The invention is related to charging of el-assist bicycles by increasing the charging efficiency to the batteries by utilisation of a small axial flux generator plus a vertical axial flux generator simultaneously, mounted on a bicycle frame vertical to the rotation axis of the wheels, and that are developed according to the present invention.

KNOWN STATE OF THE ART (PRIOR ART)

Generally central dynamos and hub dynamos for wheels that are applied to the front wheels of bicycles have been used for many years. However, all of these dynamos and generators are only used to provide power for bicycle lights and for charging smart phones and other accessories. They cannot be used in electric motors as their output power is typically 3-6 Watts, which is insufficient for electric motors measured in hundreds of Watts.

In the prior art, the generators and dynamos, have been designed to be positioned at the center of the bicycle wheel or on the axle thereof. Due to the disadvantage of limits on the amount of space available at the wheel-axle, the physical size of generator or dynamo is limited, resulting in limited production of electricity.

In the present system, the use of electric motors in bicycles and lightweight vehicles have increased, however problems are encountered, due to the large size of an accumulator that is required for the electric motor to be operable.

In the prior art, charging, battery/cell capacity and weight problems are encountered. Therefore, a new usage and novel technology that can provide higher efficiency is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS AIMS

The present invention has been developed in order to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and is related to the synchronous usage of a vertical axial flux generator and a small axial flux generator in bicycles in order to provide new advantages to the related technical field.

The aim of the system developed by the invention is to charge an on-board battery of the vehicle during time of motion, to eliminate the dependence of the battery of the vehicle to external charging stations and/or to minimize said dependence. Additionally, the aim is to ensure that the vehicle utilizes smaller, lighter battery-packs.

One of the aims of the invention is to ensure a greater charging efficiency is obtained at low speed by means of axial flux generators.

The problem of the extra weight of typical el-assist bicycles is overcome by means of the dual generator embodiment of the invention (vertical axial flux generator and small axial flux generator) which utilizes a small battery pack only and relatively small electric motors, compared to typical el-assist bicycles requiring larger motors and heavier battery packs.

The dual generator system (vertical axial flux generator and small axial flux generator) is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Higher energy efficiency is provided in comparison to other present systems. At the same time, continuous charging is provided during motion, by means of the dual generator system.

DEFINITION OF THE FIGURES OF THE INVENTION

The figures that are used to further describe the system for charging the bicycle and increasing riding efficiency of a bicycle by the simultaneous use of a small axial flux generator and a vertical axial flux generator developed according to the present invention have been given below:

Figure 1 Vertical Axial Flux Generator Figure 2 View of the Synchronized Generators Figure 3 Small Axial Flux Generator for Bicycles

DEFINITIONS OF THE ASPECTS AND PARTS THAT FORM THE INVENTION

The parts and aspects of the system for charging the bicycle and increasing riding efficiency of a bicycle by the simultaneaous use of a small axial flux generator and a vertical axial flux generator developed according to the present invention have each been numbered and the references of each number have been given below:

1 Front wheel

2 Front Fork of the Bicycle Wheel

3 Vertical Axial Flux Generator

4 Power Management System Connection Cable

5 Bicycle Chain Hub/ Pedals

6 Generator Gear Set

7 Small Axial Flux Generator

8 Chain

9 Power Management System

10 Electric support motor

11 Rear wheel

12 Wheel Spokes

13 Secondary Power Management System Connection Cable

14 Magnets

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

2-3-4 wheeled electric vehicles are accepted to be the future of urban transportation due to increased air pollution and population of cities. Electric vehicles have disadvantages as they are expensive and they require charging. The present invention provides a solution to the problems related to the capacity and weight of batteries, by means of a continuous charging method.

The novelty of the invention has been described with examples that shall not limit the scope of the invention and which have been intended to only clarify the subject matter of the invention.

Said invention comprises a front wheel (1), a bicycle wheel front fork (2), a vertical axial flux generator (3), power management system connection cable (4), bicycle chains, including generator gear chain and crankset (5), generator gear set (6), bicycle small axial flux generator (7), chain (8), power management system (9), electric support motor (10), rear wheel (11), wheel spoke (12), magnet (14) and a secondary power management system connection cable

(13). The vertical axial flux generator (3) is positioned vertical to the rotation axis of the wheel.

The secondary power management system connection cable (13) is the cable between the small axial flux generator (7) and the power management system (9). The secondary power management system connection cable (13) that is connected to the power management system (9) provides connection with the small axial flux generator (7).

The pedals, sprocket, and chain (5) of the invention play a role at the initiation of motion. The generator gear set (6) enables to increase the number of rotations of the small generator, the vertical axial flux generator (3) converts kinetic energy into electricity, the electric support motor (10) converts electricity into kinetic energy, the power management system (9) manages the inputs to the batteries, and releases output to the electric motor fitted against the chain, in response to demand indicated by torque sensors.

