阅读说明：本技术 自行车发电装置和自行车 (Bicycle power generation device and bicycle ) 是由 塚本谦二 并木良博 本田聪 菊地浩之 于 2019-02-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：[问题]可以使用现有自行车产生电力而没有使轮胎寿命缩短。[解决方案]该自行车的发电机装置包括：壳体(52),其被配置为被支撑在自行车(10)的车架(18)上；发电机(54),其被附接到壳体(52)；电池(102),其被配置为附接到车架(18)并储存由发电机(54)产生的电力；环形的旋转输入构件(81),其被能旋转地设置在壳体(52)上以便绕曲柄轴线(B)设置,并且旋转地驱动发电机(54),曲柄轴线(B)构成用于自行车(10)的踏板的曲柄轴(24)和曲柄臂(26)的旋转中心轴线；以及连接构件(90),其将旋转输入构件(81)连接到曲柄轴(24)或曲柄臂(26)。([ problem ] to generate electric power using an existing bicycle without shortening the life of the tire. [ solution ] A generator device for a bicycle includes: a housing (52) configured to be supported on a frame (18) of a bicycle (10); a generator (54) attached to the housing (52); a battery (102) configured to be attached to the frame (18) and to store electric power generated by the generator (54); an annular rotary input member (81) rotatably provided on the housing (52) so as to be disposed about a crank axis (B) that constitutes a rotational center axis of a crank shaft (24) and a crank arm (26) for pedals of the bicycle (10), and that rotationally drives the generator (54); and a connecting member (90) that connects the rotation input member (81) to the crank shaft (24) or the crank arm (26).)

1. A bicycle dynamo device, comprising:

a housing configured to be supported by a frame of a bicycle;

a generator attached to the housing;

an annular rotary input member for rotationally driving the generator, the rotary input member being rotatably mounted on the housing and disposed about a crank axis, the crank axis being a rotational centerline of a crank axle and crank arm for pedals of the bicycle; and

a connecting member connecting the rotary input member in torque transmitting relation to the crank axle or the crank arm.

2. The bicycle generator device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an annular portion that concentrically supports the rotational input member, and the rotational input member and the annular portion are disposed between the frame and the crank arm.

3. The bicycle generator device according to claim 2, wherein the annular portion is provided with a tubular portion defining a central opening through which the crank axle loosely passes, and the rotation input member is coaxially and rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the tubular portion.

4. The bicycle generator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drive gear train received in the housing and configured to transfer rotational motion of the rotary input member to the generator, the generator being displaced radially outward from the rotary input member via the drive gear train disposed between the generator and the rotary input member.

5. The bicycle generator device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generator is offset in an axial direction relative to the rotational input member and is in contact with the frame such that the generator is prevented from rotating relative to the frame.

6. The bicycle generator device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting member coaxially connects the rotation input member to an axial end of the crank axle.

7. A bicycle equipped with the bicycle generator device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bicycle generator device and a bicycle, and more particularly, to a bicycle generator device that can be retrofitted and a bicycle equipped with such a bicycle generator device.

Background

As a generator device that generates electric power by using an existing bicycle, it is known to use a rotating member that is pushed toward a rear wheel tire of the bicycle and generate electric power with a rotational motion of the rotating member (for example, see patent documents 1 and 2).

Disclosure of Invention

Task to be accomplished by the invention

Since the conventional bicycle generator device generates electric power by transmitting the rotational motion of the rear wheel tire to the rotating member by friction, wear of the rear wheel tire is caused, which shortens the service life of the rear wheel tire.

In view of such problems of the prior art, a main object of the present invention is to allow electric power to be generated by using an existing bicycle without shortening the service life of the tire.

Means for solving the task

To achieve the object, as one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle generator device including: a housing (52) configured to be supported by a frame (18) of a bicycle (10); a generator (54) attached to the housing (52); an annular rotary input member (81) for rotationally driving the generator (54), the rotary input member (54) being rotatably mounted on the housing and disposed about a crank axis, the crank axis being a rotational centerline of a crank axle (24) and a crank arm (26) for pedals of the bicycle; and a connecting member (90, 130) connecting the rotary input member (81) to the crank axle (24) or the crank arm (26) in a torque transmitting relationship.

