposite direction relative to the revolution of the rotating plate 5.

With a gear ratio between the dual center gear 13 and the drive gears 8, 8′ of, for example, 3:1, the dual center gear 13 must execute one sixth of a revolution during one revolution of the rotating plate 5 in order for the drive gears 8, 8′ to perform one half of a revolution. Consequently, the dual center gear 13 must rotate faster by one sixth than the rotating plate drive gear 6 in order to achieve a uniform direction of action. At a gear ratio between dual center gear 13 and drive gears 8, 8′ of, for example, 2:1, the dual center gear 13 must rotate faster than the rotating plate drive gear 6 by one fourth in order to achieve a uniform direction of action.

The use of a freely rotatable center gear allows for a more compact construction design because, for example in comparison to FIG. 3, it is possible to forego additional intermediate gears that are mounted on the rotating plate.

FIG. 12 depicts a further advantageous embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention having a direct drive 2 that is integrated in the rotating plate 5. This direct drive, for example a brushless DC motor, powers the revolution of the rotating plate 5 in that the stator of the motor is fixedly connected to the support structure 1, while the rotor is directly connected to the rotating plate 5. The transfer of the rotational movement from the direct drive 2 to the holding means 7, 7′ for the active elements (not shown) is achieved by means of a fixedly mounted gearing with a rotatably supported dual ratio gear 18. The rotating plate drive gear 6, which is powered by the direct drive 2, powers, by means of a freely rotatably supported gear ratio gear 18 with two ring gears 18a, 18b, an additional center gear drive gear 17. A center gear axle 4 that is connected to the center gear drive gear 17 is supported, able to rotate freely, on the inside of a hollow axle 16, which is, in turn, fixedly connected to the rotating plate 5 and, simultaneously, rotatably supported in the support structure 1. The center gear axle 4 transfers the rotation to the simple center gear 14, which is mounted thereupon, and that is disposed on the external side of the rotating plate 5. This center gear 14 finally moves the drive gears 8, 8′ of the active elements and/or the holding means 7, 7′ thereof.

A variant of a device that is analogous in relation to FIG. 12 is depicted in FIG. 13. A brushless DC motor 110 powers the rotary structure, wherein the coils of the stator of the motor are placed directly on the printed electronics board 111. The rotor of the motor is made of an annular magnet and connected to a motor pinion 112 that transfers the rotation to an additional gear ratio gear 113, which, in turn, is rotatably connected to the dual gear ratio gear 18. The result is a gear ratio of 1:6 or 1:9 from the motor axle to the rotating plate.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention that allows for switching the gear ratio.

The drive (not shown) powers the rotating plate drive gear 6 by means of a drive pinion 19 and a reduction gearing 20 and thereby the rotating plate 5, upon which are supported the active element holding means 7, 7′. A center gear drive gear 17 is connected, by means of a shaft 4 that is rotatably supported within the rotating plate drive axle, to a simple center gear 14, which is disposed on the outside of the rotating plate 5. The simple center gear 14 moves the active elements by means of the drive gears 8, 8′.

Also connected to the rotating plate drive axle 11, which is fixedly connected to the rotating plate 5, is a second rotating plate drive gear 6′, such that the rotating plate rotation is also available at the bottom part of the housing.

The transfer of the rotation from the second rotating plate drive gear 6′ to the center gear drive gear 17 is achieved by means of a dual gear ratio gear 18, 18′. Two different dual gear ratio gears 18, 18′ are disposed on a displaceably disposed switching lever. By actuating the switching lever 21, it is possible to couple either the first 18 or the second 18′ dual gear ratio gear with the two gears 6, 17, such that two different gear ratios can be implemented between the rotating plate drive gear 6 the simple center gear 14.

FIG. 15 depicts a further advantageous variant of a drive unit according to the invention, which provides for achieving the switching action of the gear ratio only by switching the direction of rotation of the drive motor 3. A switching unit 22 is rotatably disposed on a shaft 3a of the drive 3. The middle gear 22a of the switching unit 22 is fixedly connected to the shaft 3a of the drive 3. If the drive shaft 3a rotates in a clockwise direction, this causes a pivoting of the switching unit 22 also in a clockwise direction, such that the left gear pair 22b is coupled to the rotating plate drive gear 6 as well as the bottom ring gear 13a of a freely rotatably supported dual center gear 13. The result is a certain gear ratio between the dual center gear 13 and the rotating plate drive gear 6, and/or the rotating plate 5 and active element drive gears 8, 8′ that are operationally connected to the top ring gear 13b.

