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WO1998005900A1 - Appareil electrique portatif entraine par des ressorts, ressort modulaire et systeme d'entrainement a engrenage destines a celui-ci - Google Patents

Appareil electrique portatif entraine par des ressorts, ressort modulaire et systeme d'entrainement a engrenage destines a celui-ci Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998005900A1
WO1998005900A1 PCT/CA1997/000553 CA9700553W WO9805900A1 WO 1998005900 A1 WO1998005900 A1 WO 1998005900A1 CA 9700553 W CA9700553 W CA 9700553W WO 9805900 A1 WO9805900 A1 WO 9805900A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spring
series
gear
module
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA1997/000553
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Rolf F. K. G. Pfoertner
Original Assignee
Pfoertner Rolf F K G
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pfoertner Rolf F K G filed Critical Pfoertner Rolf F K G
Priority to AU37639/97A priority Critical patent/AU3763997A/en
Publication of WO1998005900A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998005900A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L13/00—Electric lighting devices with built-in electric generators
    • F21L13/06—Electric lighting devices with built-in electric generators with mechanical drive, e.g. spring

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to portable, low-voltage electrical devices, and, more particularly, to such a device having a hand-wound spring mechanism which generates a supply of power to the electrical load, in place of or in combination with conventional storage batteries.
  • the problem of corrosive deterioration is not limited to the batteries themselves.
  • Conventional storage batteries e.g., "C” cells, “D” cells, etc.
  • surface contacts between themselves and with springs and/or metal strips to complete the electrical circuit. Over time, these surface contacts are subject to corro ⁇ ion (even if they are made of a non-ferrous metal such as copper) , especially in a marine climate or other damp environment; ultimately this corrosion will destroy the continuity of the electrical circuit so that the device is rendered inoperative.
  • An additional problem, not directly related to those discussed above, is the cost of having to repeatedly replace conventional storage batteries.
  • the present invention has solved the problems cited above and is a hand-operated apparatus for providing electrical power to a low-voltage electrical load.
  • this comprises (a) a plurality of spring modules mounted together in a series so that torque generated by a coil spring in a first module in the series is transmitted from an output end of the spring to an input end of a coil spring in a second module in the series; (b) gear means having an input shaft which is mounted to an output end of the coil spring in the last spring module in the ⁇ erie ⁇ for rotation thereby as the series of modules unwinds,- (c) an output shaft which is operatively connected to the input shaft from rotation at an increased speed relative to the input sha t; and (d) generator means operatively connected to said gear means for generating the electrical power in response to rotation of the output shaft of the gear means.
  • Each spring module in the series may comprise
  • the apparatus may further comprise an axle member on which the spring modules in the series are mounted for coaxial rotation.
  • the extension portion of the housing of each spring module may comprise a sleeve portion which extends coaxially from the outer housing and into the center area of the second module, the sleeve portion having a bore for receiving the axle member for rotation thereon.
  • the gear means may comprise a plurality of gear modules mounted together in a series so that an output shaft of a first gear module in the series is operatively connected to an input shaft of a second gear module in the series. At least one of the plurality of gear modules in the series may comprise an epicyclic gear train.
  • the generator means may comprise a three-phase generator, or may comprise an alternator or other generator.
  • the apparatus may further comprise governor means for maintaining a rotational speed of the output shaft at or below a predetermined maximum rotational speed.
  • the low-voltage electrical load may be a portable flashlight bulb, and the apparatus may further comprise a tubular housing member for containing the plurality of spring modules which are mounted on the axle member.
  • the means for manual winding of the spring modules may be a cap member which is mounted for axial rotation on a rearward end of the tubular housing, the cap member having an extension portion which is received in the axial center in the first spring module in the series and is mounted to the input end of the coil spring therein.
  • the means for manual tightening of the spring modules may further comprise ratchet means for limiting rotation of the cap member to a direction for manual winding of the spring modules .
  • the generator means may be mounted at the forward end of the tubular housing proxi ate the flashlight bulb, and the housing may be sized to permit the apparatus to be carried in a single hand .
  • the coil spring units and gear train units are each constructed as substantially identical modular chambers, so that chambers can be added or deleted on an interchangeable basis as desired.
  • a switch may be provided which selectively holds the spring-driven mechanism against unwinding until released.
  • One or more electrical storage batteries may be connected to the bulb in combination wich the spring-driven alternator mechanism to supply additional operating time.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring-driven flashlight constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the series of modular spring and gear chambers which are contained within the housing thereof for driving the generator which provides electrical power to the bulb of the flashlight;
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a cross-section taken longitudinally through the flashlight assembly of FIG. 1, showing the modular spring and gear chambers and the electrical generator which these drive;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a series of the modular spring chambers mounted on the central shaft which supports these for coaxial rotation during winding and unwinding;
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of a cross-section taken transversely through one of the modular spring chambers, along line 4-4 in FIG. 2, che other spring chambers being essentially identical to that which is shown in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 5 is an end view of a cross -section taken transversely through one of the modular gear chambers, along line 5-5 in FIG. 2, the other gear chambers being essentially identical to that which is shown in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the 3 -phase electrical generator- which is a feature of the flashlight assembly of FIGS. ⁇ -2 ;
  • FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a cros ⁇ -section taken longitudinally through the end cap portion of the flashlight assembly of FIGS. 1-2, showing the ball- ratchet mechanism which permits winding of the spring chambers using the rotatable end cap of the as ⁇ embly,- and
  • FIG. ⁇ is an end view of a cross-section taken transversely through the end cap portion along line ⁇ -8 in FIG. '/, showing the arrangement of the ball -ratchet mechanism relative to the longitudinal axis of the hous ng .
  • the present invention will be described herein primarily with reference to a spring-driven flashlight assembly, which is one of the types of portable electrical apparatus to which the invention is eminently suited. It will be understood, nowever, that the modular spring and gear drive system which is used in combination with a compact electrical generator to provide power to a low- voltage electrical load may be employed with a wide variety of other types of portable electrical devices, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • FIG. l thus shows a spring-driven flashlight assembly 10 which illustrates the present invention.
  • This includes a cylindrical case 12 having as size and shape generally similar to that of a conventional handheld flashlight, with a lens 14 (not shown in FIG. 1) at a first end, and an end cap 16 at the other which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the case.
  • the tubular interior of the case holds a series of modular spring chambers 20 and gear chambers 22 which are rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axle member 24 which extends substantially the full length of the case.
  • Each of the spring chambers contains a spiral coil spring 26, with the first spring chamber 20a in the series being connected to the end cap 16.
  • the end cap is retained for rotation on the end of the case on an annular shoulder 17, which is part of the ratchet mechanism which will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7-8.
  • the input end 29 of the spiral coil spring 26a in the first of the chambers 20a is attached to a sleeve portion 30 which serves as a hub for the end cap 16 on shaft 24, and which extend ⁇ coaxially into the center of the first spring chamber.
  • the output end 31 of the first spring 26a is attached to the cylindrical outer wall portion 32 of the spring chamber housing 34, which is open at its rearward end-
  • the closed forward end of the housing is formed by a radial flange portion 36 and a forwardly extending sleeve portion 38, which is substantially the same as the sleeve portion of the end cap and supports the chamber for rotation on shaft 24.
  • Low-friction bushings 39 are preferably fitted between the sleeve portions and shaft 2 .
  • the axial sleeve portion 36 of the first spring chamber 20a extends forwardly into the center area 37 of the next chamber 20b, which is substantially identical to the first.
  • the inner end of the spring in the second chamber is connected to the sleeve extension from the first chamber, and its outer end is attached to the outer wall portion of the third chamber in line.
  • the torque is thus transmitted through the sleeve portions from one chamber to the next throughout the series .
  • a series of the identical, "modular" spring chambers described above can be assembled in any suitable number using more or fewer units as desired, depending on such factors as the desired run time, cost, and total case length.
  • each of the coil springs 26 has a slo (not shown) cut in its end which is engaged by a corresponding lug on he exterior of the sleeve portion of the adjacent spring chamber when the latter is inserted into the center area 37 and rotated, which facilitates simple, economical assembly of the device.
  • Spiral coil springs are ideally suited for developing torque, and the series arrangement of the chambers enable these to be wound by the operator on an essentially sequential basis rather than all at once, so that a comparatively high torque output can be developed without requiring excessive hand effort. As will be described below, this high torque output is an important factor in achieving the very long run times of which the present invention is capable.
  • the spring chambers are approximately 1-1/4" in diameter and 5/16" deep, and contain approximately 10-12 turns of a 7mm wide, 0.3-0. mm thick steel coil spring, although these dimensions will vary from embodiment- to-embodiment depending on a variety of design f ctors.
  • the outer wall portion 32 of the last spring chamber 20e in the series (see FIG. 2) is connected in drive relationship to the cylindrical outer wall portion of the first gear chamber 22a.
  • the outer wall of the first gear chamber is continuous with the outer wali of the last spring chamber so ae to form a combined chamber unit 40; in other embodiments, however, the wall portions may be separate, with the connection being made by fasteners, couplings, dogs, or other connectors, so that each of these chambers can be substantially identical to the other spring/gear chambers in the series .
  • each gear chamber 22 forms an epicyclic gear train in which the outer wall 42 of the chamber forms an internally-toothed gear which is in engagement with a trio of stationary intermediate gears 44 surrounding a central sun gear 46.
  • the stub shafts 48 of the intermediate gears 44 are supported by gear plates 50 which are fixedly mounted to the outer casing 12 of the assembly, so that the intermediate gears are held in stationary position around shaft 24 and sun gear 46. Consequently, as the outer housing of each gear chamber rotates, the intermediate gears drive the sun gear on shaft 24 at a stepped-up rate.
  • Each sun gear 46 is mounted to the radial flange portion 52 of the next adjacent gear chamber 22, which in turn is mounted to the outer wall internally toothed gear of the chamber .
  • the sun gear of the second chamber is thus driven at a speed which is stepped up by the same ratio as that which is provided by the first.
  • the modular gear chambers can be assembled in any number desired (as with the spring chambers described above) , about three such gear chambers having a drive ratio of about 1:6 each, to 13
  • gears may be constructed of any suitable material, including metal or molded plastic, for example.
  • a simple gear pair e.g., what is sometimes referred to in the industry as a "servo gear” may be substituted for the final epicyclic gear chamber (or one or more of the others) to provide a lesser or alternate final ratio, as desired.
