CA2109438A1 - Pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device - Google Patents
Pressure-operated electric power generator and storage deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2109438A1 CA2109438A1 CA002109438A CA2109438A CA2109438A1 CA 2109438 A1 CA2109438 A1 CA 2109438A1 CA 002109438 A CA002109438 A CA 002109438A CA 2109438 A CA2109438 A CA 2109438A CA 2109438 A1 CA2109438 A1 CA 2109438A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gear set
- pressure
- gear
- alternator
- plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/06—Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/32—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from a charging set comprising a non-electric prime mover rotating at constant speed
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1853—Rotary generators driven by intermittent forces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1861—Rotary generators driven by animals or vehicles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device includes a pressure-operated alternator driving unit, an alternator unit, a power outlet, a battery charger circuit, a charging control circuit, and a supplementary current supplying circuit. Pressure is applied repeatedly on the alternator driving unit in order to rotate a rotor drive shaft of the alternator unit and enable the alternator unit to produce a voltage output. The power outlet includes an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery connected to the electrical socket. The battery charger circuit receives the voltage signal from the alternator unit so as to charge the rechargeable battery. The charging control circuit serves to deactivate the battery charger circuit in order to stop charging of the rechargeable battery when the voltage across the rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit. The supplementary current supplying circuit serves to provide additional current to the electrical socket when a plug is inserted into the electrical socket.
A pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device includes a pressure-operated alternator driving unit, an alternator unit, a power outlet, a battery charger circuit, a charging control circuit, and a supplementary current supplying circuit. Pressure is applied repeatedly on the alternator driving unit in order to rotate a rotor drive shaft of the alternator unit and enable the alternator unit to produce a voltage output. The power outlet includes an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery connected to the electrical socket. The battery charger circuit receives the voltage signal from the alternator unit so as to charge the rechargeable battery. The charging control circuit serves to deactivate the battery charger circuit in order to stop charging of the rechargeable battery when the voltage across the rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit. The supplementary current supplying circuit serves to provide additional current to the electrical socket when a plug is inserted into the electrical socket.
Description
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PRESSURE-OPERATED ELECTRIC' POWER ~::
GENERATOR AND STORAGE DEVICE
The invention relates to an electric power generator and storage device, more particularly to a pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device.
One of the objectives of most manufacturers of exercise equipments i5 to provide an exerciser which is capable of generating electricity when the latter is in use. A known bicycle exerciser which can accomplish this objective utilizes magnetic resistance in order to achieve the same. However, since the construction of the bicycle exerciser is very different from other kinds of exercise equipments, such as steppers and rowers, the principle applied in the known bicycle exerciser is inapplicable to the other kinds of exercise equipments.
Walking is another form of exercise. Many advantages can result if it would be possible to convert the mechanical force which is exerted by a person when walking into electrical power.
Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device which iis capable of converting the .
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mechanical force exerted by a person when walking or exercising into electrical power for operating a portable wireless telephone, a portable radio, a light device to aid the person at night, or a heating device to warm the person's foot during winter.
Accordingly, a pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention comprises:
a pressure-operated alternator driving unit including: a hollow base with a longitudinal partition plate provided therein; a pivot plate disposed in the hollow base on one side of the partition plate, the pivot plate having one end fixed to a shaft which extends through the partition plate; a volute spring having one end connected to the shaft and biasing the shaft so as to position normally the pivot plate in an upwardly inclining position; a driving gear secured on a distal end of the shaft; a unidirectional gear set including a smaller gear wheel which meshes with the driving gear and a larger gear wheel; a speed increasing gear set drlven rotatably by the larger gear wheel of the unidirectional gear set; and a press plate having a rear end that is mounted pivotally on an open top of the hollow base and a front end that is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate which has a distal end that extends into the open top of the hollow base and that abuts against the pivot plate;
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an alternator unit which is disposed in the hollow base and which has a rotor drive shaft that is provided with a gear member which meshes with the speed increasing gear set, the alternator unit producing a voltage signal when the gear member rotates due to repeated application of pressure on the press plate during use;
a power outlet means including an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery received in the hollow base and connected to the electrical socket;
a battery charger circuit receiving the voltage signal from the alternator unit so as to charge the rechargeable battery;
a charging control circuit including means for deactivating the battery charger circuit so as to stop charging of the rechargeable battery when the voltage across the rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit; and a supplementary current supplying circuit for providing additional current to the electrical socket when a plug is inserted into the electrical socket.
. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with re~erence to the accompanying drawings, of which: -. 3 3 ~
Figure 1 i5 a partly exploded view of a pressure-¦operated alternator driving unit of the electric power generator and storage device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the assembly of the alternator driving unit shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates the alternator driving unit when pressure is applied on the same;
Figure 4 illustrates the alternator driving unit 10when the pressure that was applied thereon is relieved;
Figure 5 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating the electrical components of the p~essure-operated electrical power generator and storage device according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram corresponding to the schematic circuit block diagram shown in Figure 5; and Figure 7 illustrates an intended application of the pressure-operated electrical power generator and ., 20storage device of the present invention.
, . '~ , Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a pressure-operated alternator drivi.ng unit 1 of the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device according ¦ to the present invention. The alternator driving unit 1 includes a hollow base 100 which confines a generally rectangular space that is divided by a longitudinal ., J" );,~ "'. ~
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` ~.. '', ~:, ' ' '' ' ' : ' partition plate 11. The hollow base 100 further has a detachable side panel 13 which is disposed on one side of the partition plate 11 and which cooperates with the partition plate 11 so as to confine a transmis~ion space 12 therebetween. The partition plate 11 is formed with a pivot shaft 111, an axle hole 112 and a plurality of limit projections 110 that extend toward the side panel 13. The side panel 13 is formed with three axle holes 130, 131, 132. The axle hole 131 of the side panel 13 i5 aligned with the pivot shaft 111 and is generally oval-shaped. The hollow base 100 further has a battery receiving space 121 and a , receiving chamber 16 on the other side of the partition plate 11 opposite to the transmission space 12.
Rechargeable batteries 40 are received in the battery receiving space 121. A pivot plate 20 is disposed in the battery receiving space 121 on one side of the rechargeable batteries 40 and has one end fixed to a shaft 21. The shaft 21 extends into the transmission space 12 through the partition plate 11. A
volute spring 22 is disposed in the transmission space 12 and has an innermost end connected to the shaft 21.
The volute spring 22 further has an outermost end which is bent so as to be retained between a botto~ plate of the hollow base 100 and one of the limit projections 110. The volute spring 22 biases the shaft 21 so that the pivot plate 20 is disposed normally in an upwardly .' . ~ .
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inclining position in which the pivot plate 20 abuts against an upper one of the limit projections 110. A
driving gear 23 is similarly disposed in the transmission space 12 and is secured on a distal end of the shaft 21. The driving gear 23 drives rotatably a unidirectional gear set 24. The unidirectional gear set 24 includes a gear axle 242, a smaller gear wheel 240 secured on the gear axle 242, and a larger gear wheel 241 similarly secured on the gear axle 242 and formed integrally on one side of the smaller gear wheel 240.
The gear axle 242 has one end which extends into a shallow and slightly wide cavity formed in a distal end of the pivot shaft 111, thereby mounting pivotally the gear axle 242 on the partition plate 11. The other end of the gear axle 242 extends into the axle hole 131 on the side panel 13. The smaller gear wheel 240 meshes with the driving gear 23. The larger gear wheel 241 drives rotatably a speed increasing gear set 25. The speed increasing gear set 25 includes a gear axle 252 with two ends that extend respectively into the axle holes 112, 132 of the partition plate 11 and the side panel 13, a smaller gear wheel 250 secured on the year axle 252, and a larger gear wheel 251 similarly secured on the gear axle 252 and formed integrally on one side of the smaller gear wheel 250. The smaller gear wheel 250 is driven rotatably by the larger gear wheel 241 of the unidirectional gear set 24.
