Energy recovery device for sports equipment including a pulley

Abstract

Title: Energy Recovery Device for a Sports Machine Comprising a Pulley The invention relates to an energy recovery device (200) intended to be coupled to a machine (100), the device (200) comprising: - a frame; - a wheel mounted for rotation on the frame (210); and - an electric power generator, characterized in that the frame comprises: - a first part; - a second part carrying the wheel and the power generator; - means for adjusting the orientation of the first part relative to the second part. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Energy recovery device for a sports machine comprising a pulley Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of sports equipment.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to an energy recovery device for a sports machine comprising a pulley. State of the art

[0003] Sports machines allow practitioners to carry out physical activity in order to stimulate one or more parts of their body.

[0004] Traditionally, sports machines are available in gyms.

[0005] In recent years, ecology has become an important selling point that attracts consumers, and gyms are no exception.

[0006] Indeed, some gyms are banking on ecology to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

[0007] For this, particular emphasis is placed on equipment and in particular on sports machines.

[0008] More specifically, gyms highlight the fact that sports machines are less energy-intensive and / or that they allow energy to be created, in particular for the power supply of the gym or for recharging mobile devices owned by users.

[0009] In this respect, we can cite bicycles which have a flywheel used to drive an electric current generator. This type of machine is also used in train station and airport halls to allow travelers to recharge their mobile devices while practicing physical exercise for a few minutes.

[0010] However, not all sports machines are used for the production of electrical energy.

[0011] This is particularly the case for sports machines which include a pulley for guiding a cable operated by the user of the machine to lift weights.

[0012] In these machines, weights are secured to a first end of the cable and a gripping member is secured to a second end of the cable.

[0013] By exerting a traction force on the gripping member, the user, thanks to the pulley which forms an angle transmission, lifts the weights.

[0014] As an alternative to the weights, a conventionally deformable return member can be used.

[0015] When the user exerts a tensile force on the gripping member, the cable causes the pulley to rotate around an axis of rotation.

[0016] Certain machines have also been developed to recover the energy provided by the rotation of the pulleys.

[0017] These machines use technologies based on the operation of dynamos.

[0018] The energy recovery devices are then integrated directly onto a chassis of the sports machine and have an output allowing the storage of electrical energy produced in a battery for example.

[0019] However, it has been found that sports machines have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

[0020] In other words, gym owners renew their machines on average every 15 years.

[0021] Therefore, in most current sports halls, the sports machines do not have energy recovery devices and their replacement is not expected for many years.

[0022] There is then a need to adapt energy recovery devices to current sports machines.

[0023] Devices have already been designed to enable energy recovery from rotating elements.

[0024] By way of example, the patent document published under number CN113483079 describes an energy recovery device intended to be installed on a crane.

[0025] This device comprises a wheel intended to cooperate with a pulley of the crane, the pulley being driven in rotation by a cable allowing the movement of loads.

[0026] Such a device has certain drawbacks.

[0027] Firstly, this device has a large size which does not allow it to be adapted to different machines, in particular to different sports machines.

[0028] Indeed, in sports halls the machines are often positioned next to each other which limits the space available for the installation of an energy recovery device.

[0029] Second, the cooperation of the device wheel with the pulley may prevent the proper rotation of the pulley.

[0030] This is explained in particular by the fact that if the energy recovery device becomes blocked, then it acts as a brake on the rotation of the pulley.

[0031] In the case of a sports machine, the blocking of the pulley makes the sports machine unusable. In addition, if the pulley suddenly blocks, this can cause injury to the user.

[0032] Finally, since sports machines vary from one manufacturer to another, as many devices would be needed as there are different machines.

[0033] In other words, the device described in the patent document published under number CN113483079 would have to be redesigned for each machine, or at least for each machine manufacturer. Objectives of the invention

[0034] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0035] More specifically, the invention aims to propose an energy recovery device which can be adapted to different sports machines in a simple and rapid manner.

