Rim device capable of generating electricity

Abstract

A rim device capable of generating electricity comprises a rim body, an electricity generating mechanism, a covering mechanism and a circuit mechanism. A center groove is formed in the center disc face of the rim body in a concave mode. The power generation mechanism is embedded in the center groove and can be driven by the rim body to rotate and generate power. The covering mechanism covers and shields the power generation mechanism and is installed on the center disc face, and the covering mechanism is provided with a ventilation channel structure which is annularly distributed along the periphery of the covering mechanism and communicates with the outside and the center groove. The circuit mechanism can convert alternating current generated by the power generation mechanism into direct current. Through the structural design of the ventilation channel structure of the covering mechanism installed on the rim body, in the power generation process that the power generation mechanism is driven by the rim body to rotate, heat energy generated by the power generation mechanism can be effectively dissipated, and the situation that the power generation mechanism is overheated can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel rim, and in particular to a wheel rim device capable of generating electricity. Background Art

[0002] Energy conservation and carbon reduction are policies strongly promoted by countries around the world. In addition to achieving carbon reduction through energy conservation and using natural energy to generate electricity, another key development area is how to convert the kinetic energy of moving objects into electrical energy for recycling. For example, during vehicle driving, the rotational kinetic energy of the wheels is converted into electrical energy for recycling.

[0003] Currently, some manufacturers have installed generators on wheels that can convert rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy. However, the current design does not consider the problem of dissipating the heat generated during the energy conversion of the generator, which poses a risk of overheating at the center of the wheel rim. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a power generation device capable of converting the rotational kinetic energy of a rotating object into electrical energy for reuse.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wheel rim device capable of generating electricity that can improve at least one drawback of the prior art.

[0006] The wheel rim device capable of generating electricity of the present invention includes a wheel rim body, a power generation mechanism and a covering mechanism installed on the wheel rim body, and a circuit mechanism installed on the covering mechanism and electrically connected to the power generation mechanism.

[0007] The wheel rim body has a central disk surface and a central groove recessed in the central disk surface. The power generation mechanism is embedded in the central groove and can be driven by the wheel rim body to rotate and generate electricity. The covering mechanism is installed on the central disk surface of the wheel rim body, covers and shields the power generation mechanism, and has a breathable channel structure that is annularly distributed along its circumference and communicates the outside with the central groove. The circuit mechanism can be used to convert the alternating current generated by the power generation mechanism into direct current.

[0008] In the wheel rim device capable of generating electricity of the present invention, the covering mechanism includes an annular ring seat unit coaxially and fixedly installed on the central disk surface along the axis, and a decorative cover installed on the ring seat unit. The ring seat unit surrounds and defines an inner ring space communicating with the central groove, and internally defines an installation space for installing the circuit mechanism. The decorative cover shields the inner ring space, and the breathable channel structure is arranged between the decorative cover and the ring seat unit and is distributed along the circumference of the decorative cover to communicate the outside with the inner ring space.

[0009] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the air permeation channel structure has an annular outer ring channel extending along the periphery of the decorative cover and communicating with the outside, and a plurality of air permeation grooves spaced apart around the axis and communicating the outer ring channel with the inner ring space.

[0010] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the decorative cover includes a plate body coaxially mounted on the ring seat unit along the axis and shielding the inner ring space, and a plurality of fins spaced apart around the axis and protruding from the plate body towards the ring seat unit in the axial direction. The outer ring channel is between the outer periphery of the plate body and the ring seat unit, and the air permeation grooves are respectively between adjacent sides of the fins.

[0011] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the ring seat unit includes an annular inner ring seat fixedly mounted on the rim body, and an outer ring seat fixedly mounted on the inner ring seat. The outer ring seat has an outer ring body portion that cooperates with the inner ring seat to define the installation space and the inner ring space, and an annular installation wall portion protruding from the inner peripheral edge of the outer ring body portion into the inner ring space. The decorative cover is embedded in the inner ring space and abuts against the installation wall portion.

[0012] In the rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, the length of each fin protruding towards the installation wall portion gradually increases from the outer peripheral edge to the inner peripheral edge of the plate body.