If the drive shaft rotates counterclockwise, this will cause a pivoting of the switching unit 22 also in the counterclockwise direction, such that the right gear pair 22c is coupled to the gears 6 and 13a, and a certain gear ratio is created between the dual center gear 13 and the rotating plate drive gear 6. The gear 22d that is disposed there-between in this constellation serves as a correction means of the direction of rotation, such that the dual center gear 13 and the rotating plate drive gear 6 always rotate in the same direction for both directions of rotation of the drive shaft 3a, and that it is only the gear ratio that changes.

FIG. 16 depicts an advantageous embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention with two output units 3, 3′ for the individual powering of rotating plate 5 and center gear 13. The embodied example differs in comparison to the embodied example according to FIG. 11 in that two drives 3, 3′ are used with one simple drive pinion 19, 19′, respectively. The first drive 3 powers, by means of the simple pinion 19, the rotating plate drive gear 6, which is connected to the rotating plate 5 by means of an axle 11, which is supported in the support structure 1. A dual center gear 13 is rotatably supported on the rotating plate drive axle 11. The second drive 3′ powers, by means of the simple pinion 19′, the bottom gear 13a of the center gear 13, which powers the drive gears 8, 8′ of the active elements via the top gear 13b. The rotating plate drive gear 6 and the dual center gear 13 can thus be triggered individually. The adjustment and control of the speed ratio of the two gears 8, 8′ and the rotating plate is achieved by means of electronics and/or software, such as, for example, by means of the position detection of the drives 3, 3′ or of that of other rotatably supported elements.

FIG. 17 shows an embodied example of a device according to the invention with two direct drive units 2, 2′ for individually powering the rotating plate 5 and simple center gear 14. With this embodied example, it is possible to omit the gear ratio gears completely. A first direct drive 2, for example a brushless DC motor, is disposed between the support structure 1 and the rotating plate 5, such that the stator is connected to the support structure and the rotor to the rotating plate. With a second direct drive 2′, the stator is connected to the support structure 1 and the rotor, by means of a center gear axle 4, to the center gear 14 that is disposed above the rotating plate 5, which rotates the drive gears 8, 8′ of the active elements. The rotating plate 5 and the simple center gear 14 can be individually triggered by the direct drives 2, 2′. The adjustment and control of the speed ratio of the rotating plate 5 in relation to the simple center gear 14 is achieved by means of electronics and/or software, for example position detection of the drives 2, 2′ or of other rotating parts.

FIG. 18 demonstrates an embodied example of a drive unit according to the invention that allows for changing the gear ratio. The drive 3 powers, by means of the drive pinion 19, the simple center gear 14, which, in turn, powers the two active element drive gears 8, 8′. The drive 3 powers, simultaneously, the vertical dual gear ratio gear 26. The same is disposed in a manner that is torque-resistant, but vertically displaceable, on the axle of the drive pinion, and it has a top gear 26a and a bottom gear 26b. By actuating a switching device (not shown), it is possible to couple either the top gear 26a or the bottom gear 26b of the vertical dual gear ratio gear 26 correspondingly with the top row of teeth 6a or the bottom row of teeth 6b of the rotating plate drive gear 6, such that two different gear ratios can be implemented between the rotating plate drive gear 6 and the simple center gear 14.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodied example of a further advantageous drive unit according to the invention with an addition gear 29 for superimposing an additional rotational movement. By means of the drive axle 3a thereof and a simple drive pinion 19 coupled thereto, the drive 3 powers the simple center gear 14, which, in turn, powers both active element drive gears 8, 8′. The drive 3 also powers, by means of the addition gear 29, a second, simple drive pinion 19′, which is supported, with the ability to rotate freely, on the axle 3a. The second, simple drive pinion 19′ transfers the torque to the rotating plate drive gear 6, which is mounted on the rotating plate drive axle, such that the rotating plate 5 rotates at the speed that results based on the gear ratio of the addition gear 29, as well as the gears 19′ and 6.

The addition gear 29 (see FIG. 19(b)) is configured such that a sun gear 30 of the addition gear is fixedly connected to the rotating part of the drive 3 and connected to the first simple drive pinion 19, which determines, simultaneously, the rotational movement of the simple center gear 14, and thereby of the active element drive gears 8, 8′. A planet carrier means (omitted for a better understanding on the drawing) is fixedly connected to the second simple drive pinion 19′ that is rotatably supported on the drive axle 3a. A ring gear 33 is rotatably supported on the exterior side of the addition gear 29, which is connected by means of a belt 28 to the auxiliary drive 27. Two planetary gears 32 are disposed on the planet carrier means, which act in conjunction with the sun gear 30 as well as with the ring gear 33. With a stationary ring gear 33 of the addition gear, the drive 3 rotates, via the sun gear 30 and the planetary gears 32, the planet carrier means, and via the gear 19′ the rotating plate drive gear 6.

