Balancer for tools, equipment, and loads in general

Abstract

A balancer for tools, equipment, and loads in general, comprising a supporting frame (2) for a rotating drum (3) for winding and unwinding a cable (4), which is configured with a free end (4a) for supporting a load; the balancer (1) furthermore comprises a return spring (8), wound around the axis of rotation (A) of the drum (3) and configured to generate a constraining reaction which contrasts the unwinding of the cable (4);and at least one permanent magnet (9) and a braking body (10) made of electrically conducting material, which are respectively integral with the drum (3) and the frame (2), or vice versa, at least during the rewinding stroke of the cable (4); the permanent magnet (9) is configured to generate an induced current in the braking body (10).

Description

[0001] BALANCER FOR TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND LOADS IN GENERAL The present invention relates to a balancer for tools, equipment, and loads in general.

[0002] The balancer is a tool that is widespread in workshops and production or assembly departments, since it facilitates the work of an operator tasked with performing a job that requires the use of a tool.

[0003] In greater detail, in its now-standard configuration, the balancer comprises a shell, which is suspended from the ceiling or a supporting structure and contains a rotating drum, around which a cable is wound. One end of the cable exits through a hole provided in the shell and has a hook or carabiner, to which the tool of interest can be coupled.

[0004] When the user grasps the tool and pulls it toward himself, he causes the cable to unwind and the drum to rotate; drum rotation is contrasted by a spring (typically a preloaded coil spring) wound around the drum’s axis of rotation.

[0005] The constraining reaction generated by the spring, resulting from the progressive unwinding of the cable and of any preload, can balance or exceed the weight of the tool and gives the balancer a dual function.

[0006] First of all, the constraining reaction can in fact reduce or eliminate the perceived weight of the tool, allowing the operator to handle it effortlessly. Alternatively, or in addition, when the operator releases the tool upon completion of the task the constraining reaction can return the tool to a designated station (proximate to the drum and shell) and keep it there, keeping the work area tidy and uncluttered, while allowing the operator to easily locate it in the future.

[0007] A balancer according to the configuration outlined above can also be used to support other types of loads (protective barriers or accessories for robots, for example), even if not intended for human handling. In these cases as well, the balancer in fact proves to be highly useful, since it allows the load to be kept off the ground and / or reduces its weight (or, more simply,allows an operator to move it from one point to another within the building). However, this constructive solution is not without drawbacks.

[0008] As mentioned, the spring constraining reaction depends on the initial preloading and on the additional elastic reaction generated by the deformation caused by the unwinding of the hook.

[0009] Not infrequently, this reaction has a high intensity, and therefore the rewinding of the hook (the ascent or return toward the ceiling or the structure from which the shell hangs) occurs far too rapidly, with the mass of the hook (and possibly the load) gaining speed quickly and striking the balancer shell violently. Moreover, due to inertia, the end portion of the cable bends cyclically, gradually deteriorating. Moreover, the violent impacts suffered by the shell at the end of the rewinding stroke generate stresses on the structure that supports it.

[0010] Clearly, these are undesirable events that can lead to damage to the balancer and / or cable breakage (causing the applied load to fall).

[0011] This situation occurs in an even more pronounced manner when the shell hangs at a great distance from the load’s point of use, since during the long stroke required for rewinding the cable can accelerate significantly, causing violent impacts with the shell and transmitting stresses to the supporting structures.

[0012] An example of this can be found in depots for large electric vehicles (such as intercity buses, city transit buses and coaches), whose batteries are recharged while they are parked in the depot itself.

[0013] For this purpose, depots are provided with support infrastructure for the charging device and the necessary cables: to minimize the amount of floor space occupied, the infrastructure comprises conveniently spaced vertical posts that support in a cantilever manner long horizontal beams, positioned several meters above the ground, to allow vehicles to park in the area below. In these cases, the charging device is supported by a balancer whose shell is suspended from a beam and positioned near it: when needed,the user pulls the device toward him, lowering it via a system of additional tension members.

[0014] Once charging is complete, releasing the device causes it to rapidly rise back toward the shell, which as noted is several meters away, with the potentially harmful consequences already described. The tension member system can be used to slow the ascent, but this is a laborious task that entails an unwelcome expenditure of time, and it has been observed that the operator often simply releases the device without bothering to control it with the tension members.

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a balancer for tools, equipment, and loads in general, which ensures optimal cable rewinding, preventing violent impacts and damage.

[0016] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a balancer that offers the ability to slow the rewinding stroke in ways that can be adjusted as desired.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a balancer that makes it possible to slow the rewinding stroke without compromising ease of unwinding.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a balancer that overcomes the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0019] Not least object of the invention is to provide a balancer that is highly reliable and of assured application.