[0013] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the covering mechanism includes an annular ring seat unit coaxially mounted and fixed on the central disk surface along the axis, and a decorative cover mounted on the ring seat unit. The ring seat unit internally defines an installation space for installing the circuit mechanism, and surrounds and defines an inner ring space communicating with the central groove. The air permeation channel structure is distributed along the periphery of the ring seat unit and radially communicates the outside with the inner ring space. The decorative cover shields the inner ring space.

[0014] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the ring seat unit includes an annular inner ring seat fixedly mounted on the rim body, and an outer ring seat fixedly mounted on the inner ring seat and cooperating with the inner ring seat to define the installation space and the inner ring space. The inner ring seat has an annular inner ring side surface facing the central disk surface of the rim body. The air permeation channel structure has a plurality of air permeation grooves recessed at intervals around the axis on the inner ring side surface and extending from the outer peripheral edge to the inner peripheral edge of the inner ring side surface.

[0015] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the ring base unit includes an inner ring base installed on the annular inner ring of the rim body, and an outer ring base installed and fixed on the inner ring base. The inner ring base has an inner ring body portion that cooperates with the outer ring base to define the installation space and the inner ring space, and a plurality of fin portions spaced apart around the axis. The inner ring body portion has an inner ring side facing the central disk surface, and the fin portions protrude from the inner ring side towards the central disk surface. The ventilation channel structure has a plurality of ventilation grooves respectively located between the opposite sides of the fin portions and communicating the outside with the inner ring space.

[0016] The rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention, wherein the rim body includes an inner frame portion defining the central disk surface and the central groove, an outer frame portion spaced around the outer peripheral side of the inner frame portion, and a plurality of spoke portions arranged along the circumference of the inner frame portion and connected between the opposite circumferential sides of the inner frame portion and the outer frame portion. The inner frame portion further has a plurality of communication channels recessed in the central disk surface and extending radially outward from the central groove to the spoke portions respectively, and each spoke portion is recessed with a receiving groove communicating with the corresponding communication channel.

[0017] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that through the structural design of the ventilation channel structure of the covering mechanism installed on the rim body, during the power generation process in which the power generation mechanism is driven to rotate by the rim body, the heat generated by the power generation mechanism can be effectively dissipated, and the situation of overheating of the power generation mechanism can be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a first embodiment of the rim device capable of generating electricity according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is an incomplete exploded perspective view showing the structure of the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 is an incomplete side sectional view showing the structure of the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partial enlarged view of;

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of a decorative cover of the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 is an incomplete front view showing a ventilation channel structure of the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7It is an incomplete exploded perspective view showing the structure of a second embodiment of the rim device of the present invention capable of generating electricity;

[0025] Figure 8 It is an incomplete side sectional view showing the structure of this second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9 It is an incomplete exploded perspective view showing the structure of a third embodiment of the rim device of the present invention capable of generating electricity; and

[0027] Figure 10 It is an incomplete side sectional view showing the structure of this third embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that in the following description, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0029] Refer to Figure 1 、 2 A first embodiment of the rim device 200 of the present invention capable of generating electricity is suitable for mounting a tire to form a wheel and can be used for mounting on a wheel axle (not shown) of a vehicle. The rim device 200 includes a rim body 3 for mounting and fixing on the wheel axle, a power generation mechanism 4 coaxially mounted on the rim body 3, a covering mechanism 5 mounted on the rim body 3 and covering the power generation mechanism 4, a circuit mechanism 6 mounted in the covering mechanism 5 and electrically connected to the power generation mechanism 4, and a plurality of decorative plates 7 provided on the rim body 3.

[0030] The rim body 3 has an inner frame portion 31, an outer frame portion 32 coaxially and radially spaced around the outer peripheral side of the inner frame portion 31, and a plurality of spoke portions 33 connecting between the opposite circumferential sides of the inner frame portion 31 and the outer frame portion 32 and spaced apart around an axis 30.

[0031] The inner frame portion 31 has an outward-facing central disk surface 310 and has a central groove 311 recessed in the central disk surface 310 along the axis 30, a plurality of locking holes 312 recessed in the central disk surface 310 and spaced apart around the axis 30 on the outer peripheral side of the central groove 311, and a plurality of communication channels 313 recessed in the central disk surface 310 and extending radially outward from the central groove 311 to the respective spoke portions 33. Each locking hole 312 is adapted to receive a bolt (not shown) for locking to the wheel axle. The communication channels 313 respectively extend through the locking holes 312.

