Drive module for generating a rocking motion

Abstract

A swing drive module for driving a swinging motion of a swing body (4) which is suspended, characterized by a drive (6) having fastening means for attachment to the swing body, so that the drive (6) performs the swinging motion and is thus attached to the swing body, wherein the drive (6) displaces a weight by means of a control unit so that the swing body can be set into swinging motion, wherein the drive comprises a tubular housing in which the weight is movable back and forth, and the tubular housing preferably constitutes a supporting structure of the swing body, in particular as handholds or as a support.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive module for generating a rocking movement of a rocking body, in particular a swing, seesaw, or hammock for babies, children or adults, and in particular relates to a variably usable swing drive module with a compact design and associated control electronics, which enables fully automatic operation of such a rocking body. Background of the invention

[0002] The automatic operation of a swing or a swing body is useful when a swinging movement is to be created that does not have to be constantly kept going by a person sitting in the swing or by an outside person, thus effectively relieving the strain on these people.

[0003] The automatic operation of a swing or swing body is particularly useful for relaxation, such as at home in the living room, in the relaxation room of public facilities, hotels, or wellness centers, as well as in other places (including outdoors) where swings or swing bodies are anchored to a ceiling or attached to a stationary structure. Automatic operation of baby or children's swings is also conceivable, especially since small children are not yet able to swing independently. In such a use, it is also conceivable to acoustically monitor babies or children using the principle of a baby monitor and to control the swing motion based on the intensity of the baby's or child's crying.

[0004] Automatic operation of a baby or children's swing is particularly useful because toddlers up to about the age of 4 are unable to swing independently, and therefore a swing must always be operated by someone. Automatic operation can effectively relieve the burden on parents.

[0005] US Patent No. 4,150,820 A discloses a baby bouncer suspended from a support frame with a drive motor operating at the natural frequency of the physical pendulum formed by a baby seat. However, the drive arrangement cannot be adjusted or modified according to the baby's age.

[0006] US Patent No. 4,911,429 A discloses a drive assembly for a swing suspended from a horizontal pivot arm. A drive module with an L-shaped drive arm is provided on either side of the pivot arm. This drive module is coupled to a swing seat to drive its swinging motion. This swing assembly is also not versatile. The following publications also deal with the topic DE 20 2006 006 297 U1, DE 20 2009 010 031 U1, DE10 2008 017 858 A1, DE 297 09 262 U1, DE 198 56 039 A1, DE 198 48 962 A1, DE 102 23 777 A1, DE 29 27 166 A1, DE 20 40 878 A, US 2015 / 0 366 359 A1, DE 42 39 942 A1, DE 10 2009 053 792 A1, DE 201 15 637 U1, DE 25 14 071 A1, DE 23 26 002 A. The documents DE 201 156 37U1, US 2011 / 0 219 544 A1, DE 44 19 781 A1 and US 2012 / 0 071 253 A1 show conventional drives that do not follow the rocking movement but are fixed in a stationary position. All of these drives have in common the drive's location at the swing's attachment point. This point provides the pivot point with a joint where the suspension is located. The object of this invention is to provide an alternative drive. Overview of the invention:

[0007] The object is achieved on the basis of the features of the claims. The invention comprises a swing drive module for driving a swinging movement of a swing body that is suspended. The swing body usually comprises a seat or lying surface on which the person sits and with which the swinging movement is performed. The swing body is hinged to a pivot point by rods or ropes so that the swinging movement is guided. The swing body is usually arranged at the end of the rope or rods. The drive has fastening means for attachment to the swing body so that the drive also performs the swinging movement. The drive is therefore not arranged statically at the pivot point of the swing, but preferably swings in the area of ​​the swing body. The drive can also be structurally integrated into the swing body.The drive is designed in such a way that, with the help of a control system, a weight is shifted in such a way that the swing body is stimulated to swing.

[0008] The fastening devices can be integrated into the frame or can be attached using screws, clamps, straps, bolts, etc. The fastening devices can also be easily removable, allowing the drive or drive system to be removed for charging, for example. It is also conceivable to attach the drive system, including the control system, as a retrofit module to existing swings, seesaws, or similar devices.

[0009] One possible control design involves shifting the weight forward and backward, as well as left and right, relative to the swing body. In another embodiment, the weight can be shifted upward and downward relative to the swing body. Any combination of movements is conceivable. In principle, a self-excited system should be provided that, through parametric excitation by shifting the center of gravity, particularly by periodically shifting the center of gravity, generates a pendulum motion in which the weight is shifted accordingly.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the drive is a linear drive that moves a weight linearly. The drive can be a linear motor that performs a corresponding linear movement by appropriately designing and exciting the magnets. The weight is displaced along the linear motor at varying speeds.

