Pneumatic pressure energy generation device

Abstract

To provide a pneumatic pressure energy generation device which can effectively assist a human muscle force corresponding to a feature of human muscle that operates based on two types of energy supply plans (anoxia / oxygen metabolism).SOLUTION: Provided is a pneumatic pressure energy generation device 100 including: at least one pneumatic pressure generation part 110 including a pneumatic pressure supply member 112 for supplying a stored pneumatic pressure energy to a drive machine and a pneumatic pressure generating member 113 for generating a pneumatic pressure energy by adjusting a pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member; and at least one pneumatic pressure reinforcement part 120 for including a liquid gaseous chamber 123 in which liquid gas is stored and a liquid fluid chamber 126 in which a liquid fluid is stored, and increasing the pneumatic pressure energy by selectively mixing the liquid fluid in the liquid gas by the pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member and selectively vaporizing the liquid gas, and simultaneously cooling the pneumatic pressure generation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic energy generating device, and more particularly, to a pneumatic energy generating device that provides either continuous pneumatic energy or explosive pneumatic energy to a drive mechanism in response to the characteristic that human muscles operate with two types of energy supply plans, thereby effectively assisting human muscle strength.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a wearable robot is a means for a person to wear and assist or supplement the muscle strength of the human body, and most of them adopt a hydraulic device to generate a large force.

[0003] Prior art Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0105194 (September 25, 2012) discloses a wearable robot with improved weight, volume, noise, vibration, and energy efficiency.

[0004] The wearable robot according to the above prior art is connected to an upper leg part and a lower leg part respectively, and is configured to supply hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder that assists leg movement. The wearable robot includes a hydraulic device, and the hydraulic device includes a hydraulic pump and a flow control valve.

[0005] The hydraulic pump is installed in a supply passage that connects an oil tank in which hydraulic oil is stored and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic pump is connected to the oil tank in which the hydraulic oil is stored, configured to be able to pressurize the hydraulic oil stored in the oil tank, and driven by an electric motor. That is, the electric motor and the hydraulic pump function to pressurize the hydraulic oil and supply it to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic pump can be composed of a hydraulic pump that is connected to the electric motor and operates in one direction. The electric motor is controlled in its operation by a control signal from a motor controller, and the motor controller receives a control signal from the main controller and outputs a corresponding control signal to the motor.

[0006] The flow control valve is installed in a discharge passage that branches from a supply oil passage connecting the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic pump and discharges hydraulic pressure. The operation of the flow control valve is controlled by a control signal from a valve controller, and the valve controller generates and outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the flow control valve according to a control signal output by the main controller. In this case, a pressure sensor is installed in the supply passage that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, and the signal processor processes the output signal of the pressure sensor and transmits it to the main controller. In addition, a check valve is provided on the supply oil passage between the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic pump.

