Combination LED lighting and fan apparatus

Abstract

A combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. The system includes a housing container and an axial fan. The fan has a fan cavity including air diversion mechanism to direct air from the fan cavity toward the lighting and fan components. The invention includes an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture.

Claims

1. An air movement and recirculation device comprising: a housing configured to fit into a ceiling, said housing including a fan chamber and an air chamber; the housing including a frame; a ceiling tile affixed to the frame having a fan intake grill formed in the ceiling tile and a vent aperture formed in the ceiling tile; a first fan positioned within the fan chamber of the housing forming a fan cavity wherein the first fan rotates in a first direction to generate an air flow into the fan chamber, the first fan aligned with the fan intake grill in the ceiling tile; an air diversion mechanism positioned in the housing in proximity of the first fan to direct air from the fan chamber to the air chamber of the housing; and an LED light fixture affixed to the housing and positioned in the ceiling tile wherein a portion of the LED light fixture is positioned within the airflow of the in the fan chamber.

2. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 1, wherein the frame of the housing has the dimensions of a ceiling tile.

3. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a length and a width in the dimensions of a ceiling tile, wherein the width is 2 feet, and the length is 4 feet.

4. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a length and a width in the dimensions of a ceiling tile, wherein the width is 2 feet, and the length is 4 feet.

5. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 4, further comprising at least one louvre positioned between the fan chamber and the air chamber configured to direct air from the fan chamber to the air chamber.

6. The air movement and recirculating system of claim 4, further comprising a troffer shelf attached to the frame of the housing.

7. The air movement and recirculating device of claim 5, further comprising a second fan positioned within the fan chamber of the housing wherein the second fan rotates in a second direction to generate a stable air flow into the fan chamber.

8. The air movement and recirculating device of claim 7, further comprising a second air chamber wherein a second troffer baffle is positioned in the second air chamber and configured to direct air from the fan chamber to the vent.

9. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 8, further comprising a second fan intake grill configured in the ceiling tile aligned with the second fan.

10. The air movement and recirculating device of claim 9, further comprising louvres positioned between the fan chamber and the air chamber configured to direct air from the fan chamber to the troffer cavity.

11. The air movement and recirculating device of claim 10, wherein the first fan intake grill and second fan intake grill of the ceiling tile includes decorative perforations.

12. An air movement and recirculation device comprising: a housing adaptable to be mounted in a ceiling tile grid; a ceiling tile material secured to the housing, said ceiling tile material having an air intake grill cut into the material to form a vent in the ceiling tile material; a troffer shell affixed to the housing configured to create fan chamber, a troffer cavity wherein the troffer cavity is aligned with the vent of the ceiling tile material; a plurality of fans affixed to the housing, the plurality of fans directly aligned with the air intake grill of the ceiling tile material and the plurality of fans having an outlet; an air diversion mechanism positioned in at the outlet of the plurality of fans and configured to direct air into the troffer cavity; and an LED light fixture positioned in the ceiling tile material and affixed to the housing LED wherein a portion of the LED light fixture is configured such that a portion of the LED light fixture is positioned in the troffer cavity whereby the air from the plurality of fans passes the LED light fixture to reduce the temperature of the LED light fixture.

13. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 12, wherein the ceiling tile material has a central portion, and the air intake grill of the ceiling tile material is positioned in a central portion of the ceiling tile material.

14. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 13, wherein the air intake grill includes rectangular shaped decorative perforation.

15. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 12, further comprising a second LED light fixture positioned in the ceiling tile material and affixed to the housing.

16. The air movement and recirculation device of claim 15, wherein the second LED light fixture extends into the first troffer cavity whereby the air distributed by the plurality of fans passes over the second LED light fixture to reduce the temperature of the second LED light fixture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture depicting a troffer shell;

(2) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture showing the flow of air;

(3) FIG. 3 is a prospective view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture depicting a troffer shell;

(4) FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture of another embodiment depicting an alternative embodiment of a troffered shell;

(5) FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture depicting an angled shell showing the flow of air;

(6) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture depicting another embodiment of the angled deflection mechanism;

(7) FIG. 7 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the combination light and fan fixture;

(8) FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an alternative combination light and fan fixture having 4 LED lights;

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing multiple round grills;

