Description

ROTARY DEVICE USING WEIGHT FOR EASY ROLLING OF

WHEEL AND WHEEL FOR THE GENERATION OF

ELECTRICITY USING WEIGHT HAVING IT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a rotary device for easy rolling of a wheel using weight and a wheel for generating electricity using weight having the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary device allowing easy rolling of a wheel using weight although an obstacle exists in the way of the wheel, and a wheel capable of generating electricity using the rotary device. Background Art

[2] Vehicles such as cars or motorcycles and other rolling matters move forward by rolling of wheels. The wheel rolls smoothly on a flat. However, if an obstacle exists in the way of the moving wheel, the wheel should go over the obstacle, so that much more power is required as compared with a case where the wheel rolls on a flat. In particular, a heavy matter such as a car consumes more energy to go over the obstacle.

[3] In addition, in order to move, a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle consumes fuel to increase kinetic energy. Also, it is required to put on a brake to decelerate or stop a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle that has certain kinetic energy. In this case, the kinetic energy is entirely consumed as frictional energy and converted into other kinds of energy not to be accumulated. Thus, a conventional vehicle cannot preserve or store the kinetic energy. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[4] The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotary device capable of easily going over an obstacle existing on a moving path of a wheel using weight.

[5] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wheel for generating electricity, wherein kinetic energy of a car or the like can be converted into electric energy in order to preserve the energy. Technical Solution

[6] To this end, a rotary device for easy rolling of a wheel using weight according to the present invention includes a disk and a reciprocating means. The disk is mounted to a wheel, and at least one of the reciprocating means is mounted along an outer peripheral surface of the disk. In addition, the reciprocating means has a first reciprocating unit, a

second reciprocating unit and an interconnecting unit. Each of the first and second reciprocating units has one end protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the disk and is mounted to the disk to be slidable in a radial direction. Also, the interconnecting unit makes the first and second reciprocating units slide in opposite directions. If an obstacle appears while the rotary device is mounted to a wheel and rolls on the ground, the first reciprocating unit contacting with the obstacle slides to the center of the disk by the weight of the wheel. At this time, the second reciprocating unit slides in the opposite direction by the interconnecting unit, so that the second reciprocating unit slides out of the disk. Thus, a radius of the wheel is reduced at a portion contacting with the obstacle. However, a radius of the wheel is increased at a portion going to departing from the ground, thereby pushing the wheel so that the wheel may easily go over the obstacle. Thus, the wheel to which the rotary device is mounted can easily roll. That is, the rotary device makes a wheel easily roll using gravity energy due to the weight.

[7] In addition, it is preferred that the rotary device further include at least one restoring means for restoring sliding movement of the first and second reciprocating units. In a case where the wheel to which the rotary device is mounted rolls along the ground, one reciprocating means repeatedly contacts with and departs from the ground. The restoring means serves to restore the reciprocating means to its original position when the reciprocating means departs from the ground and thus no load is applied thereto.

[8] In addition, in order for the first and second reciprocating units to slide in opposite directions to each other, a rack gear is preferably formed at one side of each of the first and second reciprocating units. Also, the interconnecting unit preferably has at least one pinion gear coupled to the respective rack gears.

[9] Further, according to the rotary device, the restoring means preferably includes a stopper, a first spring and a second spring. Here, the stopper is fixed to the disk. Also, the first spring has one end connected to the stopper so as to restore the sliding movement of the first reciprocating unit, and the second spring has one end connected to the stopper so as to restore the sliding movement of the second reciprocating unit.

[10] Furthermore, the reciprocating means preferably includes a first arm unit and a second arm unit so as to rotate a power generator mounted in the disk when the first and second reciprocating units slide. Here, the first arm unit is coupled to the first reciprocating unit, and the second arm unit is coupled to the second reciprocating unit. The first and second reciprocating units slide when the rotary device rolls along the ground. In this case, the first and second arm units coupled to the first and second reciprocating units rotate the power generator, thereby generating electricity.

[11] In addition, according to the rotary device, the first arm unit preferably includes a first arm having one end coupled to the other end of the first reciprocating unit and a

bearing coupled to the other end of the first arm. Also, the second arm unit preferably includes a second arm having one end coupled to the other end of the second reciprocating unit and a bearing coupled to the other end of the second arm. When the first and second reciprocating units slide, the other ends of the first and second arm come into contact with the power generator and rotate it. The bearings coupled to the other ends of the first and second arms serve to minimize friction when coming into contact with the power generator and to cause the power generator to rotate smoothly.

