WO2018015604A1

WO2018015604A1 - Electronic hiking pole

Info

Publication number: WO2018015604A1
Application number: PCT/ES2017/070527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristina Martín Doñate; Miguel Ángel RUBIO PARAMIO; Jorge Manuel Mercado Colmenero; Catalina Rus Casas
Original assignee: Universidad De Jaén
Priority date: 2016-07-22
Filing date: 2017-07-21
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: ES2598296B2; ES2598296A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic hiking pole which can act as a conventional pole for sport practice and as an electrical generator for producing electricity from primary energy sources such as wind energy and hydraulic energy. The electronic hiking pole comprises: a gripping part (10) having at least one housing body (12) that laterally surrounds a handle (11), leaving at least one free entrance (A) sufficient for the insertion of a hand, the gripping part (10) assembly being rotatable about the imaginary axial axis of the handle (11); a central tube (20) which contains an electrical generator (23), a junction box (24) and a battery (25), the generator (23) having a rotary shaft (23A) inserted into a lower end of the handle (11), such that the rotary movement of the gripping part (10) causes the mutual rotation of the shaft (23A) of the generator (23), thereby generating electrical energy which is stored in the battery (25).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electronic walking stick OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the sport sector, and more specifically to articles and specific accessories for each sport modality, in particular hiking and / or mountaineering poles. The object of the present invention is an electronic walking stick, which in addition to constituting a support and facilitating the exercise of walking, allows electric power to be generated autonomously from wind power or hydraulic energy, for storage in an internal battery , being especially useful for medium / long-haul routes where the electrical supply of different electronic devices, such as mobile phones, global positioning devices (GPS), 'walkie talkie' radiotelephones), cameras, etc. is essential.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, mountain sports have become a sporting activity that has more and more followers. Hiking, because it is a specialized sport, requires a team that minimizes the possibility of suffering injuries and allows a more complete exercise, also exercising the arms and chest. The "sticks" or hiking poles are an important complement for the athlete as they provide great advantages in the practice of this activity.

On the other hand, every day there are more devices and technological devices that reach the market aimed at improving and increasing the experience of sports such as video cameras, GPS, mp3, etc., which require an electrical supply to its operation, usually through a rechargeable battery.

More particularly, the practice of outdoor sports such as hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, skiing, etc., makes athletes often suffer accidents or injuries that make mobility impossible, in which case the use of GPS locators, electronic compasses and other electronic devices is essential, in order to orient, ask for help and locate the nearest point of assistance or shelter. Thus, the technical problem that arises here lies in the serious inconvenience and danger that the exhaustion of the batteries of the supporting electronic devices during these outdoor sports practices may entail at a certain moment, where the absence of electricity supply can reach have fatal consequences, and where in the worst case, the first 48-72 hours become vital to be able to locate with life, help and save potential hikers or mountaineers injured or lost.

They are known in the current state of the art, mountain or hiking poles that incorporate different temperature, height, humidity, compass, etc. sensors in their grip, to inform the user at all times, see for example the Spanish utility model ES1046461 U. There are also other cane solutions that incorporate internal chambers or tanks for housing different items inside, from multi-purpose knives to food products that allow the athlete to provide caloric intake, such as nuts, chocolate, etc., as described by utility model ES1056790U. However, none of these canes allows the generation of electrical energy, much less by taking advantage of clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind or water.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By means of the present invention, the aforementioned technical problem is solved by providing a double-function electronic walking stick, which in addition to acting as a support and a conventional cane for sports, also allows its operation as an electricity generator from energy sources primary, renewable and ecological, such as wind energy and hydraulic energy. The electronic cane object of the invention is of special application and utility for routes or paths of medium / long distance where it is essential to maintain a minimum electrical supply to power different electronic devices, such as mobile phones, global positioning locator devices (GPS ), radiotelephones ("walkie talkie "), cameras, etc., thus avoiding being isolated and lost.

The electronic baton of the invention comprises a handle provided with a handle intended to be grasped by the user's hand; an elongated central tube and a pointed element coupled to the lower end of the central tube for interlocking on firm ground, whether dry ground or the subsoil of a river, beach or the like.

In addition, the handle comprises at least one enveloping body that surrounds the handle laterally, leaving at least sufficient free access for insertion of a user's hand; where the handle assembly formed by handle and wrapping body is rotatable on the imaginary axial axis of the handle from a wind or hydraulic force applied by wind or water on said wrapping body. At this point it should be noted that the enveloping body preferably has a wavy configuration, presenting a widening in its central part and two narrowings in its upper and lower ends respectively. This allows more efficient use of wind or hydraulic energy applied to said housing, thus obtaining a greater torque.