[0032] On the outer side surface of each spoke portion 33, a receiving groove 331 communicating with the corresponding communication channel 313 is concavely provided. Each receiving groove 331 can be used to receive electronic components such as LED lights (not shown in the figure) or a energy storage device (shown in the figure). The decorative plates 7 are respectively installed on the spoke portions 33 and respectively cover and shield the receiving grooves 331.

[0033] Since there are many structural types of the spoke portions 33 of the rim body 3, and the icon style of the present invention is only for illustration, during implementation, the spoke portions 33 are not limited to the icon style.

[0034] Refer to Figure 2 、 3 、4, the power generation mechanism 4 is embedded and fixed in the central groove 311 and can be driven by the rim body 3 to rotate for power generation. Since the power generation mechanism 4 is not the focus of the creation of the present invention, it will not be described in detail herein.

[0035] The covering mechanism 5 includes an annular seat unit 51 coaxially installed and fixed on the central disk surface 310 along the axis 30, and a decorative cover 54 coaxially installed and fixed on the inner peripheral side of the seat unit 51. An annular installation space 510 is defined inside the seat unit 51, and an inner ring space 511 located on its inner peripheral side and communicating with the central groove 311 is defined around. The decorative cover 54 covers and shields the inner ring space 511. The covering mechanism 5 also has a ventilation channel structure 55 provided between the seat unit 51 and the decorative cover 54 and communicating the outside with the inner ring space 511.

[0036] The seat unit 51 includes an annular inner seat 52 coaxially installed and fixed on the central disk surface 310, and an annular outer seat 53 coaxially installed and fixed on the inner seat 52. The outer seat 53 has an outer ring body portion 531 installed on the inner seat 52 and cooperating with the inner seat 52 to define the installation space 510 and the inner ring space 511, and an annular installation wall portion 532 radially protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring body portion 531 into the inner ring space 511. In this embodiment, the inner seat 52 is inserted and buckled to the rim body 3 through a plurality of buckle portions 520 spaced around the axis 30. However, during implementation, the installation and fixation method of the inner seat 52 on the rim body 3 is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be fixed by bolt screwing.

[0037] Refer to Figure 3 、 4, 5. The decorative cover 54 includes a plate body 541 installed and fixed in the inner ring space 511 at a radial interval from the outer ring body portion 531, and a plurality of fins 543 protruding from the plate body 541 toward the mounting wall portion 532 at intervals around the axis 30. The length of each fin 543 protruding toward the mounting wall portion 532 gradually increases radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the plate body 541, and abuts against the mounting wall portion 532 at its maximum protruding length.

[0038] In this first embodiment, the plate body 541 has a plurality of fastening portions 542 distributed at intervals around the axis 30, and is installed and fixed to the outer ring seat 53 in such a way that the fastening portions 542 penetrate and fasten to the mounting wall portion 532 along the direction of the axis 30. However, in implementation, there are many ways to install and fix the plate body 541 to the outer ring seat 53, not limited to the above method. For example, it can also be fixed by bolting.

[0039] Refer to Figure 4 , 5 , 6. The breathable channel structure 55 has an annular outer ring channel 551 disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the plate body 541 and the outer ring body portion 531 and communicating with the outside, and a plurality of breathable grooves 552 disposed between the opposite sides of the fins 543 and communicating the outer ring channel 551 with the inner ring space 511. The breathable grooves 552 communicate with the central groove 311 through the inner ring space 511.

[0040] The circuit mechanism 6 is installed in the installation space 510 and can be used to convert the alternating current generated by the power generation mechanism 4 into direct current. In implementation, the circuit mechanism 6 can be electrically connected to the electronic components installed in the accommodation groove 331 for directly supplying power to drive the electronic components. For example, but not limited to, for supplying power to drive a tire pressure detector or a lighting component, etc. In implementation, the circuit mechanism 6 can also be electrically connected to the energy storage module installed in the accommodation groove 331 so that the circuit mechanism 6 stores the generated electrical energy in the energy storage module.