[0007] The above prior art has the problem that, due to its relatively large-volume components such as the oil tank, hydraulic pump, and hydraulic actuator, it is difficult for the user to bear the weight of the oil tank, etc., and it is difficult to concentrate on the corresponding work when performing separate work.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to supply only the pneumatic generation unit to operate and supply low-output continuous pneumatic energy to the drive machine, or to operate the pneumatic generation unit and the pneumatic intensification unit simultaneously to supply high-output explosive pneumatic energy to the drive machine, so as to effectively assist human muscle strength corresponding to the characteristic that human muscles operate with two types of energy supply plans (anaerobic / aerobic metabolism). It is to provide a pneumatic energy generation device.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one pneumatic generation unit including a pneumatic supply member for supplying stored pneumatic energy to a drive machine and a pneumatic generation member for adjusting the pressure of the pneumatic supply member to generate the pneumatic energy, and a liquid gas chamber containing a liquefied gas and a liquid fluid chamber containing a liquid fluid, and selectively mixing the liquid fluid with the liquefied gas by the pressure of the pneumatic supply member to selectively vaporize the liquefied gas, thereby increasing the pneumatic energy and at the same time cooling the pneumatic generation member. It provides a pneumatic energy generation device, characterized by including at least one pneumatic intensification unit.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic pressure generating unit further includes an upper housing that houses the pneumatic pressure supply member and the pneumatic pressure generating member, and a flow path regulating valve that is connected between the liquid gas chamber and the liquid fluid chamber and regulates the supply amount of the liquid fluid that is opened or closed by the pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member and supplied to the liquefied gas chamber.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit further includes a lower housing that is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing and houses the liquid gas chamber and the liquid fluid chamber, and a check valve that is located on the upper side inside the lower housing and is connected between the pneumatic pressure supply member and the liquefied gas chamber. The check valve can be characterized in that it is closed in the direction from the pneumatic pressure supply member to the liquefied gas chamber and is opened in the direction from the liquefied gas chamber to the pneumatic pressure supply member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit can further include sensors including a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor that are respectively connected to the pneumatic pressure supply member and measure the temperature and pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic pressure energy includes continuous pneumatic pressure energy for continuously supplying energy lower than a preset energy and explosive pneumatic pressure energy for instantaneously supplying energy higher than the preset energy. The pneumatic pressure generating unit can further include a control unit that controls the operation of the pneumatic pressure generating member so that the pneumatic pressure supply member supplies one of the continuous pneumatic pressure energy and the explosive pneumatic pressure energy to the drive machine.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, it can be characterized by further including a control unit that controls the operations of the pneumatic pressure generating member and the flow path control valve so as to maintain a preset ratio between the amount of pressure generated by the pneumatic pressure generating member and supplied to the pneumatic pressure supply member and the amount of vaporization of the liquefied gas.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a control unit incorporating a control algorithm for grasping the operating state based on the temperature of the pneumatic pressure supply member transmitted from the temperature sensor, the pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member transmitted from the pressure sensor, and a previously input command. The operating state includes a state where the pressure generated by the pneumatic pressure generating member is generated to be the same as the previously designed pressure of the pneumatic pressure generating member and is supplied to and stored in the pneumatic pressure supply member, a state where the pneumatic pressure generating member is overheated and the pressure according to the previously input command is lower than the previously designed pressure, a state where the liquefied gas is consumed and does not exist inside the liquefied gas chamber, and a state where a part of the liquefied gas exists inside the liquefied gas chamber.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic pressure generating member includes a dual piston that is disposed inside the upper housing on the upper side and communicates with the pneumatic pressure supply member, and supplies the pneumatic pressure generated through linear reciprocating motion to the pneumatic pressure supply member, and a motor that is connected to at least a part of the dual piston and supplies a rotational force to at least a part of the dual piston to linearly reciprocate the dual piston.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, a seating member on which the lower end of the liquefied gas chamber is seated is formed inside the lower housing on the lower side, and the central portion on one side of the lower housing is characterized in that the liquefied gas chamber is detachably opened inside the lower housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] The effect of the present invention with the above-described configuration is that when only the pneumatic pressure generation unit operates to supply low-output continuous pneumatic pressure energy to the drive machine, or when the pneumatic pressure generation unit and the pneumatic pressure intensification unit operate simultaneously to supply high-output explosive pneumatic pressure energy to the drive machine, it can effectively assist human muscle strength corresponding to the characteristic that human muscles operate with two types of energy supply plans (anaerobic / aerobic metabolism).

[0021] The effect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described effect, but includes all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms, and thus is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Also, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts not related to the explanation are omitted, and similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when a part is "connected (connected, contacted, coupled)" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected", but also the case where it is "indirectly connected" with other members interposed therebetween. Also, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, and can further include other components.

[0025] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a pneumatic energy generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in one direction showing a pneumatic energy generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a pneumatic energy generation device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a liquefied gas-based pneumatic energy generation device for the operation of a bio-mimetic pneumatic artificial muscle, and includes at least one pneumatic generation unit 110, at least one pneumatic enhancement unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0030] Here, the liquefied gas may include all gases that can be liquefied, and the liquefied gas in the present invention is described as liquefied nitrogen (N2).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in one direction showing a detailed configuration provided in the pneumatic energy generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the process by which the pneumatic energy generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention generates pneumatic energy.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pneumatic generation unit 110 includes an upper housing 111, a pneumatic supply member 112, a pneumatic generation member 113, a safety valve 114, and a flow path control valve 115.

[0033] The upper housing 111 has an internal space formed therein to accommodate the pneumatic supply member 112 and the pneumatic generation member 113.

[0034] Also, a lower housing 121, which will be described later, is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing 111.

[0035] The pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) has a hollow shape with an empty interior and supplies the stored pneumatic energy to the drive unit 10.