(10) FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the fan grate depicted in FIG. 9;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing a single grill and lens;

(12) FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view of the fan grate depicted in FIG. 10;

(13) FIG. 11 is a view of the present invention incorporating multiple fan blades; and

(14) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an axial fan of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(15) A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a combination of a fan and LED light fixture. FIGS. 1 and 2 show side sectional views of an embodiment of the present invention depicting a troffer shell 12. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a troffer shell. The combination fan 10 includes a troffer shell 12 which supports at least one LED light fixture 20 and a fan 30. The fan 30 is supported by a louvered fan holder 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the louvered fan holder 18 has a lower solid portion 19 and an upper open portion 17 that includes several opening and louvers 60 which direct air from the fan chamber 13 along the troffer shell 12. The troffer shell 12 is the same dimensions as a ceiling tile typically 2 ft.×2 ft. or 2 ft.×4 ft. The LED light fixture 20 is preferably positioned along the periphery of the troffer shell 12 such that light from the fixture 20 is not interrupted by the fan 30. The LED light fixture includes an LED lamp 22. The LED light fixture 20 is preferably in the form of a strip which runs the length of the troffer shell 12.

(16) The fan 30 preferably includes at least an axial fan as shown in FIG. 12. There may be more than one fan within the fan area 13. The blades 32 of the axial fan 30 force air to move parallel to a shaft 34 about which the blades 32 rotate. Air flow 40 moves axially through the intake of the fan 36 and axially out through the outlet 38 of the fan 30. The flow of air is generally linear trough the intake 36 and the outlet 38. The design of the fan 30 is a function of the blade configuration 32 that creates a pressure of differential that produces airflow 40 across the fan blade 32. The axial fan 30 may consist of anywhere from 2 to 8 blades. The axial fan 30 is connected to a motor 51 and typically operates at high speeds. The typical speed of the axial fan of the present invention operates between 1800 to 4000 RPM to produce airflow in the range of 85 to 150 cubic feet per minute.

(17) As shown in FIG. 2, The configuration of the troffer shelf 12 directs the flow of air from the outlet 38 of the fan 30. Air flows along the troffer shelf 12 and the troffer baffle 14, along the LED light fixture 20. Air passing along the LED light fixture 20 acts to dissipate heat produced by the LED light fixture 20 to reduce the operating temperature of the LED light fixture 20. In essence, the air flow reduces waste heat produced by the LED fixture 20 by conducting the heat away from the fixture 20. FIG. 4 depicts an alternative design of the troffer shelf and the troffer baffle 14. In the alternative design, air is propelled from the fan 30 into the fan chamber 13. The air from the fan 30 is deflected by a diversion mechanism 50, through the opening 17 and directed by louvres 60 into the troffer cavity 16. The louvres 60 are configured to direct the air from the fan along the troffer shell 12 and along the troffer baffles 14. By directing air from the fan 30 along the troffer shell 12 causes the air to circulate along LED light fixtures 20. The air flow helps to reduce the temperature of the LED light fixture 20. The air flow is directed by the troffer baffle through an exit vent 84 formed by the vent 81, the troffer baffle 14 and the lens bracket 80.

(18) In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there may be a vent and lens bracket 80. The bracket 80 is affixed to the troffer shelf 12 in such a manner to permit air to flow from the troffer cavity 16 through an exit vent 84 formed by a vent 81 in the bracket 80. The vent 84 permits the air heated by LED light fixture 20 to exit the troffer cavity 16. The bracket 80 also includes a lens bracket 82. The lens bracket 82 corresponds with a fan lens bracket 83 to secure a lens 90 in place within the combination LED light and fan 10. The lens 90 provides a solid surface to assist with containing any air from the fan 30 such that it proceeds along the troffer shelf 12 and the troffer baffle 14 to the LED light fixture 20 and through the vent 84. A lens FIG. 5 is not necessary to the invention. However, the lens 90 typically made of a somewhat flexible translucent plastic material. There is a mounting mechanism 100 that is used to affix the combination LED light fixture and fan to an adjacent ceiling tile or bracket.

