Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02646031 2008-12-04
ULTRA SLIM HYBRID ELECTRIC ENERGY SOURCE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical power sources,
and more
specifically to a hybrid device exhibiting a rechargeable battery which is
provided with a
possibility to be recharged by human powered charger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As more and more functionalities and advance properties are expected
from
contemporary electronic devices, the portability of these devices is limited
eventually by
the life span of their independent power sources.
[0003] Usually these power sources are in the form of rechargeable battery
cells. As
batteries remain the weakest link in consumer electronics, batteries with
longer lives, as
well as more efficient ways to charge batteries are constantly being
developed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention discloses an ultra slim electric energy hybrid
source
performing an accumulator battery with a function of recharging by human-power
through mechanical movement (e.g. pulling-out cord or pushing-down lever).
Actually it
is designed to be built-in into the device to be fed. The electric energy
source comprises
a compactly packed rechargeable battery of essentially planar design, a disk-
shape
alternator based on a stator embedding a planar winding and a mechanical speed-
up
transmission for converting a reciprocating input movement into a
unidirectional rotation
of the alternator; and an electronic unit converting the alternator output
into electric
current properly charging the rechargeable battery.
[0005] In embodiments, the alternator stator is shaped to exhibit a cut-away
section for
accommodating the speed-up mechanical transmission unit such that a maximally
possible slim arrangement could be achieved.
[0006] In embodiments, a rechargeable battery which preferably consists of
several
electrically connected cells is arranged on the alternator stator to provide a
maximally
slim design.
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[0007] In embodiments, an electronic unit converting the alternator output
into the
charging current is further secured on the alternator stator.
[0008] In embodiments, the speed-up mechanical transmission comprises speed
multiplication means such as speed-up gear couples, speed-up chain
transmission, speed-
up belt transmission, and the like which are further connected mechanically in
series.
[0009] In embodiments, the mechanical transmission further comprises a user
applicator
to provide a man force application such a handle connected to a cord coiled
around a
revolving element or a turning lever connected to an arc toothed rack.
[0010] In embodiments, the mechanical transmission means further comprises a
returning
element connected to the applicator such as a spiral watch spring or torsion
spring with
one fixed end and with the second end connected to the applicator to provide
reciprocating movement of the applicator.
[0011] In embodiments, the mechanical transmission further comprises a clutch
providing transmission of reciprocating applicator movement to unidirectional
rotation of
the alternator rotors.
[0012] In embodiments, the alternator comprises a stationary central plate
(stator)
containing a planar winding. The winding may be single-phase, with identical
coils
circularly distributed around a rotational axis within a sector less than 360
degrees (e.g.
315 degrees) in accordance with the cut-away stator sector.
[0013] In embodiments, the alternator further comprises two identical rotors
allocated
concentrically with the winding on both sides of the central plate and facing
each other.
[0014] In embodiments, the planar winding is produced by any appropriate
method that
results in embedding the winding into the stator. These methods may include
magnet wire
reeling, copper stamping, copper etching, fabrication as multilayered printed
circuit board
(PCB), and the like.
[0015] In embodiments, the winding is made as a multilayered printed circuit
board with
a plurality of coils built from planar spiral-like conductor loops in every
layer,
interconnected throughout the layers to form a substantially multi-layer
spiral inductor.
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[0016] In embodiments, the rotors are configured to rotate together around
axis of the
planar winding. Each rotor comprises a periodical heteropolar axially
magnetized
magnetic system with a definite pole number, made either as a plurality of
permanent
magnet pieces or as a single-piece multi-pole permanent magnet down. The
magnetic
systems face each other and are oriented accordingly to form a common magnetic
field
crossing the planar winding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more clearly
understood
in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein, given by way of
example and
for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with
reference to the
accompanying drawings (Figures, or simply "FIGS."), wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the energy source according to some
embodiments
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a isometric view of the energy source without an external
case according
to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a developed view of the energy source according to some
embodiments
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the cinematic train according to some
embodiments
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the printed circuit board stator plate
with embedded
coils according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a developed view of the printed circuit board stator plate
with embedded
6-layer winding according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the embedded winding portions occupying
even
layers according to some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the embedded winding portions occupying
odd
layers according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of one of the alternator rotor according to
some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of one of the alternator rotors according
to some
embodiments of the present invention.