In the invention, unlike other bicycles or light vehicles, the small axial flux generator produces electricity while pedalling, whereas the vertical axial flux generator is continuously recharging based on the rotation of the front wheel and momentum of the vehicle. By this means the problems related to the batteries having to be re-charged in fixed charging stations is eliminated and longer destinations can be reached.

The vertical axial flux generator (3) which is one of the main aspects of the invention can collect power arising from momentum of the vehicle even under coasting (not pedalling), braking, or deceleration conditions.

The vertical axial flux generator (3) is attached inside the front fork (allowing the wheel to rotate normally) the front wheel of the bicycle. The vertical axial flux generator (3) is illustrated in Figure- 1 in detail.

A bike rider usually is not rotating the pedals during approximately 20 to 25 percent of his/her cycling time. The vertical axial flux generator (3) makes use of the momentum of the vehicle at this time and it continues its activities without being dependant on the cycling motion of the rider.

Electric charge is produced by the crossing and interaction of the copper coils and the magnets (14). Due to this reason, the copper coils within the vertical axial flux generator (3) design, have been placed into the plates that are attached to the front fork and that are located either side of the wheel. The stators in this design are the plates in which the copper coils are located. Neodymium magnets that are fixed to the spokes of the wheel of the bicycle are in magnetic interaction with the coils. The neodymium magnets (14) are magnets (14) fixed to the spokes of the bicycle wheels that create electricity charge. The bicycle wheel has the same function as the rotor that has a classic generator design. The magnets (14) create electric charge by passing near the copper coils during the rotation of the wheel. As a result, as there is no physical contact between the copper coils and magnets (14), the energy losses created due to friction have been minimized. The vertical axial flux generator (3) does not comprise any kind of moveable part. Thereby its durability is guaranteed and it is reliable even for long term usage.

The vertical axial flux generator (3) produces the required level of energy by means of the large-scale magnets (14) and the copper coils. At the same time its size can be changed according to requirements of the electric support motor (10).

The stator plates into which the copper coils are fixed in the system, have a relatively larger area and they are fixed to the chassis of the bicycle. At the same time, it allows several magnets (14) to interact with the copper coils during the rotation of the wheel.

The stator plates are placed onto the top and inner section of the bicycle fork and they have been positioned to cover the front wheel. The copper coils however are located inside the inner face of the stator plates. As the magnets (14) are fixed near the rims of the vehicle, they pass closeby to the copper coils continuously together with the rotation of the wheel. At the end of this process, electric charge is obtained.

Contrary to other bicycle dynamos, the stator plates that are not subject to physical size restrictions, can have large sizes. By this means it is possible to use larger and higher numbers of copper coils. The electric charge that is created when several magnets (14) are added into this system, is sufficient to feed a small sized electric motor. The interface between the vertical axial flux generator (3) and the electric motor is operated by means of a power management system (9).

The characteristic of the small axial flux generator (7) which one of the other main aspects of the invention is that it has higher power intensity in comparison to other generators and that it can be used in larger scale industrial applications. Another advantage is that, it can still be efficient even if it is operated in low revolutions per minute.

The small axial flux generator (7) is not located at the center of the bicycle wheel and it is mounted to the chassis of the bicycle. As a result the small axial flux generator (7) is not scaled to size. The small axial flux generator (7) that is used with a 9 or 35 cm diameter for illustration purposes in Figure-3, can be used in larger scales on the chassis of the vehicle. As the large scaled small axial flux generators (7) shall have larger sized copper coils and magnets (14) due to their structure, electricity consumption shall also increase depending on this.

The small axial flux generators (7) are actuated with the cycling motion of the rider when the pedals are used and electric charge is produced. The generator that is integrated into the pedal gear system starts rotating by means of the cycling motion, as it is connected with a chain to the fixed gear of the pedal gear system.

The small axial flux generators (7) are characterized in that they can be downsized and to be adapted to light vehicles and bicycles. As a result, the charging process of the batteries used in such types of vehicles is facilitated. As charging is continuously provided to the vehicle while pedalling, the requirement frequency of batteries to be charged by external chargers/charging stations is significantly reduced.

The physical size of the small axial flux generators (7) is not restricted. As copper coils have a wide surface area they can provide higher charging performance. Several magnets (14) contribute to this system.

In said invention there are more than one axial flux generators. This system operates synchronously with the power management system (9). The momentum of the vehicle at its most suitable speed and the cycling motion of the pedals enable the generators that are controlled by the power management system (9) to be efficiently operated. The design of the generators and the power management system (9) charges the accumulator of the vehicle that is moving and at the same time, if available, it feeds the electric motor of the vehicle in response to demands from torque- sensors associated with the chain and the motor.

The axial flux generators that operate synchronously continuously charge the accumulator of the vehicle during motion. As a result, it allows the usage of smaller and lighter accumulators/batteries in comparison to standard accumulator sizes that are currently utilized.