For its part, the central tube, preferably formed by a plurality of telescopic tubes, houses inside an electric generator, a junction box and a battery, where the generator has a rotating shaft inserted at a lower end of the handle. In this way, the rotational movement of the entire handle assembly, formed by handle and body, causes the solidarity rotation of the generator shaft, and with it the generation of electrical energy, which is stored in the battery through the connections Box.

Further preferably, the wrapping body has at least one pair of internal propellers disposed in a plane perpendicular to the imaginary axial axis of the handle, such that said propellers constitute the connecting element between the handle and the inner surface of the at least one wrapping body. These propellers allow you to add your effort and aerodynamics to obtain a greater torque of the grip, and thereby increase the amount of final electrical energy produced. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the electronic baton described herein may additionally comprise a fixing device coupled to the elongated central tube, wherein said fixing device is collapsible between a folding position of non-use thereof, and a deployment position capable of performing a double function: on the one hand, favoring the cane interlocking process on firm ground; and on the other hand make possible its assembly, installation and / or coupling to any other external tube, bar or stick, be it the central tube of another electronic cane, the handlebar of a bicycle, the structural support of a tent, etc. ., thus facilitating the generation of energy both in displacements and in stops and camping.

At this point it should be noted that the places where this type of outdoor sports are generally practiced: hiking, mountaineering or camping, there are strong air currents, as well as rapid water flows in mountain rivers, very favorable for the use of the cane electronic described here, taking advantage of these ecological energies (wind and hydraulic) to generate electricity.

Likewise, it should be noted that although in previous paragraphs there has been talk of the hiking or mountaineering modality, the electronic baton of the present invention is equally applicable to poles of other sports modalities, such as cross-country skiing, skiing or the like. Here are some of the main advantages provided by the electronic baton of the invention: - Contribution of electricity supply to the hiker, using ecological energy (wind and water) from wind and water.

- Storage of the electrical energy generated in a battery incorporated in the stick itself, allowing its subsequent use from a USB communication port.

- Increased safety in the practice of outdoor sports, in natural environments away from urban environments and demographic concentrations.

- Ability to be used as an electric generator, both when traveling as in periods of stopping or camping.

- Valid for a plurality of sports, such as hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, skiing, etc. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figures 1A-1C- They show views of the electronic walking stick object of the invention, where its application as a wind generator is appreciated, and as a hydraulic generator through its insertion in the subsoil of a river, beach or similar.

Figures 2A-2D.- They show a front and side view of the handle of the cane, as well as a plan view of the two propellers housed inside said handle, according to a preferred embodiment. Figures 3, 3A-3B.- They show a sectional view of the handle, and detail respectively, where fixing means for blocking or releasing the rotation of the handle are appreciated.

Figures 4A-4B.- They show paths in perspective, and sectioned side views respectively, of one of the telescopic tubes that make up the central tube of the cane, and inside which the electronic components for the generation and storage of electrical energy are housed.

Figure 5.- Shows a perspective view of the components for the generation of electric power of Figure 4B, in particular the electric generator, the junction box and the electric energy storage battery. Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of the rear face of the junction box, not shown in Figure 5, and where its connection terminals are appreciated.

Figures 7A-7C- They show different applications of installation and / or coupling of the electronic baton of the invention to other external tubes, bars or sticks, through the folding fixing device incorporated in the central tube of the cane.

Figure 8 shows a detail view of the fixing device of Figures 7A-7C in the deployed position, being fastened to the central tube through a clamping means, which in this embodiment comprise a crank bolt screw and a wing nut .

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An example of a preferred embodiment is described below with reference to the aforementioned figures, without limiting or reducing the scope of protection of the present invention.

Figure 1A shows an athlete using a pair of electronic walking sticks (1) that are the object of the invention, said electronic stick (1) comprising:

- a handle (10), shown more clearly in Figures 2A, 2B and 3, and which in the present embodiment has an ergonomic handle (11); a pair of enveloping bodies (12) that surround the handle (11) laterally, that is, in a quasi-parallel way to the vertical plane of the handle (11), defining a pair of free lateral accesses (A) sufficient for the insertion of the a user's hand; and a pair of internal propellers (13), shown in Figures 2C and 2D, arranged in a plane perpendicular to the imaginary axial axis of the handle (11), such that said propellers (13) join the handle (11) with the internal surface of said wrapping bodies (12), as shown in Figure 3; where the handle assembly (10) formed by handle (11), enveloping bodies (12) and propellers (13) has the ability to simultaneously rotate on the imaginary axial axis of the handle (11) from a wind or hydraulic force applied by wind or water on said enveloping bodies (12); - an elongated central tube (20), shown in Figures 1A-1C, constituted in this example by a plurality of telescopic tubes (22), and which houses an electric generator (23) inside, a junction box (24 ) and a preferably rechargeable battery (25), shown in Figure 4B, where the generator (23) has a rotating shaft (23A) for insertion into a lower end of the handle (11);

