Power generation rim device

Abstract

To provide a power generation rim device for providing power generation means fitted to a wheel rim body with a heat radiation effect.SOLUTION: A power generation rim device 200 includes: a wheel rim body 3 having a center plate 310 where a center slot 311 assembling power generation means 4 is recessed; and cover means 5 which is fitted to a center plate 310 of the wheel rim body 3 to cover the power generation means 4 and the center slot 311 and forms a ventilation passage structure provided annularly and communicating with an external environment and the center slot 311.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel rim, and more particularly to a power generation rim device.

Background Art

[0002] Energy conservation and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are policies actively promoted by many countries around the world. In addition to energy conservation and using natural energy for power generation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, emphasis is also placed on converting the kinetic energy of a moving body into electrical energy for reuse. For example, when an automobile moves, the kinetic energy of the wheels is converted into electrical energy for reuse.

[0003] Currently, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, a configuration in which a power generation structure capable of converting rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy is arranged on a wheel rim has been proposed. However, in the design of such a power generation structure, heat dissipation during the conversion of rotational kinetic energy is not considered, so there is a risk that the central part of the wheel rim overheats.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation rim device that solves at least one drawback of the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention has a wheel rim body having a center plate in which a center slot is recessed, Power generation means incorporated in the center slot so as to be able to generate electricity by the drive of the wheel rim body, Cover means that is attached to the center plate of the wheel rim body so as to cover the power generation means and the center slot, and in which a ventilation passage structure that is provided annularly and communicates with the external environment and the center slot is formed, Circuit means that is attached to the cover means and is electrically connected to the power generation means to convert the alternating current generated by the power generation means into direct current, and a power generation rim device including the same is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the present invention, by configuring a ventilation passage structure in the cover means attached to the wheel rim body, the heat generated during the operation of the power generation means driven by the wheel rim body can be effectively released, so the risk of the power generation means overheating is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In order to more clearly explain the object, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, hereinafter, in combination with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and detailedly described. It will be apparent that the embodiments to be described are some embodiments of the present invention and not all embodiments. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different arrangements. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the present invention, but merely shows the selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it should be noted that in the following description, elements having the same role or function are denoted by the same number even if they do not have exactly the same configuration.

[0011] Also, in this specification, for the convenience of explanation, terms indicating the relative positional relationship of each component, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., are used for explanation with reference to the examples in the drawings, and it should be noted that they are not absolute terms limiting the configuration of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power generation rim device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to an axle (not shown) of an automobile and constitutes a wheel of the automobile in combination with a tire. The power generation rim device 200 includes a wheel rim body 3 fixed to the axle of the automobile, a power generation means 4 coaxially mounted on the wheel rim body 3, a cover means 5 mounted on the wheel rim body 3 so as to cover the power generation means 4, a circuit means 6 electrically connected to the power generation means 4 and mounted on the cover means 5, and a plurality of decorative plates 7 arranged on the wheel rim body 3.

[0013] The wheel rim body 3 has an inner frame 31 that defines a center plate 310 and a center slot 311, an outer frame 32 that coaxially surrounds the outer periphery of the inner frame 31 and is radially spaced from the inner frame 31, and a plurality of spoke portions 33 that are arranged along the outer periphery of the inner frame 31 at angular intervals around the axis 30 and are connected between the circumferential surfaces where the inner frame 31 and the outer frame 32 face each other, that is, extend from the outer peripheral surface of the inner frame 31 to the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame 32 respectively.

[0014] The center plate 310 of the inner frame 31 faces outward, and the center slot 311 is recessed in the center plate 310 so as to surround the axis 30. Further, a plurality of fixing holes 312 and a plurality of communication paths 313 are recessed in the center plate 310. The plurality of fixing holes 312 are arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30 along the outer periphery of the center slot 311, and the plurality of communication paths 313 extend radially from the center slot 311 side to each spoke portion 33 side respectively. Each fixing hole 312 is configured such that a fixing bolt (not shown) is inserted therethrough and fixed to the axle of the automobile. Each communication path 313 passes through each fixing hole 312.

[0015] On the outer surface of each spoke portion 33, there is formed a receiving groove 331 communicating with one corresponding communication path 313. One electronic component (not shown), such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a suitable power storage device, can be received in each receiving groove 331. Each decorative plate 7 is arranged to cover the receiving groove 331 formed in one corresponding spoke portion 33.