(19) The embodiments of the present invention incorporate the use of color displayed by the lighting system to affect the environment in which the combination LED light and fan fixture 10 may be implemented. Research has shown that different colors appear to affect behavioral traits in humans. For example, the color yellow is believed to influence a person's self-confidence; the color red is believed to influence a person's physical body, the color blue is believed to influence a person's mind and the color green is believed to influence a person's emotional balance. It is believed that, for example, the combination of a yellow color with a blue color will stimulate a person's emotional balance and mind. The different color combinations may be incorporated into the present invention in numerous ways. In one embodiment of the present invention, the colors blue, red, yellow or green may be applied to the internal surface of the troffer shelf 12 and/or the troffer baffle 14 by means of paint, insert or other known technique. Alternatively, the lens 90 may comprise of the colors blue, red, yellow or green. The colored lens 90 operates to transmit light of the lens color in an indoor space. Finally, the LED light fixture 20 itself may be configured to generate light in the blue, red, yellow or green spectrums by means of the LED lamp 22.

(20) The combination fan of the present invention may utilize the stepped-fan blade design depicted in the pending patent application Ser. No. 14/814,161, 15/043,923 and 15/346,913 incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. The benefits of the stepped-blade design are set-forth in detail in the pending patent applications referenced herein and need not be repeated in this provisional application and are not shown in the drawings. The stepped-fan blade design greatly improves the air flow characteristics of the fan 30.

(21) As shown in FIGS. 9, 9(a), 10 and 10(a), the fan intake 36 may include decorative perforations and/or a grill 39. The grills 39 may be of a circular configuration as shown in FIGS. 9 and 9(a). Alternatively, the grill may extend the length of the fan intake 36 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10(a). The air intake 36 may also include a filter (not shown). Alternatively, the filter may be positioned at the air outlet 38 or at a grill covering the combination fan 39. The filter serves to clean air flowing through the fan of dust and other fine particles. The filters may be removed for cleaning or replacement on a periodic basis. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 10(a) are more adapted to accommodate a filter.

(22) The preferred embodiment of the combination fan and LED light system further includes an air diversion mechanism 50. The air diversion mechanism 50 is positioned within the cavity of the fan chamber 13. The physical configuration of the air diversion mechanism 50 is such that it directs air exiting the fan outlet 38 through the louvered openings 17 or diffuser in the louvered fan holder 18. In the preferred embodiment, the air diversion mechanism 50 is in the shape of a prism as shown in FIGS. 1 thru 7. Alternatively, the air diversion mechanism 50 may be in the shape of a pyramid (FIG. 8), cone, pentagon, triangle or other suitable shape to divert air from the fan chamber 13, through the openings 17 and into the troffer chamber 16 along the LED light fixture 20. The air diversion mechanism directs air towards opening 17 along louvered vents 60 positioned along the inside fan chamber 13. The vents 17 may include louvres 60 to assist in directing the air in the desired direction. Positioned within the air diversion mechanism 50 is a ballast housing 51 for LED lighting ballast, drivers and wires. The ballast housing 51 houses the wiring for both the LED lighting system and the fan to allow for a single hook-up to the electrical outlets or connections positioned within the ceiling.

(23) The air exiting from the fan cavity 13 is directed along an airflow troffer shelf 12 to the troffer baffle 14. Air may alternatively be directed through a cooling chamber, which is not shown, but functions to cool the components located in the ballast housing 51, as well as, the LED lighting components.

(24) The interior surface of the troffer shelf 12 and troffer baffle 14 are preferably coated with a Miro-Micro Matt wet paint produced by Alanod. The paint helps to maintain airflow along the surface, as well as, maintain a clean dust-free surface. The paint can be applied in any of the colors discussed above to affect the environment.

(25) As shown in FIG. 2, air 40 enters the fan 30 and is expelled by the fan blades 32 into the air chamber 13. Air flow in the fan chamber is generally laminar. Air is forced into the air chamber 13 and is directed by a louvre 60 through an opening in the fan chamber 13 into the troffer cavity 16. The air (shown in arrows) has generally a laminar flow along the troffer shelf 12 and troffer baffle 14. As the flow of air from the fan 30 extends towards the exterior perimeter of the housing in the vent 84, the flow becomes more turbulent and mixes with the surrounding air such that the air exiting through the vent 81 is more turbulent in nature. The preferred direction of the air-flow is such that the intake 36 of the fan 30 draws air from the lower portion of a space and distributes the air along the upper portion of the space. Air along the lower portion of an area tends to be cooler than air that resides at the upper portion of an area. The cooler air is pulled into the fan 30 and distributed from the cavity is used to cool and clean the LED light fixture 20, the LED cover 24 and/or the LED light bulb 22. In an alternative embodiment, the direction of the airflow may be reversed.