Thus, the durability of the bicycle tire can be not damaged by generating electric power using the existing bicycle.

In the bicycle generator device, preferably, the housing (52) includes an annular portion (52C) that concentrically supports the rotation input member (81), and the rotation input member (81) and the annular portion (52C) are disposed between the frame (18) and the crank arm (26).

Thereby, the crank arm (26) can pass through the rotation input member (81) and the annular portion (52C), so that the rotation input member (81) and the annular portion (52C) can be disposed between the frame (18) and the crank arm (26) without removing the crank arm (26), and the bicycle generator device (50) can be easily retrofitted to the bicycle (10).

In the bicycle generator device, preferably, the annular portion (52C) is provided with a tubular portion (72) defining a central opening (70), the crank shaft (24) loosely passes through the central opening (70), and the rotation input member (81) is coaxially and rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the tubular portion (72).

Thereby, the rotation input member (81) can be supported with a simple structure by using the tubular portion (72) defining the central opening (70).

Preferably, the bicycle generator device further comprises a transmission gear train (59), the transmission gear train (59) being received in the housing (52) and configured to transmit a rotational movement of the rotational input member (81) to the generator (54), the generator (54) being radially outwardly displaced from the rotational input member (81) via the transmission gear train (59) disposed between the generator (54) and the rotational input member (81).

Thus, the generator (54) allows the rotational input member (81) to be mounted to the crankshaft (24) without the generator (54) interfering with mounting the rotational input member (81) to the crankshaft (24).

In the bicycle generator device, preferably, the generator (54) is offset in an axial direction with respect to the rotation input member (81) and is in contact with the frame (18) such that the generator (54) is prevented from rotating with respect to the frame (18).

Thereby, the generator (54) is prevented from rotating relative to the frame (18) in a simple and reliable manner.

In the bicycle generator device, preferably, the connecting member (90) connects the rotation input member (81) coaxially to an axial end of the crank shaft (24).

Thereby, the rotation input member (81) can be connected to the crank shaft (24) without fear of misalignment, so that the rotational force (pedaling force) can be favorably transmitted from the crank shaft (24) or crank arm (26) to the rotation input member (81).

A bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with the bicycle generator device (50).

Thus, an existing bicycle can be used as a bicycle generator device without the inconvenience of tire wear.

Effects of the invention

According to the bicycle generator device of the present invention, it is possible to utilize the existing bicycle as a bicycle generator device for generating electricity by pedaling without the inconvenience of tire wear.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the major parts of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle generator device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bicycle generator device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle generator device and a mounting structure for mounting a generator of the bicycle generator device to a bicycle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bicycle generator device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electrical system of a bicycle generator device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle generator device and a mounting structure for mounting a generator of the bicycle generator device to a bicycle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 7 is a perspective view of a bicycle generator device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a bicycle generator device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 4.

As shown in fig. 1, the bicycle 10 is provided with a frame 18, the frame 18 including: a seat tube 12 extending substantially in a vertical direction and provided with a saddle (not shown in the drawings) attached to an upper end thereof; a down tube 14 and an auxiliary tube 15 extending in a substantially front-rear direction; and a pair of chain stays 16. The lower end of the seat tube 12, the rear end of the down tube 14 and the front end of the chain stays 16 are connected to each other via a tubular bearing housing 20, the tubular bearing housing 20 serving as a housing for receiving the bearings of the crankshaft and also the pipe joints. The rear end of the auxiliary pipe 15 is connected to a portion of the seat pipe 12 adjacent to the lower end thereof via a pipe joint 22.