[0016] There are many types of spoke portions 33 formed on the wheel rim body 3, and the spoke portion 33 shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and its configuration is not limited to the type shown in the drawings.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the power generation means 4 is incorporated in the center slot 311 and is configured to be driven by the rotation of the wheel rim body 3 to generate electricity. Incidentally, since the specific configuration of the power generation means 4 is not the focus of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] The cover means 5 includes a ring sheet unit 51 coaxially fixed to the center plate 310 of the wheel rim body 3 along the axis 30, and a decorative cover 54 coaxially fixed to the inner circumference of the ring sheet unit 51. The ring sheet unit 51 defines an annular mounting space 510 inside and defines an inner surrounding space 511 communicating with the center slot 311 and surrounded by the inner circumference. The decorative cover 54 is arranged to cover the inner surrounding space 511. Further, the cover means 5 further has a ventilation passage structure 55 provided annularly around the decorative cover 54 and arranged between the ring sheet unit 51 and the decorative cover 54 and communicating with the external environment, the inner surrounding space 511, and the center slot 311.

[0019] The ring sheet unit 51 has an inner ring sheet 52 coaxially fixed to the center plate 310 of the wheel rim body 3, and an outer ring sheet 53 coaxially fixed to the inner ring sheet 52. The outer ring sheet 53 has an outer ring body 531 coaxially fixed to the inner ring sheet 52 so as to define a mounting space 510 and an inner surrounding space 511 together with the inner ring sheet 52, and an annular mounting wall portion 532 radially extending from the inner periphery of the outer ring body 531 into the inner surrounding space 511. In this embodiment, the inner ring sheet 52 is fixed to the wheel rim body 3 via a plurality of engaging portions 520 arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30. However, the specific configuration in which the inner ring sheet 52 is fixed to the wheel rim body 3 is not limited to that described herein. For example, it is also possible to fix it using bolts.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the decorative cover 54 has a plate body 541 disposed and fixed in the inner surrounding space 511 at a radial distance from the outer ring body 531 (that is, coaxially mounted on the ring sheet unit 51 along the axis 30 to cover the inner surrounding space 511), and a plurality of first fin members 543 arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30 and each extending from the plate body 541 along the axis 30 to the annular mounting wall portion 532 of the outer ring sheet 53 of the ring sheet unit 51. Each first fin member 543 is formed such that the length protruding toward the annular mounting wall portion 532 gradually increases from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the plate body 541. The longest part of each first fin member 543 abuts against the annular mounting wall portion 532.

[0021] In this embodiment, the plate body 541 has a plurality of engaging portions 542 arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30 and engaged with the annular mounting wall portion 532 along the axis 30, thereby being fixed to the outer ring sheet 53. However, the specific configuration in which the plate body 541 is fixed to the outer ring sheet 53 is not limited to that described herein. For example, it is also possible to fix it using bolts.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the ventilation passage structure 55 includes an outer annular passage 551 that extends along the periphery of the decorative cover 54 between the plate body 541 of the decorative cover 54 and the outer ring body 531 of the outer ring sheet 53 of the ring sheet unit 51 so as to communicate with the external environment, and a plurality of ventilation grooves 552 that are disposed between two adjacent first fin members 543 and are each formed to extend from the outer annular passage 551 to the inner surrounding space 511 and communicate with the outer annular passage 551 and the inner surrounding space 511. Each ventilation groove 552 is arranged at an angular interval from each other around the axis 30 so as to be separated from each other. Each ventilation groove 552 communicates with the center slot 311 via the inner surrounding space 511.

[0023] The circuit means 6 is mounted in the mounting space 510 and is electrically connected to the power generation means 4 to convert, for example, an alternating current formed by the power generation means 4 into a direct current. Specifically, the circuit means 6 can be electrically connected to each electronic component mounted in each accommodation groove 331, such as a device for measuring tire pressure or a light emitting means, to provide the power necessary for their operation. It is also possible to use a power storage device accommodated in each accommodation groove 331 as an electronic component, whereby the electricity generated by the power generation means 4 is stored in the power storage device through the circuit means 6.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, when the power generation rim device 200 of the present invention is used for a vehicle wheel and mounted on a vehicle, when the wheel rotates as the vehicle moves, the wheel rim body 3 rotationally drives the power generation means 4 synchronously, and the power generation means 4 rotates to generate electricity. At this time, since the ventilation passage structure 55 communicates with the external environment and the inner surrounding space 511, external air is introduced into the inner surrounding space 511 via the ventilation passage structure 55, so that a heat dissipation effect can be provided for the power generation means 4 disposed in the inner surrounding space 511. Further, since a part of the air entering the center slot 311 and the inner surrounding space 511 can further enter each accommodation groove 331 of each spoke portion 33 via each communication path 313, a heat dissipation effect can also be provided.