[0036] Specifically, the pneumatic supply member 112 communicates with the pneumatic generation member 113 and is supplied with the pressure generated from the pneumatic generation member 113. As a result, the pneumatic supply member 112 stores the pneumatic energy due to the pressure applied thereto and then supplies it to the drive unit 10 to operate the drive unit 10.

[0037] The pneumatic generation member 113 adjusts the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 to generate pneumatic energy.

[0038] For this purpose, the pneumatic generation member 113 includes a dual piston 113a and a motor 113b.

[0039] The dual piston 113a is disposed on the upper inner side of the upper housing 111, communicates with the pneumatic supply member 112, and supplies the pneumatic pressure generated through the linear reciprocating motion to the pneumatic supply member.

[0040] Specifically, the dual piston 113a can include a rotating plate that is connected to and rotates about the motor shaft of the motor 113b, a connecting rod with one side linked to the rotating plate, a piston that is linked to the other side of the connecting rod and performs linear reciprocating motion, and a guide member formed to surround the piston and guide the linear reciprocating motion of the piston.

[0041] The motor 113b is connected to at least a part of the dual piston 113a and supplies a rotational force to at least a part of the dual piston 113a to cause the dual piston 113a to perform linear reciprocating motion.

[0042] The safety valve 114 is located inside the upper housing 111 and communicates with the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0043] Also, the safety valve 114 maintains a normally closed state and then opens when the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 exceeds the preset safe pressure range, and discharges a part of the air in the pneumatic supply member 112 to reduce the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112, thereby preventing the pneumatic supply member 112 from exploding due to pressure.

[0044] The flow path control valve 115 is connected between the liquid-gas chamber 123 and the liquid fluid chamber 126, and is opened or closed by the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 to adjust the supply amount of the liquid fluid supplied to the liquefied gas chamber 123.

[0045] Exemplarily, the flow path control valve 115 may be a solenoid valve, but is not limited thereto, and any valve can be used as long as it has the function of blocking or allowing the flow of the flow path (for example, a manual valve, etc.).

[0046] Here, the liquid fluid may be a liquid including water, antifreeze, etc.

[0047] The pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 increases the pneumatic energy by selectively mixing a liquid fluid with the liquefied gas by the pressure of the pneumatic pressure supply member 112 to selectively vaporize the liquefied gas, and at the same time cools the pneumatic pressure generating member 113.

[0048] Here, the main function of the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 is to rapidly generate a high pressure in the pneumatic pressure supply member 112, and the secondary function of the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 is to cool the pneumatic pressure generating member 113b.

[0049] Specifically, when the pneumatic pressure generating member 113b operates repeatedly, overheating may occur in the pneumatic pressure generating member 113b and the performance may deteriorate.

[0050] The reason for the performance deterioration is that when the temperature rises, the magnetic flux density of the motor decreases and the output decreases.

[0051] To address such performance deterioration, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 injects nitrogen gas at a low temperature after the liquefied gas has vaporized into the pneumatic pressure generating member 113b to cool it. Also, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 vaporizes the liquefied gas of the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 and transmits it to the pneumatic pressure supply member 112 in order to inject nitrogen gas at a low temperature into the pneumatic pressure generating member 113b. Further, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 attempts to continue vaporization above the preset safety pressure range of the safety valve 114. Thereafter, when discharging nitrogen gas at a low temperature through the safety valve 114, the overheated pneumatic pressure generating member 113b cools while directly touching the overheated pneumatic pressure generating member 113b located nearby.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pneumatic pressure intensifying unit 120 includes a lower housing 121, a fitting member 122, a liquid gas chamber 123, a check valve 124, a sensor 125, a liquid fluid chamber 126, and a battery 127.

[0053] The lower housing 121 is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing 111, and an internal space is formed to accommodate the liquid-gas chamber 123 and the liquid fluid chamber 126.

[0054] Also, on the inner lower side of the lower housing 121, a seating member 121a is formed where the lower end of the liquefied gas chamber 123 is seated.

[0055] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the central portion on one side of the lower housing 121 is opened such that the liquefied gas chamber 123 can be detachably removed inside the lower housing 121.

[0056] As a result, at least a part of the liquefied gas chamber 123 coupled inside the lower housing 121 is exposed to the outside.

[0057] The fitting member 122 is located on the upper inner side of the lower housing 121. Also, the fitting member 122 communicates the pneumatic supply member 112 with the liquid-gas chamber 123.