The tubular bearing housing 20 rotatably supports a crankshaft (drive shaft) 24 extending substantially horizontally in the lateral direction. Left and right ends of the crank axle 24 project from the tubular bearing housing 20 in the laterally outward direction, and base ends of the left and right crank arms 26 and 28 are fixed to the respective axle ends with a rotational phase difference of 180 degrees. The crank axle 24 forms a center of rotation of the crank arms 26 and 28, and the center axis of rotation of the crank axle 24 and the center axes of rotation of the crank arms 26 and 28 coincide with the same crank axis a. In other words, the crank axis a forms a rotational center axis of both the crank axle 24 and the crank arm 26.

A pedal 30 is attached to the free end of each crank arm 26, 28. The drive sprocket 32 is disposed between the right crank arm 28 and the tubular bearing housing 20. The drive sprocket 32 is coaxially connected (fixed) to the crank shaft 24.

The crank axle 24 is rotationally driven by left and right crank arms 26 and 28. When the bicycle 10 is used as a conventional vehicle, the rotation of the crank axle 24 (in the forward travel direction) is transmitted to the drive sprocket 32 and to the rear wheel (not shown) via a chain drive mechanism (not shown). Thus, the bicycle 10 is pushed forward.

This configuration is not different from the conventional prior art configuration of the bicycle 10 to date.

A bicycle generator device 50 (which will be simply referred to as "generator device 50" hereinafter) according to this embodiment is mounted on the tubular bearing housing 20. In the following description, when the generator device 50 is attached to the frame 18 of the bicycle 10 as shown in fig. 1, the up, down, front, rear, left and right directions will be based on the line of sight of the rider.

As shown in fig. 1 to 4, the generator device (generator unit) 50 is provided with a housing 52 having a hollow structure formed by an assembly of a first half 52A on the left side, a second half 52B on the right side, and a cover member 52D. The first half portion 52A and the second half portion 52B are joined to each other by a plurality of bolts 51. The cover member 52D is joined to the left side of the first half portion 52A by a plurality of bolts 55.

A generator 54 is attached to the housing 52. The generator 54 has a cylindrical housing 56, the housing 56 having a central axis B extending transversely and being fixed at its base end to the outer surface of the second half 52B. Thus, the housing 56 protrudes rightward from the second half 52B.

The generator 54 is provided with a rotary shaft 58, and the rotary shaft 58 projects leftward into the hollow interior of the housing 52 via the second half portion 52B. A small drive spur gear 60 is fixed to the rotating shaft 58. The first half 52A and the second half 52B rotatably support an intermediate shaft 64 extending in the lateral direction via a bushing 62 or the like. The intermediate shaft 64 fixedly supports a large diameter intermediate spur gear 66 that meshes with the drive spur gear 60 on the right side of the bushing 62. Thus, the drive spur gear 60 and the large-diameter intermediate spur gear 66 are accommodated in the first gear chamber 53 that is defined by the first half portion 52A and the second half portion 52B and has a seal structure. The intermediate shaft 64 is integrally formed with a small diameter intermediate spur gear 68 formed on the left side of the bushing 62.

The first half 52A is integrally formed with an annular portion 52C extending downward from the portion where the intermediate shaft 64 and the small-diameter intermediate spur gear 68 are located. The annular portion 52C includes: a cylindrical portion 72 defining a central opening 70; a generally cylindrical outer peripheral portion 74 formed radially and concentrically outward from the cylindrical portion 72; and a right side portion 76 in the form of an annular plate extending between the cylindrical portion 72 and the peripheral portion 74. Thus, the annular portion 52C has an open side facing leftward. The inner diameter of the central opening 70 is substantially larger than the outer diameter of the crank axle 24 and the crank axle 24 passes transversely through the central opening in a loose fit.

An annular large-diameter input spur gear 80 is fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 72 via a ball bearing 78 so as to be rotatable about a central axis extending in the lateral direction. Thus, by utilizing the cylindrical portion 72 defining the central opening 70, the input spur gear 80 can be supported in a simple structure.

The input spur gear 80 meshes with the small diameter intermediate spur gear 68 on the upper side of the input spur gear 80. As a result, the power transmission gear train 59 is formed between the drive spur gear 60 and the input spur gear 80 by using mutually parallel shafts fitted with the large-diameter intermediate spur gear 66 and the small-diameter intermediate spur gear 68. The transfer gear train 59 transmits rotation of an input spur gear 80, which forms part of a rotational input member 81 (to be described later), to the generator 54. The use of a parallel-axis drive gear train 59 means a gear mechanism using gears 60, 66, 68, 80 having all mutually parallel central axes.