[0036] The invention also aims to provide such an energy recovery device which is compact while offering significant energy production.

[0037] The invention further aims to provide such a device which is simple to manufacture and install. Statement of the invention

[0038] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject an energy recovery device intended to be coupled to a sports machine comprising a pulley driven in rotation around a rod by a cable, the device comprising: - a frame intended to be fixed to the machine; - a wheel mounted for rotation on the chassis and intended to be driven in rotation by the machine cable, and - an electrical energy generator secured to the chassis and coupled to the wheel, characterized in that the chassis comprises: - a first part for securing to a machine, having a first articulation by which the first part is intended to be fixed to the rod to allow at least one rotation of the chassis along a main axis parallel to the rod; - a second part carrying the wheel and the energy generator, connected to the first part by a second articulation to allow at least one rotation of the second part relative to the first part along an axis of rotation transverse to the main axis, - means for adjusting an orientation of the first part relative to the second part.

[0039] Thanks to the first articulation and the second articulation, the device can be adapted and installed on any machine or almost.

[0040] In fact, the first articulation and the second articulation make it possible to position the wheel precisely in relation to the cable so as to ensure its drive.

[0041] According to an advantageous aspect, the first articulation has a pivot defined by a hole made in the first part of the chassis.

[0042] Such a definition of the first articulation makes it possible to carry out the rotation of the chassis relative to the rod, that is to say relative to the main axis, in a simple manner.

[0043] According to another advantageous aspect, the first articulation also comprises a spacer for adapting the hole to a diameter of the rod, the device also comprising means for clamping the first part on the rod.

[0044] Such a spacer makes it possible to further improve the adaptability of the device with respect to different machines.

[0045] According to another advantageous aspect, the spacer is removably mounted relative to the hole.

[0046] By changing the spacer it is possible to keep a device when replacing a machine.

[0047] In other words, this makes it possible to further limit the ecological impact of the device.

[0048] According to another advantageous aspect, the first part of the chassis includes: - a first portion and a second portion mounted in translation relative to each other along a translation axis transverse to the main axis and to the rotation axis, - means for locking the second portion in translation relative to the first portion.

[0049] The translation of the first portion relative to the second portion makes it possible to position the wheel as close as possible to the cable to promote its drive and therefore the production of energy.

[0050] Furthermore, this offers great adaptability to the device since the size of the device can be adapted to meet the configuration of the machine and in particular the space available for integrating the device.

[0051] According to another advantageous aspect, the locking means comprise a groove made on the second portion and a pin having a threaded portion intended to pass through the groove of the second portion to be screwed into a thread made in the first portion, the screwing of the pin into the thread causing the translational locking of the first portion relative to the second portion.

[0052] Such locking means make it possible to adjust the size of the device simply and quickly depending on the machine on which the device is installed.

[0053] According to another advantageous aspect, the adjustment means comprise: - a first arched element secured to the first part of the chassis; - a second arched element secured to the second part of the frame, intended to cooperate with the first arched element, and - a locking member of the second arched element relative to the first arched element.

[0054] Such adjustment means make it possible to adjust the position of the second part of the chassis in relation to the first part of the chassis simply and quickly, and therefore the position of the wheel in relation to the cable simply and quickly.

[0055] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises a roller movable in translation on the second part of the chassis between a first position distant from the wheel and a second position close to the wheel.

[0056] Such a roller makes it possible to force cooperation between the cable and the wheel to ensure the rotation of the wheel, and therefore the production of energy, when the machine is used by an athlete.

[0057] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises a member for returning the roller to its second position.

[0058] The return member allows the roller to be held in its second position so as to promote cooperation between the cable and the wheel for the production of energy. Figures

[0059] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings described below.

[0060] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic side view of a sports machine comprising an energy recovery device according to the invention.

[0061] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic front perspective representation of a energy recovery device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment.

[0062] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic rear perspective representation of a energy recovery device according to the invention.

