Locking device for preventing freewheeling of an aeration fan rotor

An aeration fan comprising:

• a fan housing;
• an aeration fan rotor disposed in the fan housing;
• a drive mechanism connected to the aeration fan rotor;
• and,
• a locking device for preventing freewheeling of the aeration fan rotor comprising:
• an elongated body having a predetermined length, the elongated body for being disposed through an opening of the fan housing such that in a first position a first end portion of the elongated body is enabled to interact with the aeration fan rotor for preventing freewheeling of the aeration fan rotor and a second opposite end portion of the elongated body is placed outside the fan housing;
• and,
• means for holding the elongated body in the first position and a second position such that in the second position the first end portion of the elongated body is prevented from interacting with the aeration fan rotor;
• wherein the elongated body is capable of resisting a force exerted by the aeration fan rotor thereon when the aeration fan rotor is in a freewheeling mode of operation and wherein the elongated body is capable of flexing when the aeration fan rotor is in a driven mode of operation such that damage to the aeration fan rotor is prevented,
• wherein the elongated body has a predetermined width and thickness with the width being larger than the thickness, and
• wherein the device is oriented such that a plane defined by the width and the length of the elongated body is oriented parallel to a respective surface portion of a blade of the aeration fan rotor when interacting therewith.

A locking device for preventing freewheeling of an aeration fan rotor comprising:

• an elongated body having a predetermined length, the elongated body for being disposed through an opening of a fan housing containing the aeration fan rotor therein such that in a first position a first end portion of the elongated body is enabled to interact with the aeration fan rotor for preventing freewheeling of the aeration fan rotor and a second opposite end portion of the elongated body is placed outside the fan housing;
• first and second holding elements disposed at predetermined locations along the elongated body for holding the elongated body in the first position and a second position such that in the second position the first end portion of the elongated body is prevented from interacting with the aeration fan rotor;
• and,
• a sleeve adapted for being inserted into the opening of the fan housing and affixed thereto, the sleeve comprising a guiding channel for guiding the elongated body during longitudinal movement therethrough,
• wherein the sleeve comprises interacting elements for interacting with the first and second holding elements.