[0020] Not least object of the invention is to provide a balancer that can be provided relatively simply and at competitive costs.

[0021] This aim and these and other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a balancer according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the balancer according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a front lateral perspective view of the balancer according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a front view of the balancer of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2, taken along the plane III-III; Figure 4 is a rear lateral perspective view of the balancer of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a rear view of the balancer of Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 6 is a sectional view of Figure 5, taken along the plane VI- VI; Figure 7 is a partially exploded front lateral perspective view of the balancer of Figure 1;

[0026] Figures 8 and 9 are partially exploded front lateral perspective views of respective functional assemblies of the balancer of Figure 1.

[0027] With particular reference to the figures, a balancer for tools, equipment, and loads in general (of any type) is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0028] As is known, the balancer 1 can be used to provide valuable assistance to a user (for example, an operator in a production or assembly department) who must perform various tasks using a tool. At the same time, the balancer 1 can support and / or keep raised equipment of any kind (protective barriers, accessories for robots, et cetera), even if not intended for human handling.

[0029] In general, the protective scope claimed herein extends to the use of the balancer 1 for supporting loads of any kind, where “load” may be understood as a tool, a piece of equipment, a machine, a system, goods, and / or any other object; moreover, said protective scope extends to any industrial sector and / or any practical application.

[0030] The balancer 1 comprises a rotatable supporting frame 2 for a rotatingdrum 3 for winding and unwinding a cable 4, which is typically fixed or otherwise coupled to the drum 3 with a first end.

[0031] In particular, the frame 2 comprises or is constituted by a box-like shell 2a; the latter can thus accommodate the drum 3 and the pivot 5 about which said drum 3 rotates (and which therefore extends along its axis of rotation A) with respect to the frame 2.

[0032] The frame 2 (the shell 2a) may be suspended from the ceiling, a wall, or any other supporting structure, for example via a bracket 2b provided with accommodation holes for straps, hooks, or other fixing accessories.

[0033] The drum 3 may be cylindrical (as shown in the accompanying figures), conical, frustum-shaped, or otherwise shaped, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0034] The cable 4 is configured with a free end 4a for supporting a load (of any type, as noted). For example, support may be provided by fixing a hook 6 (or the like) to the free end 4a, thereby allowing the operator to provide a stable yet easily removable coupling between the cable 4 and the load.

[0035] In this regard, it should be noted from the outset that the protective scope of the balancer 1 extends to any industrial sector and / or any practical application; similarly, as will be evident from what follows, the particularities of the invention are enhanced when the frame 2 (the shell 2a) of the balancer 1 is kept at a considerable distance from the point of use of the load supported by the cable 4.

[0036] The free end 4a may be kept outside the shell 2a, along which an opening 7 is provided within which the cable 4 can move during its unwinding and rewinding.

[0037] In per se known manners, therefore, the cable 4 can be almost completely wound around the drum 3, in a resting or otherwise inactive configuration, in which substantially only a terminal portion comprising the free end 4a protrudes outside the shell 2a; alternatively, the cable 4 can be partially or completely unwound to allow the operator to use the toolcoupled to the hook 6 even at a distance from the shell 2a.

[0038] Moreover, the balancer 1 comprises a return spring 8, which is wound around the axis of rotation A of the drum 3; the spring 8 is configured to generate a constraining reaction that counteracts (at least partially) the unwinding of the cable 4. The spring 8 is normally (but not necessarily) preloaded and is typically helical (although other constructive solutions are not excluded); it is integral with the drum 3, so as to generate a constraining (elastic) reaction following the unwinding of the cable 4 and the consequent rotation of the drum 3, which facilitates the rewinding of said cable 4.

[0039] If the load is a tool, rewinding typically occurs at the end of its use. The constraining reaction of the spring 8 thus reduces the perceived weight of the load and / or tends to automatically return the load towards the shell 2a at the end of its use, in an easily identifiable resting position that is maintained over time.

[0040] More simply, the balancer 1 allows to keep the load suspended and / or reduce the weight transferred to the ground.

[0041] Up to this point, however, the balancer 1 is of a traditional type and can be used (preferably but not exclusively) to provide valuable assistance to operators who must perform various tasks using a tool. A person skilled in the art may choose, in each instance, the configuration and embodiment of the balancer 1 deemed most appropriate, based on common industry skills and as a function of the specific requirements, without however abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0042] According to the invention, the balancer 1 comprises at least one permanent magnet 9 (for example, a neodymium-based one) and a braking body 10 made of electrically conducting material, which are integral with the drum 3 and the frame 2 respectively, or vice versa, at least during the rewinding stroke of the cable 4. The permanent magnet 9 is configured to generate an induced current in the braking body 10.