[0041] Refer to Figure 2 , 3 , 6. When the wheel rim device 200 of the present invention is used to make a wheel and installed on a vehicle, during the driving process of being driven to rotate, the wheel rim body 3 will drive the power generation mechanism 4 to rotate synchronously, so that the power generation mechanism 4 rotates to generate electricity. At the same time, since the breathable channel structure 55 communicates the outside with the inner ring space 511, the outside air can be introduced into the inner ring space 511 through the breathable channel structure 55, and the heat energy dissipated by the power generation mechanism 4 in the inner ring space 511 can be dissipated. In addition, part of the airflow entering the central groove 311 and the inner ring space 511 will also be dispersed into the accommodation groove 331 of the spoke portion 33 through the communication groove 313, which also helps with heat dissipation.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fin 543 is designed to extend in an arc shape from the outer peripheral edge of the plate body 541 towards the inner peripheral edge. However, in actual implementation, in another embodiment of the present invention, the fin 543 can also be designed to extend radially straight.

[0043] Refer to Figure 7 、 8 A second embodiment of the rim device 200 capable of generating electricity according to the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the structural design of the covering mechanism 5. For the convenience of description, only the differences of the embodiments will be described below.

[0044] In this second embodiment, the covering mechanism 5 includes the ring seat unit 51 and the decorative cover 54, and has the air permeable channel structure 55.

[0045] The ring seat unit 51 includes the inner ring seat 52 fixed to the central disk surface 310, and the outer ring seat 53 installed on the inner ring seat 52. The decorative cover 54 is not provided with the fins, and the decorative cover 54 is stacked and fixed to the mounting wall portion 532 of the outer ring seat 53 to cover the inner ring space 511.

[0046] The inner ring seat 52 has an annular inner ring body portion 521 installed on the inner frame portion 31 and having an inner ring side surface 522 facing the central disk surface 310, and a plurality of fin portions 523 extending from the inner ring side surface 522 towards the central disk surface 310 at intervals around the axis 30. Each fin portion 523 abuts against the central disk surface 310 and extends from the outer peripheral edge to the inner peripheral edge of the inner ring body portion 521.

[0047] The air permeable channel structure 55 has a plurality of air permeable grooves 552 respectively located between the opposite sides of the fin portions 523, communicating the outside with the inner ring space 511. The air permeable grooves 552 will communicate with the central groove 311 through the inner ring space 511, and some of the air permeable grooves 552 communicate with the communication grooves 313.

[0048] During the process of the rim device 200 capable of generating electricity according to the present invention being driven to rotate and generate electricity, the heat generated by the power generation mechanism 4 can also be assisted in dissipating through the structural design of the air permeable grooves 552 of the air permeable channel structure 55, and the communication grooves 313 connecting the air permeable grooves 552 and the inner ring space 511 can also be used to assist in heat dissipation.

[0049] Refer to Figure 9 、 10 A third embodiment of the rim device 200 capable of generating electricity according to the present invention differs from the second embodiment in the structural design of the inner ring seat 52 and the air permeable channel structure 55.

[0050] In this third embodiment, the fin portion is not provided on the inner ring seat 52, and the inner ring side surface 522 of the inner ring body portion 521 abuts against the central disk surface 310.

[0051] The ventilation channel structure 55 has a plurality of ventilation grooves 552 that are spaced apart around the axis 30 and are recessed in the inner ring side surface 522 of the inner ring body portion 521. Each ventilation groove 552 extends from the outer peripheral edge to the inner peripheral edge of the inner ring body portion 521 to communicate the outside with the inner ring space 511, and some of the ventilation grooves 552 communicate with the communication groove 313.

[0052] Through the structural design of the ventilation grooves 552 of the ventilation channel structure 55, it can also be used to dissipate the heat energy generated by the operation of the power generation mechanism 4.

[0053] It must be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiments, during implementation, it is not necessary for the rim body 3 to be provided with the communication groove 313 and the accommodation groove 331, and when the accommodation groove 331 is not provided, the decorative plate 7 is not necessary either.