[0058] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are graphs showing the pressure curves according to the temperature of carbon dioxide used in the prior art and nitrogen used in the pneumatic energy generating device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view in one direction showing the liquefied gas chamber provided in the pneumatic energy generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the liquid-gas chamber 123 has an internal space formed to accommodate the liquefied gas.

[0060] Specifically, the liquid-gas chamber 123 may have a cylindrical shape, and the upper part of the liquid-gas chamber 123 communicates with the fitting member 122.

[0061] In the present invention, liquid nitrogen is used to generate pneumatic energy, while carbon dioxide was used in the prior art.

[0062] When carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used, it is used in a method where carbon dioxide (CO₂) existing at normal temperature and atmospheric pressure is collected and then the pressure is reduced to make it liquid.

[0063] Conversely, in order to vaporize carbon dioxide, the liquid-state carbon dioxide is opened to normal temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 4(a), since carbon dioxide is liquefied at a relatively high pressure, in order to store liquefied carbon dioxide, a container that is very hard, thick, and heavy like a high-pressure air tank is required.

[0065] If a lightweight and compact container such as a bicycle carbon dioxide cartridge or a carbonated water cartridge is used, it cannot hold a large amount of air.

[0066] On the other hand, referring to Fig. 4(b), nitrogen (N₂) is more affected by temperature than pressure when liquefied compared to carbon dioxide.

[0067] Generally, liquefied nitrogen (N₂) is a by-product generated during the process of obtaining liquefied oxygen, and it is an economical, environmentally friendly, and chemically stable substance.

[0068] In particular, due to the property that the volume can expand 600 to 700 times during the phase change from the liquid state to the gaseous state at normal temperature and atmospheric pressure, it can be used as a promising pneumatic energy source that can supply explosively high pressure and flow rate.

[0069] In addition, since the liquefied gas can maintain its liquid state even at a very low temperature of minus 200 degrees, the surrounding temperature can be increased to vaporize the liquid nitrogen.

[0070] Conversely, in order to store liquefied gas in a liquid state for a long period of time, a heat-insulating container capable of being isolated from the ambient normal temperature, which is a relatively very hot temperature, is required. Thus, it is preferable that the liquid gas chamber 123 is made of a heat-insulating material.

[0071] The liquid gas chamber 123 for storing liquefied gas does not need to withstand high pressure. Rather, it has a more important feature of heat-insulating ability.

[0072] Such a liquid gas chamber 123 has the advantage of being relatively more compact and lightweight to manufacture, and can secure a large capacity with a compact and lightweight structure compared to other carbon dioxide tanks and high-pressure air tanks.

[0073] Specifically, the liquid gas chamber 123 can be formed in a structure similar to a thermos flask. Such a liquid gas chamber 123 has a vacuum layer between the outer wall and the inner wall, which limits the heat transfer method to only radiation and has a heat-insulating function.

[0074] The check valve 124 is located inside the upper part of the lower housing 121 and is connected between the pneumatic air supply member 112 and the liquid gas chamber 123.

[0075] Specifically, the check valve 124 is closed in the direction from the pneumatic supply member 112 to the liquid gas chamber 123 and is opened in the direction from the liquid gas chamber 123 to the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the pressure over time when the pneumatic energy generation device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention generates continuous pneumatic energy and explosive pneumatic energy and supplies it to the drive machine.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, the sensor 125 is respectively connected to the pneumatic supply member 112 and includes a temperature sensor 125a and a pressure sensor 125b for measuring the temperature and pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0078] The temperature sensor 125a is respectively connected to the pneumatic supply member 112 to measure the temperature of the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0079] The temperature sensor 125a transmits the measured temperature of the pneumatic supply member 112 to the control unit 130.

[0080] The pressure sensor 125b is respectively connected to the pneumatic supply member 112 to measure the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0081] The pressure sensor 125b transmits the measured pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 to the control unit 130.

[0082] The liquid fluid chamber 126 has a hollow shape with an internal space for containing the liquid fluid.

[0083] Also, the liquid fluid chamber 126 can share the same space as the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir).

[0084] Also, the liquid fluid chamber 126 is disposed inside the lower housing 121 so as to be adjacent to the liquefied gas chamber 123.