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The electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention further comprises an alternator unit 30 disposed in the receiving chamber 16 of the hollow base 100. The alternator unit 30 has a rotor drive shaft 31 which extends into the transmission space 12 and which is provided with a gear member 32 that meshes with the larger gear wheel 251 of the speed increasing gear set 25.
The alternator driving unit 1 further includes a press plate 10 which is provided on an open top of the hollow base 100. The press plate 10 has a rear end which is provided with a downwardly extending pivot lug (lOa). A pivot pin 101 extends through the pivot lug (lOa) to mount pivotally ~he rear end of the press plate 10 to the open top of the hollow base 100. The press plate 10 further has a front end which is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate 102.
The push plate 102 has a distal end which extends into the open top of the hollow base 100 and which abuts against the pivot plate 20. ~:
Referring to Figure 3, when a force (P) is applied on the press plate 10, the push plate 102 pushes the pivot plate 20 downwardly until the latter abuts against a lower one of the limit projections 110. The volute spring 22 is wound, and the driving gear 23 rotates with the shaft 21 in a clockwise direction. The . driving gear 23 drives rotatably the unidirectional .
,.., - ~ 2109~38 gear set 24 and, at the same time, causes the gear axle 242 of the unidirectional gear set 24 to pivot to the upper end of the oval-shaped axle hole 131 in order to enable the unidirectional gear set 24 to mesh with the speed increasing gear set 25 so as to rotate the latter. Rotation of the speed increasing gear set 25 causes corresponding rotation of the gear member 32, thus rotating a rotor (not shown) of the alternator unit 30 in order to enable the latter to generate a voltage output.
Referring to Figure 4, when the force (P) on the press plate 10 is relieved, the volute spring 22 unwinds to return the pivot plate 20 to the normal upwardly inclining position. The driving gear 23 rotates with the shaft 21 in a counterclockwise dixection. The driving gear 23 drives rotatably the unidirectional gear set 24 and, at the same time, causes the gear axle 242 of the unidirectional gear set 24 to pivot to the lower end of the oval-shaped axle 2.0 hole 131 in order to enable the unidirectional gear set 24 to disengage from the speed increasing gear set 25.
Thus, the gear member 32 of the alternator unit 30 does not rotate at this stage.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, aside from the alternator unit 30, the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention is shown to further comprise a rectifier :
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PRESSURE-OPERATED ELECTRIC' POWER ~::
GENERATOR AND STORAGE DEVICE
The invention relates to an electric power generator and storage device, more particularly to a pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device.
One of the objectives of most manufacturers of exercise equipments i5 to provide an exerciser which is capable of generating electricity when the latter is in use. A known bicycle exerciser which can accomplish this objective utilizes magnetic resistance in order to achieve the same. However, since the construction of the bicycle exerciser is very different from other kinds of exercise equipments, such as steppers and rowers, the principle applied in the known bicycle exerciser is inapplicable to the other kinds of exercise equipments.
Walking is another form of exercise. Many advantages can result if it would be possible to convert the mechanical force which is exerted by a person when walking into electrical power.
Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device which iis capable of converting the .
.
. ,.
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mechanical force exerted by a person when walking or exercising into electrical power for operating a portable wireless telephone, a portable radio, a light device to aid the person at night, or a heating device to warm the person's foot during winter.
Accordingly, a pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention comprises:
a pressure-operated alternator driving unit including: a hollow base with a longitudinal partition plate provided therein; a pivot plate disposed in the hollow base on one side of the partition plate, the pivot plate having one end fixed to a shaft which extends through the partition plate; a volute spring having one end connected to the shaft and biasing the shaft so as to position normally the pivot plate in an upwardly inclining position; a driving gear secured on a distal end of the shaft; a unidirectional gear set including a smaller gear wheel which meshes with the driving gear and a larger gear wheel; a speed increasing gear set drlven rotatably by the larger gear wheel of the unidirectional gear set; and a press plate having a rear end that is mounted pivotally on an open top of the hollow base and a front end that is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate which has a distal end that extends into the open top of the hollow base and that abuts against the pivot plate;
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an alternator unit which is disposed in the hollow base and which has a rotor drive shaft that is provided with a gear member which meshes with the speed increasing gear set, the alternator unit producing a voltage signal when the gear member rotates due to repeated application of pressure on the press plate during use;
a power outlet means including an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery received in the hollow base and connected to the electrical socket;
a battery charger circuit receiving the voltage signal from the alternator unit so as to charge the rechargeable battery;
a charging control circuit including means for deactivating the battery charger circuit so as to stop charging of the rechargeable battery when the voltage across the rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit; and a supplementary current supplying circuit for providing additional current to the electrical socket when a plug is inserted into the electrical socket.
. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with re~erence to the accompanying drawings, of which: -. 3 3 ~
Figure 1 i5 a partly exploded view of a pressure-¦operated alternator driving unit of the electric power generator and storage device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the assembly of the alternator driving unit shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates the alternator driving unit when pressure is applied on the same;
Figure 4 illustrates the alternator driving unit 10when the pressure that was applied thereon is relieved;
Figure 5 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating the electrical components of the p~essure-operated electrical power generator and storage device according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram corresponding to the schematic circuit block diagram shown in Figure 5; and Figure 7 illustrates an intended application of the pressure-operated electrical power generator and ., 20storage device of the present invention.
, . '~ , Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a pressure-operated alternator drivi.ng unit 1 of the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device according ¦ to the present invention. The alternator driving unit 1 includes a hollow base 100 which confines a generally rectangular space that is divided by a longitudinal ., J" );,~ "'. ~
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` ~.. '', ~:, ' ' '' ' ' : ' partition plate 11. The hollow base 100 further has a detachable side panel 13 which is disposed on one side of the partition plate 11 and which cooperates with the partition plate 11 so as to confine a transmis~ion space 12 therebetween. The partition plate 11 is formed with a pivot shaft 111, an axle hole 112 and a plurality of limit projections 110 that extend toward the side panel 13. The side panel 13 is formed with three axle holes 130, 131, 132. The axle hole 131 of the side panel 13 i5 aligned with the pivot shaft 111 and is generally oval-shaped. The hollow base 100 further has a battery receiving space 121 and a , receiving chamber 16 on the other side of the partition plate 11 opposite to the transmission space 12.
Rechargeable batteries 40 are received in the battery receiving space 121. A pivot plate 20 is disposed in the battery receiving space 121 on one side of the rechargeable batteries 40 and has one end fixed to a shaft 21. The shaft 21 extends into the transmission space 12 through the partition plate 11. A
volute spring 22 is disposed in the transmission space 12 and has an innermost end connected to the shaft 21.
The volute spring 22 further has an outermost end which is bent so as to be retained between a botto~ plate of the hollow base 100 and one of the limit projections 110. The volute spring 22 biases the shaft 21 so that the pivot plate 20 is disposed normally in an upwardly .' . ~ .
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inclining position in which the pivot plate 20 abuts against an upper one of the limit projections 110. A
driving gear 23 is similarly disposed in the transmission space 12 and is secured on a distal end of the shaft 21. The driving gear 23 drives rotatably a unidirectional gear set 24. The unidirectional gear set 24 includes a gear axle 242, a smaller gear wheel 240 secured on the gear axle 242, and a larger gear wheel 241 similarly secured on the gear axle 242 and formed integrally on one side of the smaller gear wheel 240.
The gear axle 242 has one end which extends into a shallow and slightly wide cavity formed in a distal end of the pivot shaft 111, thereby mounting pivotally the gear axle 242 on the partition plate 11. The other end of the gear axle 242 extends into the axle hole 131 on the side panel 13. The smaller gear wheel 240 meshes with the driving gear 23. The larger gear wheel 241 drives rotatably a speed increasing gear set 25. The speed increasing gear set 25 includes a gear axle 252 with two ends that extend respectively into the axle holes 112, 132 of the partition plate 11 and the side panel 13, a smaller gear wheel 250 secured on the year axle 252, and a larger gear wheel 251 similarly secured on the gear axle 252 and formed integrally on one side of the smaller gear wheel 250. The smaller gear wheel 250 is driven rotatably by the larger gear wheel 241 of the unidirectional gear set 24.