[0063] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic rear perspective representation of a energy recovery device according to the invention, comprising a detail medallion on an enlarged scale. Detailed description of the invention

[0064] With reference to [Fig.l], a sports machine 100 comprising an energy recovery device 200 is illustrated.

[0065] The sports machine 100 comprises a pulley 110 driven by a cable 120, via a gripping member 130.

[0066] More precisely, the machine 100 comprises a frame, and the pulley 110 is rotatably mounted on the frame of the machine 100 around a rod 140 secured to said frame.

[0067] The gripping member 130 is attached to a first end of the cable 120.

[0068] At a second end, not shown in the figures, the cable 120 is coupled to one or more weights.

[0069] By exerting a tensile force on the gripping member 130, the user, via the pulley 110, can thus lift the weight(s).

[0070] This then causes a movement of the cable 120, guided by the pulley 110, which can be used to generate energy such as electricity.

[0071] For this, the machine 100 is equipped with an energy recovery device 200.

[0072] The device 200 is now described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0073] The device 200 comprises: - a chassis 210 intended to be fixed on the machine 100; - a wheel 220 mounted for rotation on the chassis 210, and - a 230 electric power generator.

[0074] As will be explained below, the electrical energy generator 230 is coupled to the wheel 220 to enable the production of electrical current.

[0075] The 230 energy generator is based on the widely known dynamo technique.

[0076] To produce electrical energy, the wheel 220 is thus intended to be driven in rotation by the cable 120 of the machine 100.

[0077] The energy generator 230 then comprises a ratchet wheel 231 intended to be driven in rotation in a first direction of movement of the cable 120 and free to rotate in a second direction of movement of the cable 120, opposite to the first direction of movement.

[0078] Furthermore, as illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, the device 200 also comprises an amplifier 240 for increasing an electrical voltage supplied by the electrical energy generator 230.

[0079] The amplifier 240 takes, for example, the form of a chopper which converts a direct voltage at the output of the electrical energy generator 230 into another direct voltage of higher value which can be used by electrical equipment.

[0080] In order to allow the adaptability of the device 200 to different machines 100, the chassis 210 is specifically designed.

[0081] More specifically, the chassis 210 comprises: - a first part 211 for securing to the machine 100; - a second part 212 carrying the wheel 220 and the energy generator 230, movable relative to the first part 211, - means 213 for adjusting an orientation of the first part 211 relative to the second part 212.

[0082] With reference to [Fig.2], the first part 211 of the chassis 210 has a first articulation 214 by which the first part 211 is intended to be fixed to the rod 140. The first articulation 214 allows at least one rotation of the chassis 210 according to a main axis P parallel to the rod 140.

[0083] In other words, the first part 211 can pivot around the rod 140.

[0084] Still with reference to [Fig.2], the second part 212 is connected to the first part 211 by a second articulation 215 to allow at least one rotation of the second part 212 relative to the first part 211.

[0085] The rotation of the second part 212 relative to the first part 211 is carried out along an axis of rotation R transverse to the main axis P.

[0086] By "transverse", it is understood that the axis of rotation R and the main axis P form, in a plane, an angle of between 30° and 150°. Preferably, in said plane, the axis of rotation R and the main axis P form an angle of 90°.

[0087] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the first articulation 214 has a pivot defined by a hole made in the first part 211 of the chassis 210.

[0088] The hole is thus intended to receive the rod 140 to allow the rotation of the chassis 210 along the main axis P.

[0089] In order to allow the compatibility of the device 100 with different machines 100, in particular with different sizes of machines 100, and therefore different diameters of rods 140, the first articulation 214 also comprises a spacer 216 for adapting the hole to the diameter of the rod 140.

[0090] The spacer 216 is removably mounted relative to the hole.

[0091] Thus, depending on the machine 100, and in particular the diameter of the rod 140, the spacer 216 is changed to allow adjustment to the functional clearance near the chassis 210 to the rod 140.