Due to the arrangement of the drive gear train 59 using parallel shafts, the generator 54 is located at a position spaced radially outward from the rotary input member 81.

The input spur gear 80 forms a rotary input member 81 in conjunction with an annular rotary input plate 84, the annular rotary input plate 84 being fixed to a left side surface of the input spur gear 80 in a concentric relationship by using a plurality of bolts 82. Thus, the rotary input member 81 includes the input spur gear 80 and the rotary input plate 84, and drives the generator 54 into rotary motion via the transfer gear train 59.

The entire left side surface of the rotary input plate 84 is exposed to the left at the left side of the ring portion 52C, and is rotatable about a central axis extending transversely with respect to the cylindrical portion 72 radially outside the central opening 70 in association with the input spur gear 80.

The rotary input plate 84 has an outer diameter larger than that of the input spur gear 80, and hides the teeth of the input spur gear 80 and the meshing portion between the input spur gear 80 and the small-diameter intermediate spur gear 68 from the left side (opening side) of the ring portion 52C. Thus, the rotary input plate 84 serves as a cover member of the input spur gear 80 to protect the teeth of the input spur gear 80.

The rotary input plate 84 cooperates with the ring portion 52C and the cover member 52D to define a second gear chamber 57 having a seal structure, and the small-diameter intermediate spur gear 68 and the input spur gear 80 are accommodated in the second gear chamber 57.

Since both the input spur gear 80 and the rotary input plate 84 are concentric with the central opening 70 and are located radially outside the cylindrical portion 72, the central opening 70 is exposed to both sides without being obstructed by the input spur gear 80 or the rotary input plate 84 and extends laterally with a constant inner diameter.

The generator device 50 can be mounted to the bicycle 10 by a worker in the following manner.

First, the pedal 30 away from the drive sprocket 32 is removed by using a common tool such as a wrench. Then, with the dynamo device 50 tilted sideways (so that the dynamo 54 faces upward), the free end of the left crank arm 26 passes through the central opening 70, and the crank arm 26 is placed in the central opening 70. In this state, the generator device 50 moves toward the base end thereof (toward the rotation center side) along the extending direction of the crank arm 26.

Therefore, once the crank arm 26 passes through the rotary input plate 84 and the annular portion 52C, the generator device 50 reaches near the base end of the crank arm 26. It should be noted that the inner diameter of the central opening 70 is selected relative to the outer shape of the crank arm 26 so that the installation process can be performed.

If the central opening 70 has an inner diameter that allows the crank arm 26 with the pedal 30 attached to pass through the central opening 70, the pedal 30 need not be removed from the crank arm 26.

Next, the attitude of the generator device 50 is changed so that the generator 54 is guided in the horizontal direction (the attitude shown in fig. 1), in other words, the center axis B of the generator 54 is parallel to the crank axis a. As a result, the crank axle 24 is caused to pass through the central opening 70 in the axial direction with a loose fit. As a result, the rotary input plate 84 and the ring portion 52C are disposed between the frame 18 and the crank arm 26 with a loose fit, simply by removing the pedal 30 or even not removing the pedal 30.

In this state, as shown in fig. 1, the generator 54 is disposed between the auxiliary duct 15 and the down tube 14, and the auxiliary duct 15 and the down tube 14 are superposed on each other in front of the lower end portion of the seat tube 12.

Because the generator 54 is positioned radially outward relative to the rotational input member 81 due to the positioning of the drive gear train 59 between the generator 54 and the rotational input member 81, the generator 54 does not interfere with the crankshaft 24 and does not interfere with the mounting of the rotational input member 81 to the crankshaft 24.