The gear ratio of center gear revolution and rotating plate revolution is determined, on the one hand, by means of the gear ratio of sun gear 30, planetary gears 33, ring gear 33, second simple drive pinion 19′ and rotating plate drive gear 6 and, on the other hand, by means of the gear ratio of the first simple drive pinion 19 and the simple center gear 14. The addition gear 29 and the mentioned gear ratios can be selected such that a certain advantageous gear ratio exists.

With auxiliary drive 27, it is possible to rotate the ring gear 33 of the addition gear 29 by means of a belt, which decelerates or accelerates the rotational speed of the planetary gears 32, thereby, with a given rotational speed of the sun gear 30, also the rotational speed of the planet carrier means and the rotating plate drive. Using auxiliary drive 27 and addition gear 29, it is, therefore, possible to flexibly adjust the speed difference between rotating plates revolution and center gear revolution during operation.

In the embodied variants that were discussed above, the axes of rotation 9, 9′ of the active elements and the axis of rotation 10 of the rotating plate were tilted. As a matter of principle, the axes can be arranged at various angles)(0-180° between the axis of rotation 10 of the rotating plate and the axes of rotation 9, 9′ of the active elements 61, 61′. The distances between axes can be very small or very large; it is also possible to provide one or a plurality of active elements and/or active element holding means.

The disclosed specific embodied examples are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention in any way. Based on the preceding description and the drawings, a person skilled in the art will be able to derive different possible variations and modifications, additionally to the disclosed examples, which shall also fall under the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 Base plate, support structure
• 2 Direct drive motor
• 3 Drive motor
• 3a Drive axle
• 4 Center gear axle (rotatably supported)
• 5 Rotating plate, rotary structure
• 6, 6′ Rotating plate drive gear
• 7, 7′ Active element holding means, paddle holder
• 7a, 7a′ Locking part
• 7b, 7b′ Addition gear, paddle gear gearing
• 8, 8′ Drive gear of the active element, gear of the paddle holder, paddle gear
• 9, 9′ Axes of rotation of the active element/paddle, second axis of rotation
• 10 Axis of rotation of the rotating plate, first axis of rotation
• 11 Rotating plate drive axle, central axle
• 12 Support
• 13 Dual center gear
• 13a Bottom gear of the dual center gear
• 13b Top gear of the dual center gear
• 14 Simple center gear
• 15 Dual drive pinion
• 15a Bottom gear of the drive pinion
• 15b Top gear of the drive pinion
• 16 Hollow axle (rotatably supported)
• 17 Center gear drive gear
• 18, 18′ Dual gear ratio gear (rotatably supported)
• 18a Bottom gear of the gear ratio gear
• 18b Top gear of the gear ratio gear
• 19, 19′ Simple drive pinion
• 20 Drive with reduction gear
• 21 Switching lever, directional element
• 22 Switching unit
• 22a Middle gear
• 22b Left gear pair
• 22c Right gear pair
• 22d Gear pair for rotational direction correction
• 24, 24′ Intermediate gear
• 25 Fixed center gear
• 25a Fixed ring gear with internal toothing
• 26 Vertical dual gear ratio gear (vertically displaceable)
• 26a Top gear
• 26b Bottom gear
• 27 Auxiliary drive
• 28 Belt
• 29 Addition gear
• 30 Sun gear of the addition gear
• 32 Planetary gear of the addition gear
• 33 Ring gear of the planetary gear
• 58, 58′ Housing
• 60 Ventilation device
• 61, 61′ Paddle
• 62, 62′ Paddle bar
• 63, 63′ Direct drive motor
• 65, 65′ Active element gearing, paddle gearing
• 66 Drive unit
• 67 Active surface of the paddle
• 70 Solar cells (photovoltaic cells)
• 75 Electric circuit
• 76 Storage battery 090, 90′ Light source (e.g., LED)
• 91, 91′ Optical waveguide fiber
• 93, 93′ Light-guiding paddle bar
• 100 Air flow, wind direction
• 101 Direction of action
• 110 Brushless DC motor
• 111 Printed electronics board
• 112 Motor pinion
• 113 Additional gear ratio gear

Claims

1. A device for generating a directed fluid flow, particularly a directed air flow, by moving an active element with an active surface in a fluid, having a support structure; a rotary structure, which is rotatably supported around a first axis of rotation relative to the support structure; and at least one active element with an active surface, which is mounted on the rotary structure and rotatably supported around a second axis of rotation; wherein the at least one active element is operatively connected to the rotary structure and the support structure in such a manner that, when the rotary structure rotates in relation to the support structure around the first axis of rotation by a first frequency of rotation f1, the at least one active element rotates in relation to the rotary structure around the second axis of rotation by a second speed of rotation f2, wherein the ratio between the first and the second frequency of rotation is more than 1, preferably ≧1.5, and especially preferred ≧1.7.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ratio between the first and the second frequency of rotation is less than 3, preferably ≦2.5, and especially preferred ≦2.25.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first axis of rotation of the rotary structure and the second axis of rotation of the active elements are parallel.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first axis of rotation of the rotary structure and the second axis of rotation of the active elements is less than 90°, preferably less than 45°, especially preferred less than 30°.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized wherein the active elements are essentially configured as flat paddles.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one active element includes a drive gear, which is connected in a torque-resistant or rotatable manner to the same, that is rotatably connected to the support structure.