[0092] To maintain a positioning of the chassis 210 on the machine 100, and more precisely on the rod 140, the chassis 210 also comprises means 217 for clamping the first part 211 on the rod 140.

[0093] The clamping means 217 take in particular the form of a nut intended to come into helical engagement with the rod 140 which then has a thread.

[0094] The adaptability of the device 200 to different machines 100 is made possible in particular by the fact that the first part of the chassis 211 includes: - a first portion 211a and a second portion 211b mounted in translation relative to each other along a translation axis T, - locking means 218 in translation of the second portion 211b relative to the first portion 211a.

[0095] The translation axis T is transverse to the main axis P and to the rotation axis R.

[0096] The relative mobility between the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b allows the wheel 220 carried by the second part 212 of the chassis 210 to be positioned as close as possible to the cable 120 of the machine 100 to allow it to be driven by said cable 120.

[0097] The first portion 211a has the first articulation 214 and the second part 212 of the chassis is connected to the second portion 211b of the first part 211 of the chassis 210 by means of the second articulation 215.

[0098] According to the embodiment illustrated by figures 1 to 4, the second articulation 215 is in the form of a hinge.

[0099] As illustrated by Figures 2 to 4, the locking means 218 comprise a groove made on the second portion 211b and a pin having a threaded portion intended to pass through the groove of the second portion 211b to screw into a thread made in the first portion 211a.

[0100] Screwing the pin into the tapping then causes the first portion 211a to be locked in translation relative to the second portion 211b by clamping the second portion 211b onto the first portion 211a via the pin.

[0101] With reference to figures 4, the adaptability of the device 200 to different machines 100 is also made possible by the fact that the adjustment means 213 comprise: - a first arcuate element 213a secured to the first part 211 of the chassis 210; - a second arcuate element 213b secured to the second part 212 of the chassis 210, intended to cooperate with the first arcuate element 213a, and - a locking member 213c of the second arcuate element 213b relative to the first arcuate element 213a.

[0102] More specifically, with reference to the enlarged scale detail medallion of [Fig.4], the first arcuate element 213a is integral with the second portion 211b of the first part 211 of the chassis 210.

[0103] The second arcuate element 213b is, for its part, integral with the second part 212 of the chassis 210.

[0104] The first arcuate element 213a has a slot forming a slide and the second arcuate element 231b has a tapped hole (not visible in the figures) into which a locking member 213c is screwed, which then has a threaded portion.

[0105] Manipulating the locking member 213c by screwing into the tapped hole of the second arcuate element 213b causes the first arcuate element 213a to be clamped against the second arcuate element 213b and therefore their relative immobilization, similar to the operation of the locking means 218 of the first part 211 of the chassis 210, previously described.

[0106] Conversely, the manipulation of the locking member 213c by unscrewing relative to the tapped hole of the second arcuate element 213b causes the loosening of the first arcuate element 213a relative to the second arcuate element 213b and therefore their relative mobility.

[0107] With reference to figures 1 to 4, the device 200 also comprises a roller 250 movable in translation on the second part 212 of the chassis 210.

[0108] The roller 250 is movable between a first position distant from the wheel 220 and a second position close to the wheel 220.

[0109] More particularly, the roller 250 comprises a shaft 251 received in a notch 2121 forming a guide made in the second part 212.

[0110] The roller 250 makes it possible to force the wheel 220 to bear against the cable 120 of the machine 100.

[0111] For this, the device 200 also comprises a return member 260 of the roller 250 in its second position.

[0112] With reference to the enlarged scale detail medallion of [Fig.4], the return member 260 is in the form of a tension spring coupled on the one hand to a fixed pin 2122 secured to the second part 212 of the chassis 210 and, on the other hand, to the shaft 251 of the roller 250.

[0113] Other types of return members could be used instead of the spring.

[0114] The device 200 which has just been described is installed as follows on a machine 100.

[0115] First, the installer determines the spacer 216 to be used based on the diameter of the rod 140 of the pulley 210 of the machine 100.