[0011] Alternatively, the linear drive can also be designed with a threaded rod and a worm gear. This is then controlled by a suitable motor, preferably a stepper motor or servo motor. The speed and force / torque acting on the weight can be adjusted by adjusting the gear ratios.

[0012] Depending on the intensity of the swinging motion, the linear drive can be longer or shorter, and the weight can be heavier or lighter. The heavier the weight, the shorter the linear drive can be, but it must also be correspondingly more stable to transport the weight. Alternatively, the drive can be arranged over a longer distance, allowing the weight to be made smaller. However, this requires the drive to operate very quickly so that the weight can be shifted over this long distance at any time.

[0013] With a horizontal linear drive arrangement, the weight is always shifted in the opposite direction when the swing body reaches its dead center. The dead center represents the end of the swinging motion before the movement reverses. Thus, at the point of greatest deceleration and lowest speed, the weight should be shifted as quickly as possible in the opposite direction. The center of the drive is preferably located at the center of gravity of the swing body, so that shifting the weight from the center of the drive also effectively shifts the center of gravity.

[0014] If the drive is designed to shift the weight from top to bottom, the weight should be moved as high as possible at both dead centers and downwards at the center of the movement. This means that when the dead center is reached, the weight should be extended, and when the speed is at its highest and acceleration is at its lowest, the weight should be lowered, and then moved back up at the second dead center.

[0015] In order to optimally perform these movements, the controller receives electrical information from one or more of the following sensors: acceleration sensor, speed sensor, centrifugal force sensor, angle sensors / tilt sensor, position sensors.

[0016] The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor measures the acceleration during the swinging motion. The sensor is integrated into the swing body. Typically, the acceleration is at its lowest when the swing is at its apex. The apex is the point at which the swing is at its lowest point. At this time, the swing has its highest speed, but the acceleration is zero. The highest acceleration occurs at the two end points or dead centers of the swinging motion. Here, the acceleration is positive and negative respectively. A speed sensor can also be used accordingly. This can be arranged in the joint of the swing. It is also conceivable to measure the distance and speed to the ground using an optical sensor, so that both the angle and the speed and acceleration can be derived from this. The optical sensor can detect information from a laser, IR, or LED.A camera can also be included, similar to an optical mouse, which detects changes on the surface illuminated by a laser, IR, or LED. Alternatively, load / pressure sensors can be installed in the ropes to detect the pressure exerted on the ropes in different forms during swinging. A combination of different sensors, as described above, is conceivable.

[0017] Based on these sensors, which are read by the controller, a parametric excitation can be achieved by shifting the center of gravity using the drive. In particular, a horizontal or vertical change in the center of gravity by shifting the weight using the drive can induce a rocking motion. This can be achieved, in particular, by periodically raising and lowering the center of gravity, with the weight shifted accordingly.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the control is centrally mounted, preventing any rocking motion. The control is connected to the drive via radio or cable. The control is preferably located near the joint or even remotely.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, however, the control system is designed to swing along with the swing. This means that it is located in the area of ​​the drive or at least in the swing body, which eliminates the need for radio transmission and thus avoids potential electromagnetic interference.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the controller is designed to provide selection means that allow a selection of swing programs. This is preferably an interactive menu or a human-machine interface that allows the swing speed and amplitude to be adjusted. Time programs that enable automatic shutdown or variation of the swing speed are also conceivable. It is also conceivable that a connection to the controller is established via a mobile device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to influence the drive.

[0021] One possible embodiment also includes sensors that detect the state of the person in the swing. If, for example, a child is crying or moving vigorously, the swing will continue to swing. If it is detected that the person in the swing is sleeping, the swing can be slowed down or even turned off. Motion sensors are conceivable for this purpose. A connection to a heart rate sensor is also possible. An infrared sensor can also be used to detect whether a person is in the swing.

[0022] In this embodiment, the drive comprises a tubular housing in which the weight can be moved back and forth. Within this housing is the linear drive, which transports the weight over a linear distance.

[0023] In this embodiment, the tubular housing preferably serves as a supporting structure for the swing body. Thus, the tubular housing can form part of the frame. Alternatively, the tubular housing can be designed as a handle that extends horizontally along the side of the swing body.

[0024] It's also conceivable that the tubular housing represents part of the vertical cable structure / supporting struts from which the swing body is suspended. In this case, the weight moves up and down within the housing.

[0025] These arrangement options allow the swing drive module to be positioned both vertically and horizontally.