[0025] In this embodiment, each first fin member 543 is configured to extend from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the plate body 541, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it extends straight.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment of the present invention lies in the configuration of the cover means 5. For the sake of simplifying the explanation, only the differences will be described below.

[0027] In this second embodiment, the cover means 5 includes a ring sheet unit 51, a decorative cover 54, and a ventilation passage structure 55.

[0028] The ring sheet unit 51 includes an inner ring sheet 52 fixed to the center plate 310 and an outer ring sheet 53 fixed to the inner ring sheet 52. In this embodiment, no first fin member is formed on the decorative cover 54, and it is configured to be mounted in the inner surrounding space 511 by directly contacting the annular mounting wall portion 532 of the outer ring sheet 53.

[0029] The inner ring sheet 52 is mounted on the inner frame 31 and has an inner annular portion 521 having an inner annular surface 522 facing the center plate 310 and a plurality of second fin members 523 extending from the inner annular surface 522 to the center plate 310 so as to be arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30. Each second fin member 523 contacts the center plate 310 and extends from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the inner annular portion 521. The inner annular portion 521 and the outer ring sheet 53 define a mounting space 510 and an inner surrounding space 511.

[0030] The ventilation passage structure 55 in this second embodiment is disposed between two adjacent second fin members 523 and has a plurality of ventilation grooves 552 that communicate with the external environment and the inner surrounding space 511. Each ventilation groove 552 also communicates with the center slot 311 through the inner surrounding space 511, and thereby some of the ventilation grooves 552 also communicate with each communication path 313.

[0031] When the power generation means 4 of the power generation rim device 200 of the present invention generates power, the configuration of each ventilation groove 552 of the ventilation passage structure 55 can provide a heat dissipation effect to the power generation means 4. And since each ventilation groove 552 also communicates with each communication path 313, the same heat dissipation effect can also be provided to the communication path 313.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention lies in the configurations of the inner ring sheet 52 and the ventilation passage structure 55.

[0033] In this third embodiment, no second fin member is formed on the inner ring sheet 52, and the inner annular surface 522 of the inner annular portion 521 is configured to directly contact the center plate 310.

[0034] On the other hand, the ventilation passage structure 55 in this third embodiment has a plurality of ventilation grooves 552 recessed in the inner annular surface 522 of the inner annular portion 521 so as to be arranged at angular intervals around the axis 30. Each ventilation groove 552 communicates with the external environment and the inner surrounding space 511 by extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the inner annular portion 521. Also, some of the ventilation grooves 552 also communicate with each communication path 313.

[0035] The ventilation passage structure 55 in this third embodiment having each ventilation groove 552 configured as such can also provide a heat dissipation effect to the power generation means 4.

[0036] It should be noted that each communication path 313 or each accommodation groove 331 of the wheel rim body 3 in the above embodiment is not an essential configuration for the present invention to achieve its object, and when each accommodation groove 331 is omitted, each corresponding decorative plate 7 can also be omitted.

[0037] Summarizing the above, the present invention constitutes a ventilation passage structure 55 in the cover means 5 attached to the wheel rim body 3, so that the heat generated during the operation of the power generation means 4 driven by the wheel rim body 3 can be effectively released, and thus the risk of the power generation means 4 overheating can be suppressed. Therefore, the power generation rim device 200 of the present invention is innovative and convenient and achieves its object.

[0038] In the above description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a complete understanding of each embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. Also, it should be understood that each embodiment etc. referred to throughout this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the present disclosure. Further, in this specification, for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and assisting in the understanding of various inventive aspects, various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof, but this is not meant to imply that each one of these features must be practiced in conjunction with the presence of all other features. In other words, in the described embodiments, if the implementation of one or more features or specific details does not affect the implementation of another one or more features or specific details, the said one or more features may be practiced alone without the said another one or more features or specific details. It should further be noted that one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be practiced in conjunction with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate, in the practice of the present disclosure.