Since the generator 54 is offset radially outward relative to the rotational input member 81, the generator 54 includes parts that overlap the frame 18 in plan and elevation views between the auxiliary tube 15 and the down tube 14 that are located in front of the lower end of the seat tube 12 on top of each other (as shown in fig. 1). Generator 54 is prevented from rotating relative to frame 18 by the contact of housing 56 with down tube 14. As a result, generator 54 is prevented from rotating relative to frame 18 in a simple and reliable manner.

The generator device 50 may be attached to the frame 18 by fixing the housing 56 of the generator 54 to the down tube 14 using a fastening band 49 made of rubber, resin, metal, or the like. Here, the housing 52 of the generator device 50 comprises a housing 56 of the generator 54. Mounting the generator device 50 to the frame 18 by using the fastening belt 49 is not highly firm, so that the generator device 50 is not shaken against the frame 18 due to vibration or the like. Thus, securing the generator device 50 to the frame 18 is not essential to the invention and may even be omitted.

In this mounted state, the rotary input plate 84 is left-exposed between the tubular bearing housing 20 and the crank arm 26, and is connected to the rotational center of the crank arm 26 or coaxially connected to the crank shaft 24 via the connecting member 90 attached to the exposed (left) surface, so that the rotational force is transmitted from the crank arm 26 to the generator device 50.

Thus, this embodiment prevents the durability of the tires of the bicycle 10 from being impaired by wear, and allows the pedaling electric power generation (electric power generation by manpower) to be performed in a simple manner by using the existing bicycle 10. In addition, this embodiment allows pedaling power generation to be performed with a minimum friction loss.

Because the dynamo 54 is located radially outward of the ring portion 52C and the rotary input plate 84 due to the presence of the above-mentioned transmission gear train, the dynamo 54 does not interfere with the mounting of the ring portion 52C and the rotary input plate 84 to the crank arm 26.

Next, a connecting structure between the crank axle 24 and the crank arm 26 and a connecting structure between the rotation input member 81 and the crank axle 24 via the connecting member 90 in the ordinary bicycle 10 are described with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

The crank shaft 24 is provided at its end with a splined portion 34, the splined portion 34 having a smaller diameter than the remainder thereof. The axial end of the crank arm 26 is centrally provided with a threaded hole 36 for removing the crank axle 24. The base end of the crank arm 26 is provided with a splined bore 38, the splined bore 38 passing transversely through the base end. The spline portion 34 is spline-fitted in the spline hole 38, and a screw (crank arm fixing screw) 40 is screwed into the threaded hole 36 from the outside of the crank arm 26, whereby the crank axle 24 and the crank arm 26 are connected to each other, so that a rotational force centered on the crank axis a can be transmitted between the crank axle 24 and the crank arm 26.

The connecting member 90 is provided with a central portion 91, the central portion 91 is fixed to an axial end of the crank shaft 24 by a screw 40 screwed into the screw hole 36 of the crank shaft 24, and a plurality of legs 92 each extend radially from the central portion 91 and a free end portion thereof is fixedly fixed to the rotation input member 81 by a screw 94. Thus, the rotary input member 81 is connected in torque transmitting relationship to the crankshaft 24.

The rotation input plate 84 is provided with a plurality of positioning pins 98, and the positioning pins 98 are configured to be fitted into through holes 93 formed in free ends of respective legs 92 (at least two legs) of the connecting member 90 for positioning purposes. Therefore, the connection member 90 is positioned with respect to the rotation input plate 84 such that the connection member 90 is coaxial with the rotation input plate 84 by fitting the positioning pins 98 into the respective through holes 93. It should be noted that the inner diameter of the through hole 96 formed in the central portion 91 for the screw 40 may be larger than the outer diameter of the screw 40, and the central portion 91 may be connected to the crank shaft 24 by the screw 40 after the connecting member 90 is fixedly secured to the rotation input member 81.

As a result, the crank axle 24 and the rotation input member 81 are concentrically (coaxially) connected to each other through the connecting member 90 and the screw 40 of the conventional bicycle 10, so that the rotation of the crank axle 24 can be transmitted to the rotation input member 81 without fear of generating any runout.