[0085] The liquid fluid chamber 126 supplies the liquid fluid into the liquefied gas chamber 123 according to the pressure difference between the liquid fluid chamber 126 and the liquefied gas chamber 123, which changes depending on whether the flow path control valve 115 is opened or closed.

[0086] The battery 127 is located inside the lower housing 121 so as to be adjacent to the liquefied gas chamber 123 and the liquid fluid chamber 126.

[0087] The battery 127 supplies power to the pneumatic generation member 113, the safety valve 114, the flow path control valve 115, the check valve 124, the sensor 125, and the control unit 130.

[0088] Figures (a), (b), and (c) of Fig. 7 are conceptual diagrams showing that the pneumatic energy generation device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention generates pneumatic energy by adjusting the pressure and the supply amount of the liquid fluid.

[0089] The control unit 130 controls the operation of the pneumatic generation member 113 so that the pneumatic supply member 112 supplies either the continuous pneumatic energy or the explosive pneumatic energy to the drive machine 10.

[0090] Here, the pneumatic energy can include continuous pneumatic energy for continuously supplying energy lower than the preset energy and explosive pneumatic energy for instantaneously supplying energy higher than the preset energy.

[0091] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7(a), if only the pneumatic generation member 113 operates, continuous pneumatic energy can be provided by continuously supplying a low pressure.

[0092] On the other hand, when the drive machine 10 requires a relatively high output, since the pressure generated from the pneumatic generation member 113 alone cannot provide sufficient pneumatic energy, additional explosive pneumatic energy must be stored in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) via the pneumatic intensifier 120.

[0093] Here, the explosive pneumatic energy includes first explosive pneumatic energy and second explosive pneumatic energy, and the output of the second explosive pneumatic energy is higher than that of the first explosive pneumatic energy.

[0094] Thereby, as shown in Fig. 7(b), after the pneumatic supply member 112 is initially pressurized by the pneumatic generation member 113, when the solenoid valve 115b is opened so that the liquid fluid accommodated in the liquid fluid chamber 126 can be injected into the liquefied gas chamber 123, the liquid fluid can be injected into the liquefied gas chamber 123 little by little.

[0095] More specifically, the liquid fluid contained in the liquid fluid chamber 126 is pushed into the interior of the liquefied gas chamber 123 by the property of achieving pressure equilibrium due to the pressure difference between the relatively low-pressure liquefied gas chamber 1236 and the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir).

[0096] Since the liquefied gas chamber 123 is connected to the check valve 124 and the flow path control valve 115 and has two inlets, when the flow path control valve 115 is closed, a pressure difference occurs between the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) and the liquefied gas chamber 123, while when the flow path control valve 115 is opened, the pressure becomes balanced.

[0097] Here, as described above, the check valve 124 is closed in the direction from the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) to the liquefied gas chamber 123, and is open in the direction from the liquefied gas chamber 123 to the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir).

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7(b), when supplying the first explosive pneumatic energy, the pneumatic generation member 113 is used to first fill the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) with an appropriately low pressure, and the flow path control valve 115 is opened or closed at short time intervals to inject the liquid fluid. Then, the liquid fluid can generate an appropriate amount of vaporization while gradually leaving the liquefied gas chamber 123, and through this, the first explosive pneumatic energy required for the drive unit 10 can be generated.

[0099] On the one hand, referring to Fig. 7(c), in order to transmit the high-output second explosive pneumatic energy to the drive machine 10, initially, after raising the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) to the maximum that the pneumatic generation member 113 can generate, while giving sufficient time to open the flow path regulating valve 115, the liquid fluid can be injected into the liquefied gas chamber 123 at high pressure. While the liquid fluid is injected at high pressure, the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas chamber 123 rapidly vaporizes and is transmitted to the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) via the check valve 124.

[0100] As a result, while a large amount of air is instantaneously generated, the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) rapidly increases.

[0101] Also, the control unit 130 controls the operations of the pneumatic generation member 113 and the flow path regulating valve 115 so as to maintain a preset ratio between the amount of pressure generated by the pneumatic generation member 113 and supplied to the pneumatic supply member 112 and the amount of vaporization of the liquefied gas.

[0102] Further, the control unit 130 can incorporate a control algorithm for grasping the operating state according to the temperature of the pneumatic supply member 112 transmitted from the temperature sensor 125a, the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 transmitted from the pressure sensor 125b, and the commands that have been input.