- a pointed element (30) coupled at the lower end of the central tube (20) for interlocking in firm ground (S), either on dry ground or submerged in the water of a river (R), beach or similar, see Figures 1 B and 1C respectively; Y

- a fixing device (40) coupled to the elongated central tube (20), said fixing device (40) being foldable between a folding position of non-use thereof, see figures 1A-1C, and a deployment position shown in Figures 7A-7C and 8, which allows its assembly, installation and / or coupling to any other tube, bar or external stick, either the central tube (20) of another electronic stick (1), the handlebar (M) of a bicycle or the structural support (T1) of a tent (T), as shown respectively in Figures 7A-7C, which makes possible the generation of electrical energy both in displacements and in stops and / or camping. However, another utility of this fixing device (40) is to favor the user with the interlocking process of the electronic cane (1), as a corkscrew, the fixing device (40) acting as a lever to help nail and insert the pointed element (30) onto the desired ground or ground.

In this way, the rotational movement of the handle (10) is transmitted to the shaft (23A) of the generator (23), causing the rotation of said shaft (23A) and consequently producing electrical energy, which is stored in the battery (25) through the junction box (24). In this regard, the possibility that the handle (11) has an axial hole (14), shown in Figures 2B and 3, in which the shaft (23A) of the generator (23A) of the generator ( 23) electric, thus favoring an optimal transmission of the turning movement between handle (10) and shaft (23A) of the generator (23), without possible exits, clearances or unwanted movements of the shaft (23A). In addition, the central tube (20) has fixing means (21) of the handle (10), shown in Figures 3A and 3B, so that the user has absolute control over the rotation or blocking of said handle (10 ), depending on whether the operation of the electronic baton (1) is desired as a conventional support stick, or as an electric generator. Thus, according to this preferred embodiment, said fixing means (21) comprise a tightening nut, movable vertically for blocking or releasing the rotation of the handle (10). However, said fixing means (21) could consist of any other means of immobilization of the handle (10). Therefore, in a first state of sports practice, in particular during a hiking or mountaineering march, figure 1A, the handle (10) is locked in a stable position through said fixing means (21), without any possibility of turning , in order to guarantee the safety and the perfect grip of the handle (11) of the handle (10) by the user. In this case, the clamping nut (21) would be moved towards the top of the handle (10), as shown in Figure 3B.

On the other hand, for those moments of rest, camping or overnight, see figures 1 B, 1C and 7C, where the electronic baton (1) is no longer used for its original purpose of constituting a secure support, the user can proceed to operate the fixing means (21) of the central tube (20) to allow free rotation of the handle (10), in particular, by unscrewing the clamping nut (21) for its downward vertical displacement, as can be seen in figure 3A.

With respect to the propellers (13) of the handle (10), it is provided that they are attached to the handle (11) by the upper and lower ends of the latter, as shown in Figures 2B and 3, thus avoiding impeding free access (A) for the insertion of the user's hand. Preferably, the handle assembly (10) formed by the handle (11), the wrapping bodies (12) and the propellers (13) constitute a single structural element, of the same material, and obtained by an injection overmolding process, with the consequent cost-effective benefits of it.

More specifically, according to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the propellers (13) comprise a pair of asymmetric blades (13A, 13B) of flat section, with curved and aerodynamic edges, and have hollow recesses (H) on their surface and recesses (E) on their lateral edges. This particularity of the hollow recesses (H) and the recesses (E) of the blades (13A, 13B) is not trivial or random, but rather has a double function: on the one hand, lighten its weight and favor easy handling of the handle (10); and on the other hand, to constitute an aero / hydro-dynamic element that allows to assist the rotational movement of the handle (10) from the force of the wind / water received from the outside, as shown in figures 1 B and 1 C. In relation to the previous paragraph, and in order to maximize energy use and efficiency, it is expected that the enveloping bodies (12) have a wavy configuration, presenting a widening in its central part and narrowing at its upper and lower ends, as It is reflected in Figures 1 B, 1C, 2A and 3. On the other hand, entering to explain in more detail the junction box (24), shown in Figures 5 and 6, it presents in this embodiment: a port Universal USB series (24A) to allow the connection, recharge and power supply of other external electronic devices, such as mobile phones, global positioning devices (GPS), radiotelephones ("walkie talkie"), and that in case of accidents or disorientation of the walkers in the middle of the mountain, it can be an essential and fundamental way of locating for the help of rescue and rescue teams; at least one LED indicator light (24B) for displaying the state of charge of the battery (25); and connection terminals (24C) for the electrical communication of the electric generator (23), the battery (25), the USB port (24A) and the LED indicator light (24B).