The synchronized axial flux generators and the power management system (9) continuously provide charge to the vehicle in response to the demands from the torque- sensors associated with the chain and the motor during its motion and they reduce the requirement of external charging systems/stations. The axial flux generators that operate synchronously, provides propulsion to the vehicle. If available, they feed the electric motor that aids in moving the vehicle and at the same time it charges the accumulator of the vehicle.

The electric charge that is sufficiently produced by means of two or more axial flux generators, is transferred in a controlled manner to the electric motor that provides propulsion to the vehicle with the aid of the power management system (9) (if available). Therefore, a booster propulsion that affects the main pedalling chain is obtained. The electric motor that makes cycling easier in vehicles known as electric assisted (el-assist) bicycles, is managed from the controller, and is engaged by the cycling motion of the pedals.

The aim of using two or more axial flux generators in these types of vehicles is to provide charging of the accumulator/battery such that it is sufficient to operate the electric motor that is coupled to the bicycle or the lightweight vehicle. Thereby, the accumulator does not need to be dismantled from the vehicle after each usage, for charging. As a result a sufficient amount of continuous charging is provided to the system during motion so that the requirement to have large sized and heavy weight batteries is eliminated.

The vertical axial flux generator (3) and the small axial flux generator (7) that synchronously operate, provides energy to the electric motor of the vehicle (bicycle, lightweight vehicle etc.), via the power management system, continuously. It is made possible to reach the electricity energy output desired by synchronization of small axial flux generator (7) and a vertical axial flux generator (3) that release power produce energy synchronously by the aid of a power management system (9).

The momentum of the moving vehicle contributes to the electricity production from the vertical axial flux generator (3). The vertical axial flux generator (3) is continuously active during the motion of the vehicle. The vertical axial flux generator (3) is contactless and it does not create a physical friction force.

Two or more generators aligned that are connected to a power management system (9) can provide sufficient and continuous charging according to the size of the motor. Besides being suitable for bicycles that comprise small sized electric motors, it eliminates and/or reduces the requirement for external charging.

The manpower obtained by cycling in said invention is transferred to the main gear chain. Another generator gear chain that is connected through the crankset of the main gear chain, and is located in the center of the small axial flux generator (7) (generator 1). The vertical axial flux generator (3) is active by means of the momentum of the vehicle (generator 2). The electric charge received from the generators (small axial flux generator (7) and vertical axial flux generator (3) is transferred to a small sized electric motor that is connected to the pedal gear that is in turn controlled by the power management system (9). The small and rechargable batteries meet the extra energy requirement at the start.

While the small axial flux generator (7) (generator 1) is dependent to the energy obtained by leg muscles the vertical axial flux generator (3) (generator 2) is energized by the momentum of the vehicle. The energy losses created when the vehicle is slowing down, are therefore re gained as the vertical axial flux generator (3) (generator 2) converts the momentum of the vehicle into electric charge. The weight of the generator, is approximately 500 grams and in theory, the electricity it produces is calculated to be of a magnitude several times greater than central or hub dynamos.

In conclusion, the double generators that are active in bicycles and lightweight vehicles, are characterized by being able to be charged continuously during motion. The most important reason of the difference between the standard generators and axial flux generators is that axial flux generators provide higher rates in terms of power intensity. The characteristic feature of the axial flux generators is that they have one or more rotors and the magnets (14) that are fixed to said rotors rotate in alignment with the copper coils that are fixed to the stator. Moreover their operation in low speed is also efficient.

The difference and advantage of the vertical axial flux generators (3) to the small axial flux generators (7) is that the electric charge produced by the vertical axial flux generator (3) is obtained by using the momentum created by the motion of the vehicle. When the rider reaches an ideal speed, the momentum obtained with the addition of the total mass of the rider shall aid in the motion of the vehicle to be continued and as a result, electric charge is produced during the entire rotation time of the front wheel of the bicycle.

The shape of the small axial flux generator (7) is circular and it operates depending on the cycling of the pedals by the rider. The chain that is connected to the generator is coupled to the main pedal gear. The small axial flux generator (7) is a system that enables the electric assisted vehicle to charge itself. Copper coils and wires that are connected to the coils have been fixed to the stator plate, which is one of the components of the generator. Two rotors are located on both faces of the stator and they carry the neodymium magnets (14) that are fixed to the stators. Electricity is produced by the rotation of the rotors in alignment with the copper coils. The vertical axial flux generator (3) is arc-shaped, in order to be installed onto any sized wheel, and it is positioned vertically on the front fork of the bicycle. Two stators have been provided in the vertical axial flux generator (3) and they surround the top section of the wheel. Moroever in order to ensure activity at a larger area during the revolution of the generator, they have been positioned vertical to the rotation axis of the vehicle.

Fixed neodymium magnets (14) are fixed to the spokes of the front wheel. The neodymium magnets (14) (rotor) located on the spokes, rotate between the copper coils (stator) located on the front wheel of the bicycle, and they produce electricity by means of the rotation of the wheel. There is no contact between the stator plates and the rotor, and they continuously charge the vehicle system, by varying according to the momentum and speed of the vehicle during the motion of the vehicle or bicycle.