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[0028] The drawings, together with the description, make apparent to those
skilled in the
art how the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0029] Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be
repeated among
the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the energy source 100 according to
some
embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, it is shown in an external
isometric
view of the packed device. The packaged energy supply comprises a left case
1100 and a
right case 1200 operatively associated with an applicator 2001 for manpower
driving force
implemented here as a handle. Additionally, there are electric output
terminals 3041.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the packaged energy supply according
to some
embodiments of the present invention. Energy supply 100 comprises an
applicator
2001for manpower driving force, a pulling cord 2002 for manpower driving, the
first gear
2011 driven by man power, a belt 2012 driven by above first gear, a shaft 2013
above
which the first gear 2011 rotates, the right rotor 2010 of the alternator, the
left rotor 2020
of the alternator, a shaft 2031 above which the alternator rotors rotate, a
stator 3010, and
on-board elements of rechargeable battery 3021, and on board elements of
electronic
circuit 3031 and output electric terminals 3041.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows and exploded isometric view of the packed device according
to
some embdiments of the invention. The view shows left case 1100, right case
1200,
applicator 2001 for manpower driving force, pulling cord 2002 for manpower
driving
force, right rotor 2010of the alternator, left rotor 2020of the alternator, a
first gear 2011
driven by man power force, a belt 2012 driven by the first gear and a
returning spring
2014. Further the energy supply comprises left 2030L and right 2030R halves of
the
driving portion of the ratchet, left (not shown) and right 2032R halves of the
driven
portion of the ratchet and a shaft 2031 which is conunon for the ratchet, and
the alernator
rotors. Further the energy supply comprises stator 3010, on board elements of
rechergeable battery 3021 and an on board elements of electronic circuit 3031
and output
electric terminals 3041.
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[0033] FIG. 4 shows a kinematic scheme of the device according to some
embodiments
of the invention. Applicator 2001 for manpower driving force is shown
operatively
associated with pulling cord 2002. When unreeled the cord rotates the first
gear 2011
around shaft 2013 and through the belt 2012 rotates driving portion 2030 of
ratchet which
transfer rotation to its driven parts 2032 fixed on the alternator rotors 2010
and 2020 (not
shown) which finaly rotate around shaft 2031. Simultaniously the returning
spring 2014
attached thereto first gear 2011 and fixed by its second end to ancor 2015, is
engaged.
[0034] In operation, when a user pulls the applicator 2001 the first gear 2011
is rotated by
a pulling cord and drives the belt 2012 which in turn rotates the rotors 2020
through the
ratchet. The rotational movement of the rotors 2010, 2020 leads to a changing
magnetic
flux in each and every one of the coils (not shown) in the stator 3010. This
results in
alternating voltage induction that is applied to on board elements of
electronic circuit
3031 which outputs a current charging on-board elements of rechargeable
battery 3021.
Simultaneously with above process, the spiral spring which is reeled around
the shaft
2013, fixed by one end to the first gear 2011 and by second end on to the
stator 3010, is
engaged. Upon releasing the applicator 2001, the spring reverses it, recoiling
back the
cord 2002, while the ratchet mechanically disconnects the rotors 2010, 2020
which
continue to rotate.
[0035] FIG.5 shows an external isometric view of the packed stator 3010 of the
electric
energy supply according some embodiments of the invention. It is shown with a
constructive board which is implemented according to some embodiments as a
PCB.
More specifically, There is provided a cut-out sector 3012 of above board of
the stator and
embedded winding coils 3013.