[12] Also, according to the rotary device, the first arm is preferably coupled to the first reciprocating unit so as to pivot on the other end of the first reciprocating unit within a predetermined angle range, and the second arm is preferably coupled to the second reciprocating unit so as to pivot on the other end of the second reciprocating unit within a predetermined angle range. In addition, the reciprocating means preferably further includes a first arm restoring spring for restoring the pivoting of the first arm, and a second arm restoring spring for restoring the pivoting of the second arm. In order to generate electricity by rotating the power generator, the power generator should be rotated only in one direction. Also, the first and second arms should come into contact with the power generator and push and rotate the power generator. Thus, in a case where the first and second arms comes into contact with the power generator to push the power generator constantly in one direction, the first and second arms should be supported. However, when the first and second arms come into contact with the power generator to push it in an opposite direction, the first and second arms should freely rotate. To this end, the first and second arms pivot on the other ends of the first and second reciprocating units within a predetermined angle range.

[13] In addition, according to the rotary device, the first arm is preferably inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first reciprocating unit, and the second arm is preferably inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the second reciprocating unit.

[14] Further, according to the rotary device, the first reciprocating unit preferably includes a first reciprocating shaft and a first arm coupling body. The first reciprocating shaft has a rack gear formed on one side thereof along the radial direction of the disk and has one end protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the disk. Also, the first arm coupling body is coupled to the other end of the first reciprocating shaft and the one end of the first arm. In addition, the second reciprocating unit preferably includes a second reciprocating shaft and a second arm coupling body. The second reciprocating shaft has a rack gear formed on one side thereof along the radial direction of the disk and has one end protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the disk. The second arm coupling body is coupled to the other end of the second reciprocating shaft and the one end of the second arm.

[15] Furthermore, according to the rotary device, the interconnecting unit preferably makes the second reciprocating slide out of the disk when the first reciprocating unit slides into the disk, and the interconnecting unit preferably makes the first reciprocating unit not slide when the second reciprocating unit slides into the disk. In a case where the rotary device rolls, a second reciprocating unit of an adjacent reciprocating means that is coupled to the first reciprocating unit slides into the disk due to the weight. At this time, if the second reciprocating unit interconnected with the first reciprocating unit slides out of the disk, the second reciprocating unit pushes the rotary device in a rolling direction, so that the rotary device may roll smoothly. However, if the first reciprocating unit interconnected with the second reciprocating unit sliding into the disk by the weight slides out of the disk, the first reciprocating unit pushes the rotary device in the direction opposite to the rolling direction, thereby disturbing the rolling movement of the rotary device. Thus, with the interconnecting unit, the second reciprocating unit interconnected with the first reciprocating unit may slide out of the disk, but the first reciprocating unit interconnected with a second reciprocating unit of an adjacent reciprocating means cannot slide out of the disk. Thus, the rotary device can rolls smoothly by the interconnecting unit.

[16] In addition, according to the rotary device, the interconnecting unit preferably includes a first pinion gear, a second pinion gear and a third pinion gear. In this case, the first pinion gear is coupled to the rack gear of the first reciprocating shaft. Also, the third pinion gear is coupled to the rack gear of the second reciprocating shaft and has teeth removed from one side thereof. Also, the second pinion gear is coupled to the first and third pinion gears.

[17] Further, according to the rotary device, the first reciprocating unit is preferably in contact with a second reciprocating shaft of an adjacent reciprocating means to be slidable in the radial direction of the disk.

[18] Furthermore, the rotary device may further include a plurality of sliding guides mounted to the disk so that the first reciprocating shaft and the second reciprocating shaft of the adjacent reciprocating means are inserted therein and are slidable in the radial direction of the disk.

[19] In addition, according to the rotary device, each of the first and second reciprocating shafts preferably has a spring mount hole formed from the other end along the radial direction of the disk. In this case, the first spring is mounted in the spring mount hole of the first reciprocating shaft, and the second spring is mounted in the spring mount hole of the second reciprocating shaft.