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The electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention further comprises an alternator unit 30 disposed in the receiving chamber 16 of the hollow base 100. The alternator unit 30 has a rotor drive shaft 31 which extends into the transmission space 12 and which is provided with a gear member 32 that meshes with the larger gear wheel 251 of the speed increasing gear set 25.
The alternator driving unit 1 further includes a press plate 10 which is provided on an open top of the hollow base 100. The press plate 10 has a rear end which is provided with a downwardly extending pivot lug (lOa). A pivot pin 101 extends through the pivot lug (lOa) to mount pivotally ~he rear end of the press plate 10 to the open top of the hollow base 100. The press plate 10 further has a front end which is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate 102.
The push plate 102 has a distal end which extends into the open top of the hollow base 100 and which abuts against the pivot plate 20. ~:
Referring to Figure 3, when a force (P) is applied on the press plate 10, the push plate 102 pushes the pivot plate 20 downwardly until the latter abuts against a lower one of the limit projections 110. The volute spring 22 is wound, and the driving gear 23 rotates with the shaft 21 in a clockwise direction. The . driving gear 23 drives rotatably the unidirectional .
,.., - ~ 2109~38 gear set 24 and, at the same time, causes the gear axle 242 of the unidirectional gear set 24 to pivot to the upper end of the oval-shaped axle hole 131 in order to enable the unidirectional gear set 24 to mesh with the speed increasing gear set 25 so as to rotate the latter. Rotation of the speed increasing gear set 25 causes corresponding rotation of the gear member 32, thus rotating a rotor (not shown) of the alternator unit 30 in order to enable the latter to generate a voltage output.
Referring to Figure 4, when the force (P) on the press plate 10 is relieved, the volute spring 22 unwinds to return the pivot plate 20 to the normal upwardly inclining position. The driving gear 23 rotates with the shaft 21 in a counterclockwise dixection. The driving gear 23 drives rotatably the unidirectional gear set 24 and, at the same time, causes the gear axle 242 of the unidirectional gear set 24 to pivot to the lower end of the oval-shaped axle 2.0 hole 131 in order to enable the unidirectional gear set 24 to disengage from the speed increasing gear set 25.
Thus, the gear member 32 of the alternator unit 30 does not rotate at this stage.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, aside from the alternator unit 30, the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention is shown to further comprise a rectifier :
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circuit 2 wired to the alternator unit 30, a battery charger circuit 4, a charging control circuit 5, a supplementary current supplying circuit 6, and a power outlet 7 including an electrical socket 70. The rectifier circuit 2, the battery charger circuit 4, the charging control circuit 5, the supplementary current supplying circuit 6 and the power outlet 7 are also provided in the hollow base lO0.
Referring to the schematic electrical circuit diagram shown in Figure 6, the voltage output of the alternator unit 30 is rectified by the rectifier circuit 2. The rectifier circuit 2 is a half-wave rectifier circuit and includes a diode (Dl) and a capacitor (C1) connected to the cathode of the diode (D1) so as to filter a rectified voltage output of the latter. A fairly stable dc voltage signal (Vcc) can be measured across the capacitor (C1).
The battery charger circuit 4 is connected to ths rectifier circuit 2 and includes a pair of resistors , 20 (R9, R10) and a pair of transistors (Q3, Q4). The battery charger circuit 4 acts as a constant current source which charges continuously the rechargeable batteries 40 of the power outlet 7 until the voltage (Vl) across the batteries 40 exceeds a reference voltage (Vrl) of the charging control circuit 5 to prevent overcharging of the batteries 40. The power outlet 7 further includes a filter capacitor (C3) .
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connected across the batteries 40.
The charging control circuit 5 includes four resistors (R1-R4) and a zener diode (ZD1) which are arranged so as to set a pair of reference voltayes ~1 , (Vrl, Vr2). The charging control circuit 5 further includes a first comparator (Al) having the reference voltage (Vrl) and the battery voltage (V1) as inputs thereto, and a second comparator (A2) having the reference voltage (Vr2) and the battery volta~e (Vl) as inputs thereto. The output terminal of the first comparator (A1) is connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q4) of the battery charger circuit 4.