[0043] In other words, during the rewinding of the cable 4 the relativerotation of the drum 3 with respect to the frame 2 corresponds to a relative rotation of the permanent magnet 9 with respect to the braking body 10: the consequent variation in the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 9 causes the onset of an induced electromotive force proportional to the relative rotational speed and an induced current in the body 10. In turn, the induced current generates heat and thus causes a dissipation of the kinetic energy of the drum 3, slowing it down.

[0044] Thus, the rewinding stroke of the cable 4 is in turn slowed down, and this prevents violent impacts and damage at the end of the stroke, when the hook 6 (and possibly the load still hanging from it) reaches the shell 2a. The intended aim is thus achieved immediately.

[0045] The balancer 1 may comprise any number of permanent magnets 9: any subsequent reference to “a” or “the” permanent magnet 9 is to be understood as extending to all the permanent magnets 9 comprised in the balancer 1.

[0046] It should be noted that the relative rotation between the permanent magnet 9 and the braking body 10 can be achieved equally by making the permanent magnet 9 integral with the rotating drum 3 (and thus keeping the body 10, integral with the frame 2 and the shell 2a, fixed) or with the frame 2 (and thus causing the body 10 to rotate together with the drum 3). In the preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, the permanent magnet 9 is integral with the drum 3 and the braking body 10 is integral with the frame 2 (and with the shell 2a).

[0047] In particular, in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures by way of example without limiting the application of the invention, the balancer 1 comprises at least one ring 11 which is coaxially coupled to the drum 3, which forms at least one seat 1 la for accommodating the permanent magnet 9. In particular, as shown by the figures, the ring 11 is interposed between the drum 3 and the body 10, and the seat 1 la is configured to keep the permanent magnet 9 facing and close to the latter.More particularly, the seat Ila can be configured to accommodate a plurality of permanent magnets 9 (three, in the example of the accompanying figures), which can be stacked on top of each other (within the seat Ila) to vary the intensity of the braking effect generated by the induced current. This clearly gives greater versatility to the invention, since the braking effect can be conveniently adjusted as desired by adding or removing permanent magnets 9 according to the requirements of each application or use.

[0048] Even more particularly, to further increase versatility and adjustability, as shown in the accompanying figures, the ring 11 may have a plurality of seats Ila, preferably distributed evenly around the axis of rotation A of the drum 3.

[0049] Usefully, as already mentioned, the frame 2 may comprise a shell 2a that accommodates the drum 3 : the braking body 10 may in turn be (or may comprise) a plate (with a central hole), preferably (but not necessarily) made of copper, which is applied to an inner wall of the shell 2a (having a boxlike shape), directed precisely toward the drum 3.

[0050] In a first embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation between the permanent magnet 9 and the braking body 10 occurs both during the rewinding stroke (to achieve the intended aim and objects) and during the unwinding stroke. Braking during the unwinding stroke requires a minimal increase in the force needed to unwind the cable 4, which is however of such a magnitude as not to compromise the practicality of use of the invention.

[0051] Alternatively, it is possible for the relative rotation to occur exclusively during the rewinding stroke, so as to avoid any braking effect during unwinding, with, obviously, further benefits in terms of practicality of use. In this context, advantageously, the balancer 1 may comprise a freewheel, which is configured to allow relative rotation of the permanent magnet 9 (and of the ring 11 , for example) with respect to the braking body 10 only during the rewinding stroke of the cable 4. With reference to theembodiment in which the braking body 10 is integral with the frame 2, the freewheel can therefore be functionally associated with the ring 11 (or in any case with the permanent magnets 9), so that the ring 11 and the permanent magnets 9 are integral with the drum 3 only when the rotation of the drum 3 occurs in the direction corresponding to rewinding; during unwinding, the ring 11 (and the magnets 9) are instead uncoupled from the drum 3 and thus integral with the frame 2, like the braking body 10, so as not to generate any braking effect.

[0052] Advantageously, the braking body 10 may comprise an armature, which may be connected to an electrical load; this makes it possible to use the induced current generated by the relative rotation of the permanent magnet 9 with respect to the braking body 10 for the electrical power supply of any load.

[0053] Usefully, the balancer 1 may comprise means for adjusting the distance between the permanent magnet 9 (or each permanent magnet 9) and the braking body 10. It is thus possible to correct any misalignment errors in the invention. The adjustment means may comprise one or more screws, configured so that their tightening or loosening causes a corresponding relative translation between (the ring 11 with) the permanent magnets 9 and the braking body 10.

[0054] The operation of the balancer 1 according to the invention has already been shown, but a brief summary thereof is provided below.