[0103] Here, the operating state can include: 1) the state where the pressure generated by the pneumatic generation member 113 is the same as the preset pressure of the pneumatic generation member 113 and is supplied to the pneumatic supply member 112 and stored in the pneumatic supply member 112; 2) the state where the pneumatic generation member 113 overheats and the pressure according to the input commands is lower than the preset pressure; 3) the state where there is no liquefied gas remaining in the liquefied gas chamber 123 due to consumption; and 4) the state where a part of the liquefied gas exists inside the liquefied gas chamber 123.

[0104] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, and 8, the operation of the pneumatic energy generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] FIG. 3 shows the process of generating pneumatic energy to be provided to the drive unit 10 through the pneumatic energy generation device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, pneumatic energy is generated through a pneumatic generation unit 110 and a pneumatic enhancement unit 120 having a complementary relationship, respectively.

[0106] Specifically, the pneumatic generation unit 110 contributes to compressing the liquid fluid for operating the pneumatic enhancement unit 120 at a high pressure, and the pneumatic enhancement unit 120 contributes to cooling so that the pneumatic generation unit 110 can continuously exhibit a certain performance.

[0107] The pneumatic energy generated by the pneumatic generation unit 110 and the pneumatic enhancement unit 120 is stored together in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) and transmitted to the drive unit 10.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the pneumatic generation unit 110 can continuously supply, for a long time, sufficient energy to assist the drive unit with a low range of motion intensity.

[0109] Specifically, in the graph shown at the upper part of FIG. 6, the pressure continuously decreases with the value of 350 kPa as the peak.

[0110] The reason for the above is that when the drive unit 10 continuously uses the pressure stored in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir), the amount of air stored in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir) instantaneously moves to the drive unit 10, causing pressure fluctuations. While the pneumatic generation member 113 further operates, it is to maintain the pressure at 350 kPa.

[0111] Since the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 can instantaneously generate explosive high output input power, even when the drive unit 10 is driven, large pressure fluctuations do not occur in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir).

[0112] When the pneumatic generating unit 110 and the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 are used simultaneously, the pneumatic energy generated by the pneumatic generating unit 110 and the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 respectively is stored together in the pneumatic supply member 112 (reservoir), instantaneously providing high output pneumatic energy by the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 and simultaneously continuously providing pressure energy by the pneumatic generating unit 110.

[0113] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the process in which the pneumatic energy generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention adjusts the pressure of the pneumatic supply member and transmits continuous pneumatic energy and explosive pneumatic energy to the drive unit.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 8, when the pressure of the pneumatic supply member 112 increases due to the pneumatic generating member 113, the flow path control valve 115 is opened, and the liquid fluid accommodated in the liquid fluid chamber 126 is supplied into the liquid gas chamber 123. As a result, liquid nitrogen evaporates while vaporizing, and the air cooled to a low temperature during the vaporization process is supplied to the pneumatic supply member 112, thereby cooling the motor 113b adjacent to the pneumatic supply member 112.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, the present invention can continuously supply low air pressure energy by operating only the pneumatic generating unit 110, and can simultaneously supply low pneumatic energy to the drive unit 10 continuously and instantaneously supply high pneumatic energy (high power) to the drive unit 10 by operating the pneumatic generating unit 110 and the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 simultaneously. As a result, the drive unit 10 can continuously output power and instantaneously output high power (amplification).

[0116] 2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, a pneumatic energy generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0117] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views in one direction showing a pneumatic energy generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a pneumatic energy generating device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes at least one pneumatic generating unit 110, at least one pneumatic intensifying unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0119] Here, the pneumatic generating unit 110, the pneumatic intensifying unit 120, and the control unit 130 provided in the pneumatic energy generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those in the first embodiment except for their positions. Therefore, specific descriptions thereof will refer to the foregoing content.

[0120] Also, the detailed components of the pneumatic generating unit 110 and the pneumatic intensifying unit 120 provided in the pneumatic energy generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are also the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, specific descriptions thereof will refer to the foregoing content.

[0121] However, unlike the first embodiment that extends in the vertical direction, the pneumatic energy generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured in a form that increases the width instead of reducing the height, and has the advantage of being more compact than the first embodiment and can be used more compactly.