When the battery voltage (Vl) is greater than the reference voltage (Vrl), the voltage output (Vol) of the first comparator (Al) ~ 0 volts. The transistor (Q4) ceases to conduct, and the current (ID2) from the transistor (Q3) ~ O amperes. Charging of the batteries 40 is thus stopped.
The voltage stabilizer 6 includes resistors (R6-R8), transistors (Ql, Q2), a capacitor (C8) and a zener diode (ZD2). The resistor (R8) serves as a protective unit for the batterieb 40. The output terminal of the second comparator (A2) is connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q1). The transistor (Q1) ,, has an emitter terminal connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q2).
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Initially, when no plug is inserted into the I electrical socket 70, the battery voltage (Vl) is greater than the reference voltage (Vr2), and the voltage output (Vo2) of the second comparator (A2) ~ 0 volts. The transistors (Q1, Q2) do not conduct at this stage.
When a plug is inserted into the electrical socket 70, the contact terminals (b, c) of the electrical socket 70 are open-circuited, while the contact terminals (b, a) of the same are short-circuited. The (V1) inputs of the first and second comparators (A1, A2) are grounded. Current is supplied to a load connected to the electrical socket 70 via the batteries 40 and the transistor (Q2).
When the preferred embodiment is in a motionless state and no plug is inserted into the electrical socket 70, the batteries 40 discharge via the resistor (R9). The resistance of the resistor (R9) is relatively large so as to minimize its electrical power consumption.
Figure 7 illustrates the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention when incorporated in an athletic shoe. The shoe has a sole 8 which is formed with a watertight compartment for receiving the present invention therein. In use, the heel of the user repeatedly applies pressure on the alternator driving .
~ unit 1, thereby generating a dc voltage output which i can be tapped via the electrical socket 70 on the sole 8 so as to provide electric power to a portable wireless telephone, a portable radio, a light device to aid the user at night, or to a heating device to warm ., the user's foot during winter.
When the present invention is to be used in a conventional exerciser, the electrical power generator and storage device is placed underneath a movable part of the exerciser so that pressure can be applied repeatedly on the alternator driving unit 1 during exercise.
~: While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
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circuit 2 wired to the alternator unit 30, a battery charger circuit 4, a charging control circuit 5, a supplementary current supplying circuit 6, and a power outlet 7 including an electrical socket 70. The rectifier circuit 2, the battery charger circuit 4, the charging control circuit 5, the supplementary current supplying circuit 6 and the power outlet 7 are also provided in the hollow base lO0.
Referring to the schematic electrical circuit diagram shown in Figure 6, the voltage output of the alternator unit 30 is rectified by the rectifier circuit 2. The rectifier circuit 2 is a half-wave rectifier circuit and includes a diode (Dl) and a capacitor (C1) connected to the cathode of the diode (D1) so as to filter a rectified voltage output of the latter. A fairly stable dc voltage signal (Vcc) can be measured across the capacitor (C1).
The battery charger circuit 4 is connected to ths rectifier circuit 2 and includes a pair of resistors , 20 (R9, R10) and a pair of transistors (Q3, Q4). The battery charger circuit 4 acts as a constant current source which charges continuously the rechargeable batteries 40 of the power outlet 7 until the voltage (Vl) across the batteries 40 exceeds a reference voltage (Vrl) of the charging control circuit 5 to prevent overcharging of the batteries 40. The power outlet 7 further includes a filter capacitor (C3) .
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connected across the batteries 40.
The charging control circuit 5 includes four resistors (R1-R4) and a zener diode (ZD1) which are arranged so as to set a pair of reference voltayes ~1 , (Vrl, Vr2). The charging control circuit 5 further includes a first comparator (Al) having the reference voltage (Vrl) and the battery voltage (V1) as inputs thereto, and a second comparator (A2) having the reference voltage (Vr2) and the battery volta~e (Vl) as inputs thereto. The output terminal of the first comparator (A1) is connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q4) of the battery charger circuit 4.