[0116] Next, the user inserts the spacer 216 into the hole of the first part 211 of the chassis 210.

[0117] The user then adjusts the length of the first part 211 of the chassis 210 to bring the wheel 220 closer to the cable 120.

[0118] Simultaneously with adjusting the length of the first part 211 of the chassis 210, the installer pivots the chassis 210 around the rod 140, along the main axis P, thanks to the first articulation 214.

[0119] When the wheel 220 is near the cable 120, the user then selects the angle between the first part 211 and the second part 212 of the chassis 210 to position the wheel 220 against the cable 120.

[0120] To position the wheel 220 against the cable 120, the roller 250 is moved against the return member 260 in order to position the cable 120 between the wheel 220 and the roller 250, then the roller 250 is released to press the cable 120 against the wheel 220 by the action of the return member 260.

[0121] When the wheel 220 is resting on the cable 120, the installer puts in place the clamping means 217 so as to hold the device 200 in position on the machine 100.

[0122] Thus, when the device 200 is installed, each action of a user on the gripping member 130 to lift one or more weights causes the wheel 220 to be driven by contact with the cable 120, and therefore a production of electrical energy by the generator 230.

[0123] The electrical energy produced can be stored in batteries allowing it to be used to power a light source in the sports hall or to recharge portable devices via ad hoc sockets.

Claims

Claims

1. Energy recovery device (200) intended to be coupled to a sports machine (100) comprising a pulley (110) driven in rotation around a rod (140) by a cable (120), the device (200) comprising: - a frame (210) intended to be fixed to the machine (100); - a wheel (220) rotatably mounted on the chassis (210) and intended to be driven in rotation by the cable (120) of the machine (100), and - an electrical energy generator (230) secured to the chassis (210) and coupled to the wheel (220), characterized in that the chassis (210) comprises: - a first part (211) for securing to a machine (100), having a first articulation (214) by which the first part (211) is intended to be fixed to the rod (140) to allow at least one rotation of the chassis (210) along a main axis (P) parallel to the rod (140);- a second part (212) carrying the wheel (220) and the energy generator (230), connected to the first part (211) by a second articulation (215) to allow at least one rotation of the second part (212) relative to the first part (211) along an axis of rotation (R) transverse to the main axis (P), - means (213) for adjusting an orientation of the first part (211) relative to the second part (212).;

2. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first articulation (215) has a pivot defined by a hole made in the first part (211) of the chassis (210).

3. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first articulation (215) also comprises a spacer (216) for adapting the hole to a diameter of the rod (140) and in that the device (200) comprises means (217) for clamping the first part (211) on the rod (140).

4. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spacer (216) is removably mounted relative to the hole.

5. Device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, the first part (211) of the chassis (210) includes: - a first portion (211a) and a second portion (211b) mounted in translation relative to each other along a translation axis (T) transverse to the main axis (P) and to the axis of rotation (R), - locking means (218) in translation of the second portion (211b) relative to the first portion (211a).

6. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means (218) comprise a groove made on the second portion (211b) and a pin having a threaded portion intended to pass through the groove of the second portion (211b) to screw into a thread made in the first portion (211a), the screwing of the pin into the thread causing the translational locking of the first portion (211a) relative to the second portion (211b).

7. Device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment means (213) comprise: - a first arcuate element (213a) integral with the first part (211) of the chassis (210); - a second arcuate element (213b) integral with the second part (2112) of the chassis (210), intended to cooperate with the first arcuate element (213a), and - a locking member (213c) of the second arcuate element (213b) relative to the first arcuate (213a).

8. Device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a roller (250) movable in translation on the second part (212) of the chassis (210) between a first position distant from the wheel (220) and a second position close to the wheel (220).

9. Device (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises a return member (260) of the roller (250) in its second position.

10. Device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises an amplifier (240) making it possible to increase an electrical voltage supplied by the electrical energy generator (230).

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