  • the sun gear of the final gear chamber is connected axially to a flywheel 53 having a governor mechanism associated therewith.
  • a mechanical governor assembly which is mounted between the flywheel and the last gear chamber. This includes a plurality of movably/pivotally mounted, weighted shoes 54a, 54b which are yieldingly biased in an inward direction
  • the output side of the flywheel 53 is connected a_xially to the rotor of a small (e.g., l.i amp) electrical generator 58 (or an alternator having internal or associated diodes in some embodiments) at the forward end of the assembly.
  • a small electrical generator 58 or an alternator having internal or associated diodes in some embodiments
  • the bulb may be grounded to the case 12, through reflector 64, in the manner of a conventional flashlight, or a separate ground lead 66 may be provided, depending on the use of plastic or other non-conductive materials in the case and drive mechanism.
  • conventional (preferably rechargeable) storage batteries may be connected to the bulb in conjunction with the leads from the generator, so that these can be used m combination with the generator output to provide an extended period of operation.
  • the apparatus is capable of keeping the bulb 60 lit over a very extended periods as compared with prior devices; for example, the embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 is capable of operating from about forty minutes to two hours on a single winding, depending on output shaft speed.
  • the generator 58 used in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is preferably a three-phase unit, having output leads "A", "B” and “C", and a neutral lead “N" .
  • this particular configuration has advantages in terms of providing a comparatively high output at relatively low shaft speeds.
  • a three- phase generator of this type constructed to have a size suitable for use in a portable flashlight has been found to provide an output of 3V across each of these output leads, for a total out put of almost 10V at a rotor speed of approximately 400 RPM or approximately 5-6V at 200 RPM.
  • total run time can be approximately two hours with the embodiment which is illustrated.
  • the output to the electrical load can be selectively increased or decreased (e.g., between 3V and 10V in the embodiment which is illustrated) , which is advantageous for certain applications; for example, by switching to full output, a brighter beam of light can be generated by the flashlight assembly, as may be needed from time -to-time, and then at other times the assembly can be left at the lower output setting for longer bulb life.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 show the ratchet mechanism which permits winding of the spring chambers using the end cap 16.
  • this employs a ball-ratchet mechanism in which there are a plurality of individual ball members 70a, 70b, 70c located in pockets 72a, 72b, 72c which are spaced apart angularly around an annular shoulder 74 on the end of the housing 12.
  • Each of the pockets includes a semi -spherical cup portion 76 which accommodates the ball member in rolling engagement therewith (see FIG. 8) , and a ramp portion 78 which leads into this at a generally tangential angle.
  • the upper portions of the ball members 70 are received, in turn, are received in and engage an annular channel 80 which is formed in the inner surface of the cap member, as shown in FIG. 7.
  • the assembly permits the cap member 16 to be rotated relative to the cylindrical housing in the proper direction for winding of the spring chambers, as indicated by arrows 82 in FIG. 8, with the ball members acting as ball bearings and providing a very smooth and durable action.
  • the ball members back or ride up the ramp portions 78 of the sockets so as to "jam" between the casing and the cap member, locking the two together.
  • This provides a "ratchet” action which is very quick and positive, requiring only a small fraction of a turn of the cap in order to engage.
  • This mechanism has numerous advantages over traditional spring- loaded pawl mechanisms, in terms of economy of manufacture, ease of use, and durability (no pawl or spring to break) , and a very positive action even after much use and wear. Moreover, unlike conventional spring- loaded pawl mechanisms, operation of the ball-ratchet mechanism shown in FIGS. 7-8 is completely silent, which is of particular benefit when the device is used for military and/or police operations. It will be understood, however, that in some embodiments of the present invention, a spring-loaded pawl or other form of ratchet mechanism may be employed in place of the ball -ratchet mechanism which has been shown, if desired.
  • the combination of modular spring chambers to store the energy and provide a high torque output, gear units to step the output up to the desired shaft speed, and a generator or alternator attached to the output shaft forms a basic "power pack" which may be used to provide electrical power to loads other than the bulb of a hand-held flashlight .
  • the present invention may be configured to supply electricity to the more powerful bulb of a stationary lantern, or to any number of non- lighting devices, such a ⁇ hand-carried emergency radio beacon transmitters, portable radios, fans, cellular telephones, and laptop computers, to provide just a few examples .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une source d'énergie entraînée par des ressorts et destinée à une charge électrique basse tension, telle qu'une torche portative. La source d'énergie contient une série de chambres modulaires à ressort dans chacune desquelles un ressort enroulé en spirale s'enroule manuellement à l'aide d'une prise rotative placée sur l'extrémité de l'ensemble. La dernière chambre à ressort de la série est reliée à la première chambre d'une série de chambres modulaires à engrenage contenant chacune un train d'engrenage planétaire. La dernière des chambres est reliée à un générateur fournissant l'énergie destinée à la charge électrique, telle qu'une ampoule de torche portative. La série de chambres à engrenage fournit au générateur une vitesse d'arbre très étagée de manière à permettre aux ressorts enroulés en spirale de se dérouler à une vitesse relativement basse.
PCT/CA1997/000553 1996-08-06 1997-08-06 Appareil electrique portatif entraine par des ressorts, ressort modulaire et systeme d'entrainement a engrenage destines a celui-ci WO1998005900A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU37639/97A AU3763997A (en) 1996-08-06 1997-08-06 Spring-driven portable electrical apparatus and modular spring and gear drive system for same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2246196P 1996-08-06 1996-08-06
US60/022,461 1996-08-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998005900A1 true WO1998005900A1 (fr) 1998-02-12