[0055] In per se known manners, the balancer 1 can be suspended from the ceiling, a wall, or any other supporting structure; a tool or load of any type can be coupled to it (at the free end 4a of the cable 4).

[0056] The elastic reaction of the spring 8, consequent to the unwinding of cable 4 and the rotation of drum 3, reduces or cancels out the weight of the tool, making it easy to use or allowing any load to be lifted or moved effortlessly. Moreover, the elastic reaction of the spring 8 returns the tool or load to a resting position when released by the operator.In a completely unique and innovative way, the rotation of the drum 3 with respect to the frame 2 and the consequent relative rotation of the permanent magnet 9 with respect to the body 10 generate a braking effect at least during the rewinding stroke of the cable 4, which thus occurs optimally without the risk of violent impacts, damage, and / or unwanted stresses on the supporting structures, which might otherwise occur due to the potentially high speed and acceleration caused by the magnitude of the constraining reaction of the spring 8 and by the length of the rewinding stroke.

[0057] The braking effect allows the balancer 1 to avoid gaining speed during ascent, ensuring a natural deceleration proximate to the upper limit of the load’s travel, introducing only a slight increase in the force required for said load’s descent (which can in any case be canceled out by using a freewheel).

[0058] As mentioned earlier, this makes the invention particularly suitable for contexts where the tool hanging from the cable 4 is expected to be used at a great distance from the drum 3 and the shell 2a.

[0059] For example, therefore, the braking effect is particularly beneficial when the balancer 1 is used to support charging devices of large vehicles (such as intercity buses, city transit buses, and coaches): in this case, the balancer 1 (as well as the cables of the charging device) is suspended from supporting beams positioned high above the ground to avoid occupying ground space and allow the vehicle to park in the area below. By means of a system of tension members, the operator can pull the device coupled to hook 6 toward himself when he must perform charging (taking advantage of the constraining reaction generated by spring 8, which reduces its perceived weight); once the task is complete, the operator can simply release the device, which is pulled back toward the shell 2a and the supporting beam by the constraining reaction of the spring 8, causing the rewinding stroke. The braking effect achieved by virtue of the invention ensures optimal rewinding, without jerks or impacts for the shell 2a and without stresses forthe supporting beams, at the end of the long ascent stroke.

[0060] It should also be noted that the braking effect is achieved without contact, thus ensuring high energy efficiency and with a low increase in the inertia of the rotating elements. The solution described herein allows the braking effect to be adjusted by adding or removing magnets 9 and / or by varying the distance between them and the braking body 10.

[0061] Moreover, the possibility is provided to equip the balancer 1 with a system that multiplies the rotational effect to increase the braking capacity of the system.

[0062] In practice it has been found that the balancer 1 according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, since the braking effect produced by the relative rotation of the permanent magnet 9 with respect to the braking body 10 ensures optimal rewinding of the cable 4, preventing violent impacts and damage.

[0063] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0064] In practice, the materials used (so long as they are compatible with the specific use), as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0065] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102025000006492 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A balancer (1) for tools, equipment, and loads in general, comprising a supporting frame (2) for a rotating drum (3) for winding and unwinding a cable (4), configured with a free end (4a) for supporting a load, and a return spring (8), wound around an axis of rotation (A) of said drum (3) and configured to generate a constraining reaction which contrasts the unwinding of said cable (4), characterized in that it comprises at least one permanent magnet (9) and a braking body (10) made of electrically conducting material, which are respectively integral with said drum (3) and said frame (2), or vice versa, at least during the rewinding stroke of said cable (4), said at least one permanent magnet (9) being configured to generate an induced current in said braking body (10).

2. The balancer according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one ring (11) which is coaxially coupled to said drum (3) and forms at least one seat (Ila) for accommodating said at least one permanent magnet (9).

3. The balancer according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one seat (Ila) is configured to accommodate a plurality of said permanent magnets (9), which can be stacked on top of each other to vary the intensity of the braking effect generated by said induced current.

4. The balancer according to claim 3, characterized in that said ring (11) has a plurality of said seats (Ila), preferably distributed in a uniform manner around said axis of rotation (A) of said drum (3).

5. The balancer according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (2) comprises a shell (2a) which accommodates said drum (3), said braking body (10) being a plate, preferably made of copper, applied to an internal wall of said shell (2a), directed toward said drum (3).

6. The balancer according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a freewheel, configured to allow a relative rotation of said at least one permanent magnet (9) with respect to said braking body (10) onlyduring the rewinding stroke of said cable (4).

7. The balancer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said braking body (10) comprises an armature, which can be connected to an electrical user device to utilize the induced current generated by the relative rotation of said at least one permanent magnet (9) with respect to said braking body (10).

8. The balancer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the distance between said at least one permanent magnet (9) and said braking body (10).

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