[20] Also, according to the rotary device, the restoring means preferably restores the sliding of the first reciprocating unit of the reciprocating means and the second reciprocating unit of the adjacent reciprocating means that is in contact with the first re-

ciprocating unit. [21] A wheel for generating electricity according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one rotary device described as above, and a power generator mounted in the rotary device so that the power generator is rotated by the rotary device when the rotating device is rotated. [22] In addition, the wheel preferably further includes at least one clutch bearing integrally coupled with the power generator so that the power generator is rotated only in one direction. [23] Further, the wheel preferably further includes a flexible tire coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the rotary device. [24] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the rotary device for easy rolling of a wheel and a wheel for generating electricity using the rotary device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [25]

Brief Description of the Drawings [26] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary device according to the present invention;

[27] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;

[28] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a reciprocating means of the embodiment shown in Fig.

1;

[29] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of a reciprocating means adjacent to the reciprocating means of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 ; [30] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3;

[31] Figs. 6 to 10 are conceptual views illustrating the operation of the rotary device shown in Fig. 1 ; [32] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a wheel for generating electricity according to the present invention; and

[33] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11.

[34] [Explanation of Reference Numerals for Major Portions Shown in Drawings]

[35] 10: Disk 20: Reciprocating means

[36] 21: First reciprocating unit 22: First reciprocating shaft

[37] 22a, 32a: Rack gear 22b, 32b: Spring mount hole

[38] 24: First arm coupling body 31: Second reciprocating shaft

[39] 34: Second arm coupling body 41: Interconnecting unit

[40] 42: First pinion gear 43: Second pinion gear

[41] 44: Third pinion gear 25: First arm unit

[42] 26: First arm 28, 38: Bearing

[43] 35: Second arm unit 36: Second arm

[44] 29: First arm restoring spring 39: Second arm restoring spring

[45] 50: Restoring means 51: Stopper

[46] 53: First spring 55: Second spring

[47] 100: Rotary device 110: Clutch bearing

[48] 120: Power generator 130: Tire

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[49] First of all, a rotary device according to the present invention will be described.

[50] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary device according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Also, Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a reciprocating means of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In addition, Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a second reciprocating unit of a reciprocating means adjacent to a first reciprocating unit of the reciprocating means of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Further, Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[51] A rotary device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes disks 10, reciprocating means 20, restoring means 50 and sliding guides 60.

[52] The disk 10 is mounted to a wheel.

[53] Each reciprocating means 20 includes a first reciprocating unit 21, a second reciprocating unit 31, an interconnecting unit 41, a first arm unit 25, a second arm unit 35, a first arm restoring spring 29 and a second arm restoring spring 39.

[54] The first reciprocating unit 21 and the second reciprocating unit 31 are mounted to the disk 10 so that they are slidable in a radial direction. First, the first reciprocating unit 21 includes a first reciprocating shaft 22 and a first arm coupling body 24. The first reciprocating shaft 22 has one end 23 protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the disk 10, and a rack gear 22a is formed on one side of the first reciprocating shaft 22 along a radial direction of the disk 10. Also, a spring mount hole 22b is formed on the other end of the first reciprocating shaft 22 in the radial direction of the disk. The first arm coupling body 24 has one end coupled to the other end of the first reciprocating shaft 22 by a pin 46.

[55] In addition, the second reciprocating unit 31 is identical to the first reciprocating unit

21 in component and coupling relationship. That is, the second reciprocating unit 31 includes a second reciprocating shaft 32 and a second arm coupling body 34, and the second reciprocating shaft 32 is formed with a rack gear 32a and a spring mount hole 32b. Also, one end 33 of the second reciprocating shaft 32 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the disk 10.

[56] The interconnecting unit 41 serves to cause the first reciprocating unit 21 and the

second reciprocating unit 31 to slide in opposite directions to each other. To this end, the interconnecting unit 41 includes a first pinion gear 42, a second pinion gear 43 and a third pinion gear 44. The first pinion gear 42 is coupled to the rack gear 22a of the first reciprocating shaft 22, and the third pinion gear 44 is coupled to the rack gear 32a of the second reciprocating shaft 32. Also, the second pinion gear 43 is coupled to the first pinion gear 42 and the third pinion gear 44. Thus, if the first reciprocating shaft 22 is lifted up into the disk 10, the first pinion gear 42 and the third pinion gear 44 rotate in the same direction, and the second reciprocating shaft 32 moves downward out of the disk 10 by the third pinion gear 44. In this embodiment, gear teeth are removed from one side 44a of the third pinion gear 44 of the interconnecting unit 41. This is for the purpose of preventing the first reciprocating shaft 22 from moving downward in cooperation with the second reciprocating shaft 32 when the second reciprocating shaft 32 moves upward even though the second reciprocating shaft 32 moves downward in cooperation with the first reciprocating shaft 22 when the first reciprocating shaft 22 moves upward.