When the battery voltage (Vl) is greater than the reference voltage (Vrl), the voltage output (Vol) of the first comparator (Al) ~ 0 volts. The transistor (Q4) ceases to conduct, and the current (ID2) from the transistor (Q3) ~ O amperes. Charging of the batteries 40 is thus stopped.
The voltage stabilizer 6 includes resistors (R6-R8), transistors (Ql, Q2), a capacitor (C8) and a zener diode (ZD2). The resistor (R8) serves as a protective unit for the batterieb 40. The output terminal of the second comparator (A2) is connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q1). The transistor (Q1) ,, has an emitter terminal connected to the base terminal of the transistor (Q2).
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Initially, when no plug is inserted into the I electrical socket 70, the battery voltage (Vl) is greater than the reference voltage (Vr2), and the voltage output (Vo2) of the second comparator (A2) ~ 0 volts. The transistors (Q1, Q2) do not conduct at this stage.
When a plug is inserted into the electrical socket 70, the contact terminals (b, c) of the electrical socket 70 are open-circuited, while the contact terminals (b, a) of the same are short-circuited. The (V1) inputs of the first and second comparators (A1, A2) are grounded. Current is supplied to a load connected to the electrical socket 70 via the batteries 40 and the transistor (Q2).
When the preferred embodiment is in a motionless state and no plug is inserted into the electrical socket 70, the batteries 40 discharge via the resistor (R9). The resistance of the resistor (R9) is relatively large so as to minimize its electrical power consumption.
Figure 7 illustrates the pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device of the present invention when incorporated in an athletic shoe. The shoe has a sole 8 which is formed with a watertight compartment for receiving the present invention therein. In use, the heel of the user repeatedly applies pressure on the alternator driving .
~ unit 1, thereby generating a dc voltage output which i can be tapped via the electrical socket 70 on the sole 8 so as to provide electric power to a portable wireless telephone, a portable radio, a light device to aid the user at night, or to a heating device to warm ., the user's foot during winter.
When the present invention is to be used in a conventional exerciser, the electrical power generator and storage device is placed underneath a movable part of the exerciser so that pressure can be applied repeatedly on the alternator driving unit 1 during exercise.
~: While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
.
j . :
Claims (5)
1. A pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device, comprising:
a pressure-operated alternator driving unit including: a hollow base with a longitudinal partition plate provided therein; a pivot plate disposed in said hollow base on one side of said partition plate, said pivot plate having one end fixed to a shaft which extends through said partition plate; a volute spring having one end connected to said shaft and biasing said shaft so as to position normally said pivot plate in an upwardly inclining position; a driving gear secured on a distal end of said shaft; a unidirectional gear set including a smaller gear wheel which meshes with said driving gear and a larger gear wheel; a speed increasing gear set driven rotatably by said larger gear wheel of said unidirectional gear set; and a press plate having a rear end that is mounted pivotally on an open top of said hollow base and a front end that is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate which has a distal end that extends into said open top of said hollow base and that abuts against said pivot plate;
an alternator unit which is disposed in said hollow base and which has a rotor drive shaft that is provided with a gear member which meshes with said speed increasing gear set, said alternator unit producing a voltage signal when said gear member rotates due to repeated application of pressure on said press plate during use;
a power outlet means including an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery received in said hollow base and connected to said electrical socket;
a battery charger circuit receiving said voltage signal from said alternator unit so as to charge said rechargeable battery;
a charging control circuit including means for deactivating said battery charger circuit so as to stop charging of said rechargeable battery when the voltage across said rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit; and a supplementary current supplying circuit for providing additional current to said electrical socket when a plug is inserted into said electrical socket.