According to the above-described dynamo device 50, a general user can retrofit the dynamo device 50 to any existing bicycle 10 and easily convert the bicycle 10 to a tread dynamo (human powered generator) without modifying the bicycle and without any special tools, or simply by using a general tool such as a wrench, possibly even without removing the pedals 30.

The electric power generation is performed by lifting the rear wheels off the ground using a stand or the like so that the rear wheels (not shown in the drawings) can freely rotate. The electric power generation may also be performed by using the generator device 50 with the wheels of the bicycle 10 removed. In either case, the durability of the tires of the bicycle 10 is not compromised in any way.

As shown in fig. 1, a control unit 100 for electric power assist and a battery 102 for storing electric power generated by the generator 54 are fixed to the seat tube 12 by using a fastening band (not shown in the figure) or the like. The battery 102 is provided with a power output unit 104 such as a USB port for power output. The control unit 100 and the battery 102 may be provided separately from the housing 52 of the generator device 50 and the generator 54, and in this case, may be electrically connected to the generator 54 by a cable (not shown in the drawings).

Thus, a high degree of freedom can be achieved in the mode of mounting the control unit 100 and the battery 102 to the bicycle 10, and there is no need to disassemble and reassemble the bicycle 10 when mounting the control unit 100 and the battery 102 to the bicycle 10.

Next, a power system of the generator device 50 is described with reference to fig. 5.

The control unit 100 is an electronic control type including a microcomputer or the like, and is configured to receive information on the current of the generator 54 obtained from the current sensor 106 and information on the voltage of the battery 102 obtained from the battery 102 to control charging of the battery 102 with the electric power generated by the generator 54 according to the received information. Therefore, the battery 102 is charged under the control of the control unit 100.

Next, a generator device 50 according to another embodiment is described with reference to fig. 6. This embodiment is applicable to the following bicycle 10: there is no threaded hole 36 for removing the crank axle and the crank arm 26 is connected to the crank axle 24 by tightening a slit 112 formed in the crank arm 26 with a fastening bolt 114 instead of using the screw 40.

The dynamo device 50 including the connecting member 90 used on the bicycle 10 is not different from the dynamo device used on the bicycle 10 having the threaded hole 36 for pulling out the crank axle, and the connecting member 90 is connected to the rotational input member 81 in the same manner. In other words, the connecting member 90 can be used as a common part for both a bicycle 10 having a threaded hole 36 for pulling out a crank axle and a bicycle 10 without such a threaded hole.

In this type of bicycle 10, the spacer member 136 is used in place of the screw 40. The spacer member 136 surrounds the base end of the crank arm 26 in a U-shape (horseshoe-shape), and includes a portion between the legs 92 of the connecting members 90 and the outer periphery of the base end of the crank arm 26 so as to surround the base end of the crank arm 26 and define an opening 138 that conforms to the base end of the crank arm 26. The spacer member 136 thus connects the connecting member 90 to the crank arm 26 in torque transmitting relation.

As a result, rotational force may be transmitted from the crank arm 26 to the rotational input member 81 via the spacer member 136.

In addition, in this type of bicycle 10, a typical user can easily retrofit the dynamo device 50 to the bicycle 10 in a simple manner without having to retrofit the bicycle 10 or without requiring any special tools to convert the bicycle 10 to a step-on dynamo, without compromising the durability of the tires.

As described above, the generator device 50 according to the present embodiment can be mounted to a wide range of existing bicycles, it being possible to optionally use the spacer member 120.

Hereinafter, a bicycle generator device according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 7. In fig. 7, parts corresponding to those in fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in fig. 1, and the description thereof may be omitted.

In this embodiment, the nail-shaped connecting member 130 is fixed to the rotary input plate 84. The connecting member 130 is inserted into the base end portion of the crank arm 26 from the front and rear portions to be in contact with the front surface 26A and the rear surface 26B of the crank arm 26, and is slidable (slidable) along the crank arm 26 in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm 26. In other words, the nail-shaped connecting member 130 is configured to grip the crank arm 26 from both sides with respect to the rotational direction.