[57] The first arm unit 25 and the second arm unit 35 serve to rotate a clutch bearing 110 for generating electricity. To this end, the first arm unit 25 includes a first arm 26 and a bearing 28. One end of the first arm 26 is coupled to the other end of the first arm coupling body 24 by a pin 45 and a pin clip 47. Since the first arm 26 is coupled to the first arm coupling body 24 by the pin 45, the first arm 26 may pivot on the pin 45. At this time, the first arm 26 is coupled to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first reciprocating unit 21, and an anti-pivoting projection 26a is formed at one end of the first arm 26, so that the arm 26 can pivot within a predetermined angle. That is, if a load is applied to the first arm in a direction, in which the first arm 26 may pivot, as indicated by an arrow 71 in Fig. 3, the first arm 26 pivots on the pin 45. However, if a load is applied to the first arm in a direction, in which the first arm 26 cannot pivot, as indicated by an arrow 73 in Fig. 3, the first arm 26 is supported by the anti-pivoting projection 26a and thus does not pivot. Also, the bearing 28 is fixed to the other end of the first arm 26 by a pin 48 and a pin clip 49. In a case where the first reciprocating unit 21 is lifted up into the disk 10, the first arm unit 25 pushes and rotates the clutch bearing 110. Thus, the bearing 28 is fixed to the other end of the first arm 26 so as to minimize frictional force when the first arm unit 25 pushes and rotates the clutch bearing 110.

[58] The second arm unit 35 is identical to the first arm unit 25 in component and coupling relationship. That is, the second arm unit 35 includes a second arm 36 and a bearing 38, and an anti-pivoting projection 36a is formed at one end of the second arm 36.

[59] In a case where the first arm 26 pivots within a predetermined angle, the first arm

restoring spring 29 serves to restore the pivotal movement of the first arm 26. To this end, in this embodiment, one end of the first arm restoring spring 29 supports the first arm 26, and the other end thereof supports the first arm coupling body 24. Also, like the first arm restoring spring 29, the second arm restoring spring 39 serves to restore the pivotal movement of the second arm 36 when the second arm 36 pivots within a predetermined angle.

[60] A plurality of the reciprocating means 20 are mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the disk 10. In this case, the reciprocating means are mounted so that the first reciprocating unit 21 of one of the reciprocating means is connected to the second reciprocating unit 31 of adjacent another of the reciprocating means, as shown in Fig. 3. At this time, a sliding pad 37 is mounted to the second reciprocating unit 31 so that the first reciprocating unit 21 may smoothly slide with respect to the second reciprocating unit 31 of the adjacent reciprocating means. Although it is illustrated in this embodiment that the sliding pad 37 is installed to the second reciprocating unit 31, it may be mounted to the first reciprocating unit 21 according to an embodiment.

[61] Each restoring means 50 includes a stopper 51, a first spring 53 and a second spring

55. The stopper 51 is fixed to the disk 10, and the first reciprocating shaft 22 of the reciprocating means and the second reciprocating shaft 32 of the adjacent reciprocating means are inserted into the stopper 51. The first spring 53 is inserted into the spring mount hole 22b of the first reciprocating shaft 22 of the reciprocating means, and the second spring 55 is inserted into a spring mount hole 32b of the second reciprocating shaft 32 of the adjacent reciprocating means. Thus, one ends of the first spring 53 and the second spring 55 are respectively supported at ends of the spring mount holes 22b and 32b of the first and second reciprocating shafts 22 and 32, and the other ends of the first and second springs 53 and 55 are supported by the stopper 51. Thus, if the first reciprocating shaft 22 or the second reciprocating shaft 32 is lifted up into the disk 10, the first or second reciprocating shaft 22 or 32 is restored to its original location by the first or second spring 53 or 55.

[62] The sliding guide 60 serves to guide the first reciprocating unit 21 and the second reciprocating unit 31 so that they slide in the radial direction of the disk 10. To this end, a plurality of the sliding guides 60 are fixed along the outer peripheral surface of the disk 10. The first reciprocating unit 21 of the reciprocating means and the second reciprocating unit 31 of the adjacent reciprocating means are inserted into each sliding guide 60. Also, an O-ring 61 is mounted to the sliding guide 60 to thereby block air flowing between the sliding guide 60 and the first and second reciprocating units 21 and 31. The O-ring 61 is used for keeping an air pressure of a tire when the rotary device 100 is mounted to the tire, as described later.