[0036] FIG.6 shows an exploded isometric view of the packed stator according
to some
embodiments of the invention. Constructive board of the stator 3011 exhibits a
cut-out
sector 3012 of above board of the stator comprising embedded winding coils
3013
showing a plurality of winding coils layers: 3013-1, 3013-2, 3013-3, 3013-4,
3013-5 and
3013-6.
[0037] FIG.7 shows a footprint of embedded winding coils relating to even
layers. The
winding is arranged to form adjacent inter-connected coil couples 3113 with
start
terminals 3114 and finish terminals 3115. Finish terminals 3115-1, 3115-2,
3115-3 are
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electrically connected to start terminals 3114-2, 3114-3, 3114-4 respectively
by winding
allocated in the next odd winding layer. One of coils is cut to form inlet
3116 and outlet
3117 terminals to connect witheven layers.
[0038] FIG.8 shows a footprint of embedded winding coils relating to odd
layers. The
winding is arranged to form adjacent inter-connected coil couples 3113 with
start
terminals 3114 and finish terminals 3115. Finish terminals 3115-1, 3115-2,
3115-3 are
electrically connected to start terminals 3114-2, 3114-3, 3114-4 respectively
by winding
allocated in the previous odd winding layer.
[0039] FIGs. 9 and 10 are external views (collapsed and exploded) of the rotor
2010 or
2020 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Each rotor
comprises a
plurality of permanent magnets 2104, wherein every two adjacent magnet poles
2014N
and 2014P have an opposite polarity. The rotors further comprise a back yoke
2101,
retainer 2102 and central hub 2103.
[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, the energy supply is a
hybrid
slim-shape device performing an accumulator battery with a function of
recharging by
human-power.
[0041] According to some embodiments of the invention, the charger fits into
the back of
a cellular phone and integrates into the casing thereof.
[0042] In some embodiments to compact the package, the stator has a cut-away
central
section of a limited angle (e.g. 90 degrees) to accommodate the speed-up
mechanical
transmission.
[0043] In some embodiments, the multi-layer stator winding consists of coils
not
covering a limited angle (e.g. 90 degrees) angle in which the stator has a cut
away sector.
[0044] In some embodiments, to enhance the supply efficiency the transnzission
unit
comprises a speed multiplication mechanism that increases the speed of rotors
rotation.
[0045] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation
of the
inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or
"some
embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.
[0046] Although various features of the invention may be described in the
context of a
single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any
suitable
combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the
context
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of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in
a single
embodiment.
[0047] Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment",
"one
embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure,
or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at
least some
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.
[0048] It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein
is not to be
construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.
[0049] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may
be better
understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and
examples.
[0050] It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not
construe a limitation to
an application of the invention.
[0051] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried
out or
practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in
embodiments
other than the ones outlined in the description below.
[0052] It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising",
"consisting" and
grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more
components,
features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be
construed as
specifying components, features, steps or integers.
[0053] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that
does not
preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
[0054] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to
"a" or "an"
element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that
element.
[0055] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a
component, feature,
structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included,
that particular
component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be
included.
[0056] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be
used to
describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the
corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each
illustrated
box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
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[0057] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or
completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps
or tasks.
[0058] The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques and
procedures for
accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners,
means,
techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known
manners,
means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the
invention
belongs.
[0059] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the
claims and the
specification are not to be construed as liniiting but rather as illustrative
only.
[0060] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be
commonly
understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention
belongs, unless
otherwise defined.
[0061] The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice
with methods
and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.
[0062] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles,
referenced or
mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into
the
specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was
specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or
identification of
any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall
not be
construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present
invention.
[0063] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number
of
embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention,
but rather as exemplifications of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in
the art will
envision other possible variations, modifications, and applications that are
also within the
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be
limited by
what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
Therefore, it is to be understood that alternatives, modifications, and
variations of the
present invention are to be construed as being within the scope and spirit of
the appended
claims.
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