According to this embodiment, the spike connection member 130 transmits the rotational force from the crank arm 26 to the rotary input plate 84 by sliding relative to the crank arm 26 and accommodating movement of the crank arm 26 in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform power generation by using an existing bicycle without impairing the durability of the tire. In addition, the ordinary user can easily retrofit the generator device 50 to a wide range of existing bicycles 10 without having to retrofit the bicycle 10 and without any special tools, and convert the existing bicycles into bicycles that generate electricity by pedaling.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the generator 54 may be prevented from rotating by the housing 56 contacting the auxiliary tube 15, the seat tube 12, or the chain stays 16 instead of the lower tube 14. The generator device 50 can be attached to any other external part of the bicycle, such as the seat tube 12, down tube 14, auxiliary tube 15, chain stays 16 and pipe joints 22, instead of the tubular bearing housing 20. The gears of the transfer gear train 59 may be helical gears rather than spur gears. In addition, all the components shown in the above embodiments are not necessarily essential to the present invention, and may be appropriately selected, replaced, or omitted without departing from the gist of the present invention. The generator device 50 can be attached to any other external part of the bicycle, such as the seat tube 12, down tube 14, auxiliary tube 15, chain stays 16 and pipe joints 22, instead of the tubular bearing housing 20. In addition, all the components shown in the above embodiments are not necessarily essential to the present invention, and may be appropriately selected, replaced, or omitted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Glossary

10: bicycle with a wheel

12: seat tube

14: lower pipe

15: auxiliary pipe

16: chain stay

18: vehicle frame

20: tubular bearing housing

22: pipe joint

24: crank shaft

26: crank arm

26A: front surface

26B: rear surface

28: crank arm

30: pedal

32: drive sprocket

34: spline part

36: screw hole

38: spline hole

40: screw nail

49: fastening belt

50: generator device

51: bolt

52: shell body

52A: first half part

52B: the second half part

52C: annular portion

52D: covering member

53: first gear chamber

54: generator

55: bolt

56: outer casing

57: second gear chamber

58: rotating shaft

59: gear train

60: drive spur gear

62: bushing

64: intermediate shaft

66: intermediate spur gear

68: intermediate spur gear

70: center opening

72: cylindrical part

74: outer peripheral portion

76: right side part

78: ball bearing

80: input spur gear

81: rotary input member

82: bolt

84: rotary input plate

90: connecting member

91: center part

92: supporting leg

93: through hole

94: screw nail

96: through hole

98: locating pin

100: control unit

102: battery with a battery cell

104: power output unit

106: current sensor

112: slit

114: fastening bolt

120: spacer member

122: opening of the container

130: connecting member

136: spacer member

138: opening of the container

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

(modified) a bicycle generator device, comprising:

a housing configured to be supported by a frame of a bicycle;

a generator attached to the housing;

an annular rotary input member for rotationally driving the generator, the rotary input member being rotatably mounted on the housing and disposed about a crank axis, the crank axis being a rotational centerline of a crank axle and crank arm for pedals of the bicycle; and

a connecting member connecting the rotary input member in torque transmitting relationship to the crank axle or the crank arm;

wherein the housing includes an annular portion that concentrically supports the rotary input member, and the rotary input member and the annular portion are disposed between the frame and the crank arm.

(deletion)

(modified) the bicycle generator device according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion is provided with a tubular portion defining a central opening through which the crank axle loosely passes, and the rotation input member is coaxially and rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the tubular portion.

(modified) the bicycle generator device according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising a drive gear train received in the housing and configured to transfer rotational motion of the rotary input member to the generator, the generator being displaced radially outward from the rotary input member via the drive gear train disposed between the generator and the rotary input member.

(modified) the bicycle generator device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the generator is offset in an axial direction relative to the rotational input member and is in contact with the frame such that the generator is prevented from rotating relative to the frame.

(modified) the bicycle generator device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the connecting member coaxially connects the rotational input member to an axial end of the crank shaft.

(modified) a bicycle equipped with the bicycle generator device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6.