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PCT/CA1997/000553 WO1998005900A1 (fr) 1996-08-06 1997-08-06 Appareil electrique portatif entraine par des ressorts, ressort modulaire et systeme d'entrainement a engrenage destines a celui-ci

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AU (1) AU3763997A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998005900A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2781937A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-04 Tecknisolar Seni Sarl Dispositif de recharge autonome pour telephone portable et/ou batterie et/ou etui de protection
GB2423201A (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-16 Wo Huen Poon Manually powered generator

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2092845A (en) * 1935-07-27 1937-09-14 Washington Inst Of Technology Flashlight
US2105719A (en) * 1935-10-08 1938-01-18 Cap B Collins Portable electric light
GB480072A (en) * 1937-05-22 1938-02-16 Corrado Davico Di Quittengo Improvements in or relating to portable dynamo lamps
GB536340A (en) * 1940-04-05 1941-05-12 Joseph Capo Bianco Improvements in or relating to portable electric light units or apparatus
US2490309A (en) * 1946-11-29 1949-12-06 Thomas Teas Grave Flashlight
US3099402A (en) * 1960-03-16 1963-07-30 Speck Josef Flashlight
DE4312074A1 (de) * 1993-04-13 1994-10-20 Barbara Kranz Autonome Ökoleuchte

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2092845A (en) * 1935-07-27 1937-09-14 Washington Inst Of Technology Flashlight
US2105719A (en) * 1935-10-08 1938-01-18 Cap B Collins Portable electric light
GB480072A (en) * 1937-05-22 1938-02-16 Corrado Davico Di Quittengo Improvements in or relating to portable dynamo lamps
GB536340A (en) * 1940-04-05 1941-05-12 Joseph Capo Bianco Improvements in or relating to portable electric light units or apparatus
US2490309A (en) * 1946-11-29 1949-12-06 Thomas Teas Grave Flashlight
US3099402A (en) * 1960-03-16 1963-07-30 Speck Josef Flashlight
DE4312074A1 (de) * 1993-04-13 1994-10-20 Barbara Kranz Autonome Ökoleuchte

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2781937A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-04 Tecknisolar Seni Sarl Dispositif de recharge autonome pour telephone portable et/ou batterie et/ou etui de protection
WO2000007277A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-10 Sarl Tecknisolar-Seni Dispositif de recharge autonome pour telephone portable et/ou batterie et/ou etui de protection
US6346791B1 (en) 1998-07-30 2002-02-12 Sarl Tecknisolar-Seni Self-contained recharging device for portable telephone and/or battery and/or protective case
GB2423201A (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-16 Wo Huen Poon Manually powered generator
US7276805B2 (en) 2005-02-09 2007-10-02 Awa Micro Power Corporation Manual-powered generator and assemblies therewith
AU2006200401B2 (en) * 2005-02-09 2010-04-01 Wo Huen Poon Manual Powered Generator and Assemblies Therewith

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3763997A (en) 1998-02-25

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