7. The device according to claims 6, wherein the drive gears of the active elements are rotatably connected to the center gear by means of V-belts and/or intermediate gears, wherein the said center gear is fixedly disposed or reversibly locked in relation to the support structure.

8. The device according to claims 6, wherein the drive gears of the active elements are rotatably connected to a ring gear, wherein the said ring gear is fixedly disposed or reversibly locked in relation to the support structure.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuation of the active elements is achieved by means of a drive motor that rotates the rotary structure in relation to the support structure.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein the actuation of an active element is achieved by means of a direct drive motor that rotates the active element of the drive gear in relation to the rotary structure.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein there exists at least one drive unit, wherein the rotary structure and the at least one active element are rotatably connected to a drive unit; and a center gear, which is coaxially disposed in relation to the first axis of rotation, is rotatably connected to the at least one active element, wherein the said center gear is able to rotate with regard to the support structure and the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure are powered by a common drive unit.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure are powered by two different drive units.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure have different rotational speeds with the same rotational speed of the drive unit.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein two or more coupling units are provided by means of which it is possible to rotatably connect the at least one drive unit to the center gear and the rotary structure, wherein the two or more coupling units can be alternately activated.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the two or more coupling units generate different speed ratios between the center gear and the rotary structure and/or between the center gear and the drive unit and/or between the rotary structure and the drive unit.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein two coupling units are provided, and it is possible to switch back and forth between the same by changing the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the coupling units are configured such that the directions of rotation of the center gear and the rotary structure are independent of the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

19. The device according to claim 11, further comprising an auxiliary drive and an addition gear with a sun gear, a ring gear, as well as a planet carrier means that is rotatably disposed between the ring gear and the center gear; wherein planetary gears are rotatably disposed on the planet carrier means, which rotatably connect the ring gear, the planet carrier means and the sun gear; and wherein a drive unit, the auxiliary drive and the center gear are rotatably connected, respectively, to one unit each of the three units ring gear, planet carrier means and center gear.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the drive unit is rotatably connected to the sun gear, the auxiliary drive is rotatably connected to the ring gear, and the center gear is rotatably connected to the planetary gear device.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rotary structure includes at least on active element holding means in which the at least one active element can be reversibly fastened.

22. The device according to claim 1, further comprising solar cells that are disposed on the active elements.

23. The device according to claim 1, further comprising light sources that are disposed on the active elements.

24. A drive apparatus for generating superimposed rotational movements of active elements, having at least one drive unit; one support structure; one rotary structure, which is rotatably connected to the drive unit, and rotatably supported in relation to the support structure around a first axis of rotation; and one or a plurality of holding means for active elements, which are rotatably connected to the drive unit, and the same are rotatably supported on the rotary structure around a second axis of rotation, further comprising a center gear that is rotatably connected to the active element holding means, and which is coaxially disposed in relation to the first axis of rotation, wherein the said center gear is able to rotate in relation to the support structure and the rotary structure around the first axis of rotation.

25. The drive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure are powered by a common drive unit.

26. The drive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure are powered by two different drive units.

27. The drive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the center gear and the rotary structure have different speeds of rotation, while the speeds of rotation of the drive unit is the same.

28. The drive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein two or more coupling units are provided by means of which the at least one drive unit can be rotatably connected to the center gear and the rotary structure, wherein the two or more coupling units can be alternately activated.

29. The drive apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the two or more coupling units generate different speed ratios between the center gear and rotary structure and/or between the center gear and the drive unit and/or between the rotary structure and the drive unit.

30. The drive apparatus according to claim 28, wherein two or more coupling units are provided, and wherein it is possible to switch back and forth between the same by changing the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

31. The drive apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the coupling units are configured such that the directions of rotation of the center gear and of the rotary structure are independent of the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

32. The drive apparatus according to claim 24, wherein an auxiliary drive and an addition gear having a sun gear, a ring gear as well as a planetary gear device is rotatably disposed between the ring gear and the sun gear; wherein planetary gears are rotatably disposed on the planetary gear device rotatably connecting the sun gear; and wherein a drive unit, the auxiliary drive and the center gear are rotatably connected respectively with one of the three units ring gear, planetary gear device and sun gear.

33. The drive apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the drive unit is rotatably connected to the sun gear, the auxiliary drive is rotatably connected to the ring gear, and the center gear is rotatably connected to the planetary gear device.