(26) An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a combination of a fan and LED light fixture. FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show views of different embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the combination fan 110 includes a housing 112 which supports at least one LED light fixture 120 and a fan 130. The housing is the same dimensions as a ceiling tile typically 2 ft.×2 ft. or 2 ft.×4 ft. The LED light fixture 120 is preferably positioned along the periphery of the housing 112 such that light from the fixture 120 is not interrupted by the fan 130. The LED light fixture includes an LED light bulb 122.

(27) The fan 130 preferably includes an axial fan. The blades 132 of the axial fan force air to move parallel to a shaft 134 about which the blades 132 rotate. The flow of air 140 is axially through the intake of the fan 136 and axially out through the outlet 138 of the fan 130. The flow of air is linear trough the intake 136 and the outlet 138. The design of the fan 130 is a function of the blade configuration 132 that creates a pressure of differential that produces airflow 140 across the fan blade 132. The axial fan 130 may consist of anywhere from 2 to 8 blades. The axial fan 130 is connected to an energy source (not shown) and typically operates at high speeds. The typical speed of the axial fan of the present invention operates between 1800 to 4000 RPM to produce airflow in the range of 85 to 150 cubic feet per minute. The combination fan of the present invention may utilize the stepped-fan blade design depicted in the pending patent applications referenced above.

(28) The fan intake 136 may include decorative perforations and/or a grill 39 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The air intake 136 may also include a filter (not shown). Alternatively, the filter may be positioned at the air outlet 138 or at a screen covering the combination fan 142. The filter serves to clear air flowing through the fan of dust and other fine particles.

(29) The preferred embodiment of the combination fan and LED light system 110 further includes an air diversion mechanism 150. The air diversion mechanism 150 is positioned within the fan chamber 113 of the fan 130. In the preferred embodiment, the air diversion mechanism 150 is in the shape of a prism as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, the air diversion mechanism 150 may be in the shape of a pyramid (FIG. 7), cone, pentagon, triangle or other suitable shape to divert air to the LED components and into the office space. The air diversion mechanism 150 directs air towards vents 117 positioned along the fan cavity 113. The vents 117 may include louvres 160 to assist in directing the air in the desired direction. Additionally, the air diversion mechanism may have vents to permit a portion of the air circulated by the fan to enter the diversion mechanism 150 to provide a cooling effect on the ballast housing 151.

(30) The air exiting from the fan cavity 116 is directed along an airflow surface on the lower housing 114 air may alternatively be directed through a cooling chamber, which is not shown but functions to cool the fan components, as well as, the LED lighting components. The internal surface of the lower housing 114 is preferably coated with a Miro-Micro Matt wet paint produced by Alanod. The paint helps to maintain airflow along the surface, as well as, maintain a clean dust-free surface. The airflow 140 has two general components. The air that exits the fan cavity 113 generally has a laminar flow along the airflow surface of the lower housing portion 114. As the flow of air from the fan 130 extends towards the exterior perimeter of the housing 112 through the vent 184, the flow becomes more turbulent and mixes with the surrounding air. The preferred direction of the air-flow is such that the intake 136 of the fan 130 draws air from the lower portion of a space and distributes the air along the upper portion of the space. Air along the lower portion of an area tends to be cooler than air that resides at the upper portion of an area. The cooler air is pulled into the fan 130 and distributed from the cavity is used to cool and clean the LED light fixture 120, and/or the LED light bulb 122.

(31) As shown in FIG. 11, the combination fan may include two or more fans 30. In the multiple fan configuration, it is beneficial that adjacent fans rotate in different directions to provide a more even distribution of air along the fan 30. It is important to note that the adjacent fans rotate in opposite directions.

(32) FIG. 12 depicts the typical axial fan 30 and 130 that is used in the invention.

(33) It should be understood that there are many components to the inventions of the combined fan. While specific combinations of elements are disclosed in specific embodiments, it should be understood that any combination of the different features may be utilized in the combined fan.

(34) The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrating and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as in the details of illustrated construction may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(35) It is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.