[0122] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily be modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea and essential features of the present invention. Therefore, all the embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single type can also be implemented dispersedly, and similarly, the components described as being dispersed can also be implemented in a combined form. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0123] 100 ··· Pneumatic energy generating device 110 ··· Pneumatic generating unit 111 ··· Upper housing 112 ··· Pneumatic supply member 113 ··· Pneumatic generating member 113a ··· Dual piston 113b ··· Motor 114 ··· Safety valve 115 ··· Flow path regulating valve 120 ··· Pneumatic intensifying unit 121 ··· Lower housing 121a ··· Mounting member 122 ··· Fitting member 123 ··· Liquid - gas chamber 124 ··· Check valve 125 ··· Sensor 125a ··· Temperature sensor 125b ··· Pressure sensor 126 ··· Liquid fluid chamber 127 ··· Battery

Claims

1. At least one pneumatic generation unit including a pneumatic supply member that supplies stored pneumatic energy to a drive unit and a pneumatic generation member that adjusts the pressure of the pneumatic supply member to generate the pneumatic energy; and, At least one pneumatic enhancement unit including a liquid gas chamber that houses a liquefied gas and a liquid fluid chamber that houses a liquid fluid, wherein the liquid fluid is selectively mixed with the liquefied gas by the pressure of the pneumatic supply member to selectively vaporize the liquefied gas, thereby increasing the pneumatic energy and simultaneously cooling the pneumatic generation member. A pneumatic energy generation device characterized by the above.

2. The pneumatic generation unit includes an upper housing that houses the pneumatic supply member and the pneumatic generation member; and, a flow path control valve that is connected between the liquid gas chamber and the liquid fluid chamber and is opened or closed by the pressure of the pneumatic supply member to adjust the supply amount of the liquid fluid supplied to the liquefied gas chamber. The pneumatic energy generation device according to Claim 1.

3. The pneumatic enhancement unit includes a lower housing that is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing and houses the liquid gas chamber and the liquid fluid chamber; and, a check valve that is located on the upper inner side of the lower housing and is connected between the pneumatic supply member and the liquefied gas chamber. The check valve is closed in the direction from the pneumatic supply member to the liquefied gas chamber and opened in the direction from the liquefied gas chamber to the pneumatic supply member. The pneumatic energy generation device according to Claim 2.

4. The pneumatic enhancement unit further includes sensors including a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor that are respectively connected to the pneumatic supply member and measure the temperature and pressure of the pneumatic supply member. The pneumatic energy generation device according to Claim 1.

5. The pneumatic energy includes continuous pneumatic energy for continuously supplying energy lower than a preset energy and explosive pneumatic energy for instantaneously supplying energy higher than the preset energy. The air pressure generating device further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the air pressure generating member so that the air pressure supply member supplies one of the continuous air pressure energy and the explosive air pressure energy to the drive machine. The air pressure energy generating device according to claim 4.

6. The air pressure generating device further includes a control unit that controls the operations of the air pressure generating member and the flow path regulating valve so that the amount of pressure of the pressure generated by the air pressure generating member and supplied to the air pressure supply member and the amount of vaporization of the liquefied gas maintain a preset ratio. The air pressure energy generating device according to claim 2.

7. The air pressure generating device further includes a control unit with a built-in control algorithm that determines the operating state based on the temperature of the air pressure supply member transmitted from the temperature sensor, the pressure of the air pressure supply member transmitted from the pressure sensor, and a previously input command. The operating state includes a state in which the pressure generated by the air pressure generating member is the same as the previously designed pressure of the air pressure generating member and is supplied to and stored in the air pressure supply member, a state in which the air pressure generating member overheats and the pressure according to the previously input command is lower than the previously designed pressure, a state in which the liquefied gas is consumed and does not exist inside the liquefied gas chamber, and a state in which a part of the liquefied gas exists inside the liquefied gas chamber. The air pressure energy generating device according to claim 4.

8. The air pressure generating member includes a dual piston disposed inside the upper housing and communicating with the air pressure supply member, which supplies the air pressure generated through linear reciprocating motion to the air pressure supply member, and a motor connected to at least a part of the dual piston and supplying a rotational force to at least a part of the dual piston to linearly reciprocate the dual piston. The air pressure energy generating device according to claim 2.

9. An anchoring member is formed inside the lower housing at the lower side, where the lower end of the liquefied gas chamber is anchored. One central part of the side of the lower housing is open so that the liquefied gas chamber can be detached inside the lower housing. The air pressure energy generating device according to claim 3.

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