[0026] In a further embodiment, two or more drives are preferably provided, located to the right and left of / on the swing body. The control system is designed so that the two drives are synchronized. Using a rotation sensor that detects the swing body's inherent rotation / rolling motion, the control system will activate the two drives in such a way that the rolling motion of the swing body is absorbed. In this case, the two drives are activated asynchronously or with a time delay to dampen or compensate for the rotation.

[0027] In another embodiment, a battery is integrated into the swing body, allowing the battery to swing with the swing. In one possible embodiment, the batteries can be the weight itself and thus move back and forth while providing power. The batteries can be lithium batteries or other rechargeable technologies. Inductive charging is possible, so there is no direct contact.

[0028] A power supply via cables in / or on the ropes is also conceivable. Furthermore, in the case of a garden swing, for example, power can also be supplied directly by solar cells.

[0029] Another part of the invention is a swing comprising a swing drive module according to the above embodiments.

[0030] The figures are described below. They represent a possible embodiment but are not to be considered limiting. Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of the swing with the linear drives arranged horizontally on the sides; Fig. 2 describes the procedure by which the linear drives are controlled with the weights.

[0031] Description of a possible embodiment: The Fig.1 shows a stand 1, which can be designed in the form of a free-standing stand or a ceiling. This stand has suspensions 2 or pivot points to which the swing, including the swing body 4, is attached via cables 3. Rods can also be used instead of the cables. It is also possible to use a seated arrangement instead of a horizontal arrangement of the swing. The swing body has horizontally arranged swing drive modules 5 on its right and left edges, which can also be used as a structural element. In an alternative embodiment not shown, these linear drives can also be arranged vertically. The swing drive modules comprise a drive, e.g., in the form of a linear motor 6, which moves a weight 8 back and forth. This results in a linear movement of the weight. The weight is attached to a shaft 7.This linear movement leads to a shift in the center of gravity and thus to a pendulum movement.

[0032] In the present invention, a control unit 9 is arranged separately from the linear drive and is connected to motion sensors 10, which are arranged laterally to the right and left of the swing body. Furthermore, the control unit is also connected to the linear motor 6. Based on this information, a weight shift is then performed using the linear motor, initiating a rocking motion.

[0033] The controller has a user interface, which can be integrated into the control unit, for example. The rocking can be started via this user interface. When the system is switched on, the sensors are queried, and the vibration strength and direction are recorded using the sensors. Based on the measured values ​​from the sensors, the motor control / voltage for the linear motors is calculated and timed to change the position of the weight on the linear motor shaft. This can also be a stepper motor controller that outputs pulses to control the motors step by step. This is a continuous process that queries the sensors in the high-resolution millisecond range and controls the linear motor so that the weight performs a corresponding gliding movement without any major shocks or jerks.The user should not noticeably perceive the movements of the weight; in particular, the braking and reversal of the movement of the weight should be controlled smoothly and glidingly, and as far as possible without acoustic perception. List of names: 1 stand 2 suspensions 3 ropes 4 swing bodies 5 Swing drive module 6 Drive, e.g. linear motor 7 Wave 8 Weight 9 Control unit 10 Motion sensor

Claims

[1] Swing drive module for driving a swinging movement of a swing body (4) which is suspended, characterized by a drive (6) which has fastening means for fastening to the swing body, so that the drive (6) carries out the rocking movement and is thus fastened to the swing body, wherein the drive (6) displaces a weight with the aid of a control system such that the swing body can be excited to rock, wherein the drive comprises a tubular housing in which the weight can be moved back and forth, and the tubular housing preferably represents a supporting structure of the swing body, in particular as handles or as supports [2] Swing drive module according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the drive is a linear drive that moves a weight linearly. [3] Swing drive module according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the drive is a linear motor. [4] Swing drive module according to claim 2, characterized by that the linear drive is designed with a worm gear drive and a threaded spindle. [5] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the controller receives electrical information from one or more of the following sensors: acceleration sensor, speed sensor, centrifugal force sensor, angle sensors / tilt sensor, position sensor. [6] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control is designed to generate a parametric excitation by shifting the center of gravity, in particular by periodically raising and lowering or horizontally shifting the center of gravity by shifting the weight accordingly. [7] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control is centrally fixed without rocking or that the control is designed to rock. [8] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control is designed to provide selection means that allow a selection of swing programs or are continuously adjustable. [9] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a vertical or horizontal arrangement. [10] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that there are two drives that are coordinated with each other. [11] Swing drive module according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the control system controls the two drives in such a way that rolling movements of the swing body are absorbed. [12] Swing drive module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a battery which is integrated in the swing body, so that the battery swings along. [13] Swing drive module according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a power supply is provided via cables in the ropes (3) [14] Swing comprising a swing drive module according to the preceding claims.

Images