GB2385216A

GB2385216A - Integrated bicycle power system

Info

Publication number: GB2385216A
Application number: GB0202696A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Verney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-06
Filing date: 2002-02-06
Publication date: 2003-08-13
Also published as: GB0202696D0

Abstract

An integrated bicycle power system includes a dynamo 1 built integral to the crank and bottom bracket 2 of the bicycle. Two re-chargeable battery cells 3, 5 within the tubing of the bikes frame 4, 6 can be charged by the dynamo which in turn feeds power via cabling 7 fed through the bikes frame to connect with socket outlet points 9 at various positions on the frame for subsequent connection of external devices. The system can be fully recharged by means of mains electricity connected to an input connection 8. The status of the system can be altered by a multi-position switch 11 to determine different power delivery or charging combinations between the dynamo and batteries. The external devices may be lights mobile phones, GPS systems or computers.

Description

INTEGRATED BICYCLE POWER SYSTEM This invention relates to an electrical system integrated into the bicycle frame, that is used to power a range of devices.

Current dynamos for bicycles are fitted externally to make contact with the front or rear tyre to provide a charge to lighting on the bike. The inherent problems with this configuration are potential theft and lack of performance-dictated by the contact and conditions of the weather, tyre and dynamo unit. Battery powered systems on the other hand are expensive-each requiring its own power source-and require replacement or recharging from time to time. The current trend for high powered lights requires the use of a battery cell that is placed in the bicycles water carrier. Real problems can occur when power for such devices fail, with no immediate way of replacing or recharging batteries when the bicycle is being ridden.

An object of this invention is to provide an integrated electrical system that is always with the bike to be used when required, cannot be lost or stolen, performs in all conditions, and can provide power to any number of devices that are connected to it.

Accordingly, the invention uses a dynamo installed into the internal workings of the crank and bottom bracket so that the energy created while pedaling the bicycle can be harnessed to create an electrical charge. Two re-chargeable battery cells installed into the tubing of the bikes frame are charged by the dynamo. The battery cells then deliver power to a number of outlet sockets strategically placed within the frame of the bike for connection to external devices with similar connection capability.

Another input socket is provided on the frame to allow the batteries to be recharged by connection to a mains electricity supply.

A weatherproof, multi-position switch located on the handlebars determines the configuration of system and can be changed to; Charge the system only with the dynamo/provide power by only using the dynamo/use the batteries to provide power/ use the batteries to provide power, while the dynamo charges them.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows a close up cutaway schematic of the bottom bracket and tubing with dynamo and batteries in situ.

FIGURE 2 is a section showing a typical outlet socket on the frame FIGURE 3 shows the positioning of the outlet sockets.

FIGURE 4 shows the multi-position switch.

As shown in Figure 1, the system comprises a dynamo 1 of known design integrated into the crank and bottom bracket 2.

A connection is made to a re-chargeable battery cell 5 of known design contained within the seat tube 6 of the bikes frame. Another connection is made to battery cell 3 of known design contained within the down tube 4 of the bikes frame.

Electric cabling 7 is fed from the batteries 3,5 through the bikes frame to a number of outlet sockets 9.

Figure 2 shows a typical outlet socket 9 where a male connection 10 of known design may lead off to an external device. The female connection 9 of known design is protected by a rubber bung 12 while the socket is not in use.

Figure 3 shows the placement of the outlet sockets 9 on the bicycle frame.

Figure 4 shows a weatherproof, multi-position switch 11 of known design that determines the status of the system.

When the bicycle is pedaled the turning motion in the crank 2 powers the dynamo 1.

This in turn delivers a charge to the battery cells 3,5 that deliver a charge to the cabling 7 fed throughout the bikes frame. These terminate in outlets 9 for subsequent connection of external devices such as lights, GPS systems, computers, mobile phones, radios or walkie-talkies for examples.

The system can be recharged overnight by plugging in a mains supply in the connector 8.

The status of the system can be determined by the multi-position switch 11 located on the handle bars. Using the switch 11 it is possible to; charge the system only, by using the dynamo or mains supply/provide power to the system using the dynamo only provide power to the system using the batteries/provide power using the batteries, whilst the dynamo charges the batteries or turn the system off entirely.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electrical system that is integrated into the frame of the bike with several outlet sockets integrated into the bikes frame for subsequent connection of external devices.
2. An electrical system as claimed in claim 1 whereby the power is provided by a dynamo integrated into the crank and bottom bracket of the bicycle.
3. An electrical system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 where the dynamo is used to charge re-chargeable battery cells integrated within the tubing of the bicycle.
4. An electrical system as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 and claim 3 where the internal battery cells can be re-charged by a mains supply via a connection in the frame of the bike.
5. An electrical system as claimed in any preceding claim where the system can be controlled by a multi-position switch to determine different combinations of power delivery or charging between the dynamo and batteries.
6. An electrical system as claimed in any preceding claim where external devices such as lights, mobile phones, GPS systems, computers or any other device requiring power can be connected to outlets integrated into the frame of the bicycle.
7. An electrical system substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.