[0054] In summary, through the structural design of the ventilation channel structure 55 of the covering mechanism 5 installed on the rim body 3, during the power generation process in which the power generation mechanism 4 is driven to rotate by the rim body 3, the heat energy generated by the power generation mechanism 4 can be effectively dissipated, and the situation of overheating of the power generation mechanism 4 can be avoided. Therefore, the rim device 200 of the present invention is indeed a quite innovative, convenient and practical creation, and can indeed achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0055] The above are only the embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of implementation of the present invention cannot be limited thereby. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and the content of the specification of the present invention still belong to the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rim device capable of generating electricity, comprising a rim body, the rim body having a central disk surface and having a central groove recessed in the central disk surface, characterized in that: The rim device further includes a power generation mechanism, a covering mechanism, and a circuit mechanism. The power generation mechanism is embedded in the central groove and can be driven by the rim body to rotate and generate electricity. The covering mechanism is installed on the central disk surface of the rim body to cover and shield the power generation mechanism, and has a ventilation channel structure that is annularly distributed along its circumference and communicates the outside with the central groove. The circuit mechanism is installed in the covering mechanism and electrically connected to the power generation mechanism, and can be used to convert the alternating current generated by the power generation mechanism into direct current.

2. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 1, wherein: The covering mechanism includes an annular seat unit coaxially installed and fixed on the central disk surface along the axis, and a decorative cover installed on the seat unit. The seat unit surrounds and defines an inner ring space communicating with the central groove, and internally defines an installation space for installing the circuit mechanism. The decorative cover shields the inner ring space. The ventilation channel structure is arranged between the decorative cover and the seat unit and is distributed along the circumference of the decorative cover to communicate the outside with the inner ring space.

3. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 2, wherein: The ventilation channel structure has an annular outer ring channel extending along the circumference of the decorative cover and communicating with the outside, and a plurality of ventilation grooves spaced apart around the axis and communicating the outer ring channel with the inner ring space.

4. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 3, characterized in that: The decorative cover includes a plate body coaxially installed on the seat unit along the axis and shielding the inner ring space, and a plurality of fins spaced apart around the axis and protruding from the plate body towards the seat unit in the axial direction. The outer ring channel is between the outer circumference of the plate body and the seat unit, and the ventilation grooves are respectively between adjacent sides of the fins.

5. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 4, characterized in that: The seat unit includes an annular inner seat installed and fixed on the rim body, and an outer seat installed and fixed on the inner seat. The outer seat has an outer ring body portion that cooperates with the inner seat to define the installation space and the inner ring space, and an annular installation wall portion protruding from the inner circumference of the outer ring body portion into the inner ring space. The decorative cover is embedded in the inner ring space and abuts against the installation wall portion.

6. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 5, characterized in that: The length of each fin protruding towards the installation wall portion gradually increases from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the plate body.

7. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 1, wherein: The covering mechanism includes an annular seat unit coaxially installed and fixed on the central disk surface along the axis, and a decorative cover installed on the seat unit. The seat unit internally defines an installation space for installing the circuit mechanism and surrounds and defines an inner ring space communicating with the central groove. The ventilation channel structure is distributed along the circumference of the seat unit and radially communicates the outside with the inner ring space. The decorative cover shields the inner ring space.

8. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 7, wherein: The seat unit includes an annular inner seat installed and fixed on the rim body, and an outer seat installed and fixed on the inner seat and cooperating with the inner seat to define the installation space and the inner ring space. The inner seat has an annular inner ring side facing the central disk surface of the rim body. The ventilation channel structure has a plurality of ventilation grooves recessed around the axis and extending from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the inner ring side.

9. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ring seat unit includes an inner ring seat installed on the annular rim body and an outer ring seat installed and fixed on the inner ring seat. The inner ring seat has an inner ring body portion that cooperates with the outer ring seat to define the installation space and the inner ring space, and a plurality of fin portions spaced apart around the axis. The inner ring body portion has an inner ring side surface facing the central disk surface, and the fin portions protrude from the inner ring side surface toward the central disk surface. The ventilation channel structure has a plurality of ventilation grooves respectively located between the opposite sides of the fin portions and communicating the outside with the inner ring space.

10. The rim device capable of generating electricity according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The rim body includes an inner frame portion that defines the central disk surface and the central groove, an outer frame portion spaced around the outer peripheral side of the inner frame portion, and a plurality of spoke portions arranged along the peripheral edge of the inner frame portion and connected between the opposite peripheral sides of the inner frame portion and the outer frame portion. The inner frame portion further has a plurality of connecting grooves recessed in the central disk surface and respectively extending radially outward from the central groove to the spoke portions, and each spoke portion is recessed with a receiving groove communicating with the corresponding connecting groove.

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