On the other hand, in figure 8 a detailed view of the fixing device (40) can be seen, in an unfolded position, and which according to the present embodiment, has a plurality of through grooves (41 H), in which they are installable and / or attachable any other external tube, bar or stick (20, M, T1), thus making it possible to transport, move or install the electronic baton (1) in an ideal position for greater wind energy use, such as the one shown in figure 7C where its installation is observed in an elevated position of a tent (T), thus increasing the power generation capacity of the electronic staff (1).

With respect to the pointed element (30) for the interlocking of the electronic baton (1) on firm ground (S), whether dry ground or subsoil of a river (R), it is provided that it has an external thread (31) helical, shown in figures 1 B and 1C, which facilitates the task of insertion of it. In addition, the possibility has been contemplated that said pointed element (30) may have a circular ring (32), shown in Figure 7B, which projects outwards and acts as a stop element to limit the interlocking in the floor (S) of said pointed element (30).

Finally, indicate that, although it has not been represented in the figures, it is provided that the internal electronic components of the central tube (20), such as: the electric generator (23), the junction box (24) and the battery ( 25) are equipped with sealing means that allow them to be adequately insulated and protected against the passage of water, this being of special interest and usefulness for the use of the electronic baton (1) as a hydraulic generator, where the latter is submerged by complete within the water of a river (R), beach or similar, as shown in Figure 1C.

Claims

1. - Electronic walking stick (1) comprising a handle (10) having a handle (11); an elongated central tube (20) and a pointed element (30) coupled at the lower end of the central tube (20) for interlocking in firm ground (S), characterized in that:

- the handle (10) additionally comprises at least one enveloping body (12) that surrounds the handle (11) laterally leaving at least sufficient free access (A) for the insertion of a user's hand, where the handle assembly ( 10) formed by handle (11) and casing body (12) is rotatable on the imaginary axial axis of the handle (11) from a wind or water force applied by wind or water on said casing body (12); - the central tube (20) houses inside an electric generator (23), a junction box (24) and a battery (25), where the generator (23) has a rotating shaft (23A) inserted at a lower end of the handle (11); such that the rotary movement of the handle (10) causes the solidarity rotation of the shaft (23A) of the generator (23) for the generation of electric power, this being stored in the battery (25) through the junction box (24 ).

2. - Electronic baton (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (12) has at least one pair of internal propellers (13) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the imaginary axial axis of the handle (11), such that said propellers (13) join the handle (11) with the inner surface of the housing (12).

3. - Electronic baton (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the propellers (13) are attached to the handle (11) by the upper and lower ends of the latter, without impeding the free access (A) of Insertion of the user's hand.

4. - Electronic baton (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the propellers (13) comprise a pair of asymmetric blades (13A, 13B) of flat section, with curved and aerodynamic edges, and having hollow holes (H) on its surface and recesses (E) on its lateral edges.

5. - Electronic stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrapping body (12) has a wavy configuration, presenting a widening in its central part and two narrowings in its upper and lower ends.

6. Electronic baton (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (10) has two enveloping bodies (12) facing each other, defining two free access points (A) to the handle (11).

7. - Electronic stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a fixing device (40) coupled to the elongated central tube (20), wherein said fixing device (40) is foldable between a position folding of non-use thereof, and a deployment position.

8. - Electronic baton (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fixing device (40) has a plurality of through grooves (41 H), such that in the deployment position thereof, it is installable and / or attachable to any other external tube, bar or stick (20, M, T1).

9. - Electronic cane (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated central tube (20) has fixing means (21) of the handle (10).

10. - Electronic cane (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fixing means (21) comprise a tightening nut movable vertically for blocking or releasing the rotation of the handle (10).

11. - Electronic baton (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the Elongated central tube (20) is formed by a plurality of telescopic tubes (22).

12. - Electronic stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the junction box (24) has a universal USB serial port (24A) for the connection and electrical supply of external electronic devices.

13. - Electronic baton (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the junction box (24) has at least one LED indicator light (24B) for displaying the state of charge of the battery (25).

14. - Electronic cane (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pointed element (30) has a helical outer thread (31).

15. - Electronic baton (1) according to claims 1 or 13, characterized in that the pointed element (30) has a flat ring (32) that projects outwards and acts as a stop element to limit the interlocking on the ground (S) of said pointed element (30).