[0039] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to each disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to include all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Description of Signs

[0040] 200 Power generation rim device 3 Wheel rim body 30 Axle center 31 Inner frame 310 Center plate 311 Center slot 312 Fixing hole 313 Communication path 32 Outer frame 33 Spoke part 331 Accommodation groove 4 Power generation means 5 Cover means 51 Ring sheet unit 510 Mounting space 511 Inner surrounding space 52 Inner ring sheet 521 Inner annular part 523 Second fin member 53 Outer ring sheet 531 Outer ring body 532 Annular mounting wall part 54 Decorative cover 541 Plate body 542 Engaging part 543 First fin member 55 Ventilation passage structure 551 Outer annular passage 552 Ventilation groove 6 Circuit means 7 Decorative plate

Claims

1. A wheel rim body having a center plate with a center slot recessed therein, Power generation means incorporated in the center slot so as to be able to generate electricity by driving with the wheel rim body, Cover means attached to the center plate of the wheel rim body so as to cover the power generation means and the center slot, and having an annularly provided ventilation passage structure communicating with the external environment and the center slot, A power generation rim device comprising circuit means attached to the cover means and electrically connected to the power generation means for converting the alternating current generated by the power generation means into direct current.

2. The cover means has a ring sheet unit coaxially mounted on the center plate along the axis, and a decorative cover mounted on the ring sheet unit, The ring sheet unit defines an inner surrounding space communicating with the center slot and defines an inner mounting space for mounting the circuit means, The decorative cover covers the inner surrounding space, The ventilation passage structure is formed between the decorative cover and the ring sheet unit and is disposed around the decorative cover to communicate with the external environment and the inner surrounding space. The power generation rim device according to claim 1.

3. The ventilation passage structure has an outer annular passage extending along the periphery of the decorative cover and communicating with the external environment, and a plurality of ventilation grooves respectively extending from the outer annular passage to the inner surrounding space and communicating with the outer annular passage and the inner surrounding space and being arranged apart from each other. The power generation rim device according to claim 2.

4. The decorative cover has a plate body coaxially mounted on the ring sheet unit along the axis to cover the inner surrounding space, and a plurality of first fin members arranged at angular intervals around the axis and extending from the plate body along the axis toward the ring sheet unit, The outer annular passage is formed between the outer periphery of the plate body and the ring sheet unit, and each ventilation groove is disposed between two adjacent first fin members. The power generation rim device according to claim 3.

5. The ring sheet unit has an inner ring sheet fixed to the wheel rim body and an outer ring sheet fixed to the inner ring sheet. The outer ring sheet has an outer ring body that, together with the inner ring sheet, defines the mounting space and the inner surrounding space, and an annular mounting wall portion that extends from the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring body into the inner surrounding space. The power generation rim device according to claim 4, wherein the decorative cover is mounted in the inner surrounding space so as to abut against the annular mounting wall portion.

6. The power generation rim device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first fin members is formed such that the length protruding toward the annular mounting wall portion gradually increases from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the plate body.

7. The cover means has a ring sheet unit coaxially mounted on the center plate along the axis, and a decorative cover mounted on the ring sheet unit. The ring sheet unit defines a mounting space for mounting the circuit means therein, and defines an inner surrounding space surrounding and communicating with the center slot. The ventilation passage structure is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the ring sheet unit and communicates with the external environment and the inner surrounding space. The power generation rim device according to claim 1, wherein the decorative cover covers the inner surrounding space.

8. The ring sheet unit has an inner ring sheet fixed to the wheel rim body, and an outer ring sheet fixed to the inner ring sheet and defining the mounting space and the inner surrounding space together with the inner ring sheet. The inner ring sheet has an inner annular surface facing the center plate of the wheel rim body. The ventilation passage structure is The power generation rim device according to claim 7, which has a plurality of ventilation grooves recessed in the inner annular surface at angular intervals around the axis and extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the inner annular surface respectively.

9. The ring sheet unit has an inner ring sheet fixed to the wheel rim body and an outer ring sheet fixed to the inner ring sheet. The inner ring sheet has an inner annular portion that, together with the outer ring sheet, defines the mounting space and the inner surrounding space, and a plurality of second fin members arranged so as to surround the axis. The inner annular portion has an inner annular surface facing the center plate. Each of the second fin members extends from the inner annular surface toward the center plate side, and the ventilation passage structure has a plurality of ventilation grooves disposed between two adjacent second fin members and communicating with the external environment and the inner surrounding space. The power generation rim device according to claim 7.

10. The wheel rim body has an inner frame defining the center plate and the center slot, an outer frame spaced apart from the inner frame and surrounding the inner frame, and a plurality of spoke portions each extending from the outer peripheral surface of the inner frame to the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame at the outer periphery of the inner frame. The inner frame is recessed in the center plate and further has a plurality of communication paths each extending radially from the center slot to each of the spoke portions. Each of the spoke portions is formed with an accommodation groove communicating with one corresponding communication path. The power generation rim device according to claim 1.

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