[63] The operation of the rotary device shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Figs. 6 to 10 are

conceptual views showing the operation of the rotary device shown in Fig. 1. The operation of the rotary device will be explained together with the operation of the clutch bearing 110, which will be described below for convenience.

[64] Fig. 6 shows a state when the rotary device comes into contact with the ground. If the rotary device comes into contact with the ground as shown in Fig. 6, a first reciprocating unit 2 and a second reciprocating unit 3 move up due to the weight as shown in Fig. 7, and the clutch bearing 110 is rotated in a direction of an arrow 201 by the first and second arm units respectively coupled to the first and second reciprocating units 2 and 3. In a case where the first reciprocating unit 2 moves upward, a second reciprocating unit 1 moves downward by an interconnecting unit 11. However, gear teeth are removed from a pinion gear of an interconnecting unit 13 connected to a rack gear of the second reciprocating unit 3. Thus, although the second reciprocating unit 3 moves up, a first reciprocating unit 4 does not cooperate with the second reciprocating unit 3. If the rotary device moves forward in a direction of an arrow 200, the first reciprocating unit 4 and a second reciprocating unit 5 move upward due to the weight as shown in Fig. 8, thereby rotating the clutch bearing 110 in the direction of the arrow 201. If the first reciprocating unit 4 and the second reciprocating unit 5 move up, the second reciprocating unit 3 moves downward by the interconnecting unit 13, but a first reciprocating unit 6 does not move downward since teeth of a pinion gear of an interconnecting unit 15 are removed. Also, if the second reciprocating unit 3 moves downward, it comes into contact with the ground and pushes up the rotary device, thereby serve to help the rolling movement of the rotary device. If the rotary device continuously moves forward in the direction of the arrow 200, the first reciprocating unit 6 and a second reciprocating unit 7 that come into contact with an obstacle 8 move up as shown in Fig. 9. If the first reciprocating unit 6 moves up, the second reciprocating unit 5 moves down by the interconnecting unit 15, comes into contact with the round, and pushes up the rotary device. Thus, the second reciprocating unit 5 helps the rotary device to go over the obstacle 8. Thus, the rotary device can go over the obstacle with small power although the rotary meets the obstacle 8 as shown in Fig. 10. In addition, the rotary device makes the clutch bearing 110 rotate in one direction.

[65] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a wheel for generating electricity according to another aspect of the present invention will be explained.

[66] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a wheel for generating electricity according to the present invention, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12.

[67] The wheel for generating electricity, shown in Figs. 11 and 12, includes a plurality of rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105, a plurality of clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115, a power generator 120 and a tire 130. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and

12, the four rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105 are coupled to the wheel, but the number of the rotary devices may be changed according to an embodiment. The respective clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115 are mounted in the rotary devices

100, 101, 103 and 105 so as to be rotated by the rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105. That is, the clutch bearing 115 is rotated by the rotary device 101, the clutch bearing

113 is rotated by the rotary device 100, the clutch bearing 111 is rotated by the rotary device 103, and the clutch bearing 110 is rotated by the rotary device 105.

[68] The power generator 120 is integrally coupled to the clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115.

[69] Also, the tire 130 is mounted to outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary devices 100,

101, 103 and 105. Reference numerals 151 and 153 designate a sensor and a RST power line of the power generator, and reference numerals 141 and 143 designate disk plates for fixing the rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105.

[70] If the wheel to which the rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105 are mounted rolls, the clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115 rotate by reciprocating means of the rotary devices 100, 101, 103 and 105. Since the power generator 120 is integrally coupled with the clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115, the power generator 120 is rotated by the rotation of the clutch bearings 110, 111, 113 and 115, thereby generating electricity. Thus, in a case where the wheel is used for a car or motorcycle, the car or motorcycle may generate electricity while the wheel rolls. Industrial Applicability

[71] According to the present invention, there is provided a rotary device having reciprocating means sliding oppositely with respect to a radial direction using the weight, so that a wheel can roll with small power although it meets an obstacle.

[72] In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a power generator that is rotated by the rotary device during the rotation of the wheel, so that kinetic energy of the wheel can be converted into electric energy.

[73] The embodiments of the present invention described above and illustrated in the drawings should not be construed to limit the technical spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is only defined by the appended claims. It will be apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes thereto within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Therefore, the modifications and changes will be included in the scope of protection of the present invention as long as they are apparent to those skilled in the art.