a pressure-operated alternator driving unit including: a hollow base with a longitudinal partition plate provided therein; a pivot plate disposed in said hollow base on one side of said partition plate, said pivot plate having one end fixed to a shaft which extends through said partition plate; a volute spring having one end connected to said shaft and biasing said shaft so as to position normally said pivot plate in an upwardly inclining position; a driving gear secured on a distal end of said shaft; a unidirectional gear set including a smaller gear wheel which meshes with said driving gear and a larger gear wheel; a speed increasing gear set driven rotatably by said larger gear wheel of said unidirectional gear set; and a press plate having a rear end that is mounted pivotally on an open top of said hollow base and a front end that is provided with a downwardly projecting push plate which has a distal end that extends into said open top of said hollow base and that abuts against said pivot plate;
an alternator unit which is disposed in said hollow base and which has a rotor drive shaft that is provided with a gear member which meshes with said speed increasing gear set, said alternator unit producing a voltage signal when said gear member rotates due to repeated application of pressure on said press plate during use;
a power outlet means including an electrical socket and a rechargeable battery received in said hollow base and connected to said electrical socket;
a battery charger circuit receiving said voltage signal from said alternator unit so as to charge said rechargeable battery;
a charging control circuit including means for deactivating said battery charger circuit so as to stop charging of said rechargeable battery when the voltage across said rechargeable battery exceeds a predetermined limit; and a supplementary current supplying circuit for providing additional current to said electrical socket when a plug is inserted into said electrical socket.
2. The pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rectifier circuit connected to said alternator unit so as to rectify said voltage signal.
3. The pressure-operated electrical power generator and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging control circuit further comprises:
means for detecting if said plug is inserted into said electrical socket; and means for deactivating said supplementary current supplying circuit when said plug is not inserted into said electrical socket.
means for detecting if said plug is inserted into said electrical socket; and means for deactivating said supplementary current supplying circuit when said plug is not inserted into said electrical socket.
4. The pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow base has a side panel opposite to said partition plate and formed with an oval-shaped axle hole, said unidirectional gear set further having a gear axle with a first end mounted pivotally on said partition plate and a second end extending into said oval-shaped axle hole;
whereby, when pressure is applied on said press plate, said push plate pushes said pivot plate downwardly to rotate said shaft in a first direction, thereby winding said volute spring and rotating said driving gear therewith to drive rotatably said unidirectional gear set and cause said gear axle of said unidirectional gear set to pivot to an upper end of said oval-shaped axle hole in order to enable said unidirectional gear set to mesh with said speed increasing gear set; and when said pressure on said press plate is relieved, said volute spring unwinds to rotate said shaft in a second direction in order to return said pivot plate to said upwardly inclining position and in order to rotate said driving gear to drive rotatably said unidirectional gear set and cause said gear axle of said unidirectional gear set to pivot to a lower end of said oval-shaped axle hole in order to enable said unidirectional gear set to disengage from said speed increasing gear set.
whereby, when pressure is applied on said press plate, said push plate pushes said pivot plate downwardly to rotate said shaft in a first direction, thereby winding said volute spring and rotating said driving gear therewith to drive rotatably said unidirectional gear set and cause said gear axle of said unidirectional gear set to pivot to an upper end of said oval-shaped axle hole in order to enable said unidirectional gear set to mesh with said speed increasing gear set; and when said pressure on said press plate is relieved, said volute spring unwinds to rotate said shaft in a second direction in order to return said pivot plate to said upwardly inclining position and in order to rotate said driving gear to drive rotatably said unidirectional gear set and cause said gear axle of said unidirectional gear set to pivot to a lower end of said oval-shaped axle hole in order to enable said unidirectional gear set to disengage from said speed increasing gear set.
5. The pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speed increasing gear set includes a smaller gear wheel which is driven rotatably by said larger gear wheel of said unidirectional gear set and a larger gear wheel which meshes with said gear member of said alternator unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002109438A CA2109438A1 (en) | 1993-10-01 | 1993-10-01 | Pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002109438A CA2109438A1 (en) | 1993-10-01 | 1993-10-01 | Pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2109438A1 true CA2109438A1 (en) | 1995-04-02 |
Family
ID=4152500
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002109438A Abandoned CA2109438A1 (en) | 1993-10-01 | 1993-10-01 | Pressure-operated electric power generator and storage device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2109438A1 (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-10-01 CA CA002109438A patent/CA2109438A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |