GB2519778A

GB2519778A - Portable Power Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2519778A
Application number: GB1319133.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Ranger; Marcus Holmes Smith; Shawn Li Shaomin
Original assignee: Powertraveller Ltd
Current assignee: Powertraveller Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-30
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: GB201319133D0

Abstract

A portable power apparatus 3 comprises a battery cell 23 for storing electrical charge, an output 8A for delivering the stored electrical charge to external equipment and a generator unit 21 for recharging the battery cell. A spindle system 11, provided (figs 11a-11m not shown) for delivering rotation to a rotor 19 of the generator unit, comprises first and second coaxial spindles 11A, 11B, each connected to the rotor, the second spindle being connected to the rotor via a gearing system 21 configured to deliver a different angular velocity to the rotor than that of the first spindle. The first and second spindles each having an engagement portion 12, 113 that projects from the portable power unit for connection to an external attachment. The first spindle may be connected to a wind/water turbine and the geared input to a crank handle. External power may be supplied to the battery from a further power source (solar panel) via the connector 31, control circuit 13 allowing the battery to be simultaneously charged from the generator and the supply. Details of the connector and its output socket are additionally disclosed in Figs 3,5 (not shown).

Description

Portable Power Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable power apparatus.

Background of the Invention

Portable electrical devices (hereafter "user devices") are ubiquitous in everyday life, whether in the form a mobile telephone, smart phone, tablet compLiter, laptop, portable digital assistant (PDA), satellite phone or GPS device, to give some common examples. Such user devices regtilarly need a source of power to recharge their battery.

Applicant produces and markets a range of high quality portable power ("PP") products which enable users to recharge their user devices on-the-go without the need for a local mains supply. Typically, a user charges the PP at home, and then, if and when their user equipment is low on charge, they use the charge stored in the PP to replenish the battery.

Existing PP devices ate of limited use in certain situatR)ns, for example where users are away from a source of mains power for an extended period, such as military personnel or members of an expethtion in remote terrain. Such situations require portable communications devices for obvious reasons, but users generally have to limit their use in order to conserve battery life and/or carry multiple PP devices to replenish charge. Although solar panels do offer one way of recharging existing PP devices, the amount of energy they can generate in a given time frame is limited and of course no energy is generated during darkness.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved PP apparatus, suited to such applications.

Summary of the Invention

In a broad sense, the invention provides a portable power apparatus that can be charged using a selected one of plural attachments, for example a handle or a wind turbine. The apparatus may be provided in kit form, the kit including a main unit that houses the battery and a generating unit, as well as the attachments. i\ separate connector unit can also be provided to permit connection of devices to be charged, as \vell as the input of charging energy from sources other than the handle or wind turbine, e.g. mains power or from a solar panel.

In another sense, the invention provides a portable power apparatus that allows an internal battery to be recharged using two sources simultaneously, e.g. using the handle or wind attachment and a solar pane].

In another sense, the invention provides a portable power apparatus that allows discharging of the internal battery to two or more external devices simultaneously.

A first aspect of the invention provides a portable power apparatus comprising: a battery cc]] for storing electrical charge; an output for delivering the stored electrical charge to external equipment; a generator unit for converting rotational energy into electrical energy for recharging the battery cell; and a spindle system for delivering rotation to a rotor of the generator unit, the spindle system comprising first and second spindles, each connected to the rotor, the second spind]e being connected to the rotor via a gearing system configured to deliver a different angular velocity to the rotor than that of the first spindle, the first and second spindles each having an engagement portion that projects from the portable power unit for connection to an external attachment.

The first and second spindles may be co-located, one inside the other. For example, the first spindle may be located within a bore or channel formed in the second spindle.

The gearing system may be located between the spindle engagement portions and the rotor, the gearing system also having a bore or channel through which the first spindle passes and is connected directly to the rotor.

The gearing system may comprise a system of planetary gears providing a step-up gearing ratio. In the preferred embodiment, two sets of inter-linked planetary gears are provided.

The engagement portions of the first and second spindles may be of different shapes in order to engage with a correspondingly-shaped socket of an external attachment so that, in use, only a selected one of the spindles is directly engaged by the external attachment. For example, one of the engagement portions may be substantially square or rectangular, and the other may be substantially circular or part circular in cross-section.

In the preferred embodiment, the engagement portion of the first spindle is circular or part circular and that of the second is square or rectangular.

The second spindle engagement portion may be positioned below that of the first spindle.

The majority of the spindle system, the rotor and the gearing system may be provided in a self-contained container unit that is connected on top of the battery cells.

The container unit and battery cells may be housed within a substantially cylindrical container.

The output may comprise a plurality of electrical terminals provided at or near an end face of a housing of the apparatus.

The apparatus may further comprise a connector for selective connection to the electrical terminals at the end face, which connector comprises a cap which connects to the end face of the housing to form a base and which has corresponding electrical terminals which are connected through a lead to a plug/socket unit. The electrical terminals on the end face may comprise a linear arrangement of terminals, spaced apart and extending outwardly from the centre region of the end face, and wherein the corresponding terminals on the connector cap comprise arcuate or circular -shaped terminals which connect thereto when the connector cap is fitted. The connector cap may comprise a screw thread for engagement with a corresponding screw thread provided around the end face of the housing. The plug / socket unit may comprises a plurality of plug(s) and/or socket(s). Each may be an input or outpLLt socket.

The plug / socket unit may further comprise a water-dght sea] in the form of a pair of hinged jaws carrying a resilient material, and a sleeve within which the pair of jaws can be secured to maintain the jaws in a closed, substantially water-tight state.

The apparatus may further comprise a crank handle for selective attachment to one of the spindles to permit rotation of said spindle by user action, the handle having a soc]cet connector which is shaped so as to engage only with the engagement portion of said spindle. The handle may comprise a cap for attachment to said spindle and a handle pivotally attached to the cap so that it can be rotated with respect thereto between a storage position and an operative position. The handle may be pivotally attached to the cap in such a way that in the storage position the handle extends close to, and substantially parallel with, the body of the apparatus.

A boss may be rotatably attached to the end of the handle, substantially transverse thereto, and wherein said boss is substantially tucked beneath the base of the apparatus body when in the storage position.

The apparatus may further comprise a rotary wrnd attachment for selective attachment to one of the spindles, the wind attachment having a socket connector which is shaped to engage only with the engagement portion of said spindle.

The apparatus may further comprise an electrical input for receiving electrical energy from an external source, e.g. a solar pane] and/or a d.c. supply and/or an a.c. supply, and for transferring said energy to the battery cell(s). The apparatus may further comprise a controller configured to transfer electrical energy from the electrical input to the battery cell(s) simultaneously with electrical energy received via the generator unit.

A further aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts comprising: the apparatus according to any preceding definition; and a plurality of attachments provided with connection mechanisms to engage and cause rotation of different ones of the spindles.

A further aspect of the invention provides a portable power apparatus, comprising: a rechargeable battery; a generator unit including a rotor, rotation of which is effective to generate electrical energy for input to the battery; and first and second spindles connected to the rotor, the spindles having a common central axis, one of said spindles being connected to the rotor via a gearing system in order to deliver a different angular velocity to the rotor than that of the other spindle, and each spind]e having a free end for engagement with an externa] attachment.

A further aspect of the invention provides a portable power apparatus, comprising: a rechargeable battery; a generator unit including a rotor, rotation of \vhich is effective to generate electrical energy for input to the battery, the rotor being connected to a spindle to which is connected or is connectable to an externa' source of rotational input; an input port for receiving electrical energy from a further source; and a controller for causing simultaneous charging of the battery using energy both from the generator unit and from the input port.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, \vith reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a generator unit according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side-sectional view of the generator unit of Figure 1; Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are perspective views of end caps for attachment to a base of the generator unit of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the base of the generator unit of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an exploded view of an electrical connector unit for connection to the base of the generator unit of Figure 1; Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of a handle attachment for use with the generator unit of Figure 1; Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views of a portable power unit, comprised of the generator unit of Figure 1 and handle attachment of Figure 6 attached thereto, with the handle in operative and stored states respectively; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a wind / water attachment for use with the generator unit of FigLire 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portable power unit, comprised of the generator unit of Figure 1 and the wind / water attachment of Figure 8 attached thereto; Figures 10(a) to 10(c) are views of a stand within which the generator unit of Figure 1 may be supported uptight; Figures 11(a) to 11(m) show component parts of a generating portion of the generator unit in various stages of construction; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the portable power unit of Figure 9 with a solar panel connected as a further supply of electrical energy; and Figure 13 is a functional block diagram of the portable power unit In use.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Fmbodiments to be described herein concern a portable power (PP) unit 1 comprising a main generator unit 3 and one or more interchangeable attachments for delivering rotational movement to said generator unit. The rotational movement is used to generate electrical energy which is then stored in one or more battery cells 23 housed within the generator unit 3 for powering connected device(s), e.g. a portable telephone, tablet computer, sateffite phone or laptop, to give a few examples. Multiple devices can be powered simultaneoLisly through a connector, and simultaneously receive power from the battery also. The connector is also configured to receive electrical energy from an external source, e.g. a d.c. or a.c. power source, solar panel or the like.

Referring to Figure 1, the generator unit 3 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing closed at each respective end by a base cap 5 and a top cap 7. Both are circular in plan view and have screw threads on their interior edges to engage with corresponding threads at the ends of the housing. The base cap 5 is interchangeable, as will be described later on. The top cap 7 carries an upstanding bezel or collar portion 9 which houses a bearing (not shown). Projecting out of the collar portion 9 is the top section of a o-part spindle system 11 which is connected to a rotor housed within the generator unit 3 and is effective to rotate said rotor relative to a stator to generate electrical energy in a known manner, as will be described later on. A LCD display 13 is visible on the housing for displaying the level of charge in the internal battery cell(s). An operating button 15 is provided to switch the generator unit 3 on and off. An LED indicator 17 is also pro vided to indicate whether the generator unit 3 is charging.

Referring now to Figure 2, the generator unit 3 is shown in side sectional view.

The above-mentioned rotor 19 is shown connected to the spindle system 11 via a set of transmission gears 21 which are represented schematically in the Figure.

The rotor 19 is surrounded by a conductive sleeve which provides the stator 20 of the generator and electrical connectors transfer electrical energy generated at the stator to battery cells 23. A p.c.b. 25 carries circuitry and conductors for controlling the I CD display 13, the I KD indicator 17 including detecting and indicating the current charge level. The circuitry also handles the input / output of electrical energy from multiple sources and /or to devices to be powered. A base 6 of the generator unit 3 Gocated under the base cap 5) comprises electrical terminals.

Figure 3(a) shows the aforementioned base cap 5 and its internal screw threads 6.

Figure 3(b) shows a connector 30 for attachment to the base 6 of the generator unit 3. A connector cap 31 is connected to a connector socket system 35 via a conducting lead 33. The connector cap 31 in use replaces the base cap 5 when the connector 31 is used with the unit 3. It likewise comprises a circular part with internal threading.

Figure 4 shows in greater detail the base 6 of the generator unit 3 and the connector cap 31 interior. The base 6 comprises five separate conducting terminals 8A, arranged side-by-side from the centre of the base, which connect to the p.c.b. 25 in the unit 3. The connector cap 31 interior comprises five annular terminals 811 arranged on a p.c.b. to make contact with appropriate ones of the connector terminals 8A when said cap is screwed to the base 6. The annular nature of the terminals 811 ensures correct contact even if the connector cap 31 is not fully tightened. The connectors 811 are connected to conductors forming the insulated lead 33 which connects to the socket system 35.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the connector socket system 35, which includes a first cylindrical member 41 having three separate sockets on its end face. Each socket is different, and in this case comprises a US]3 socket, an a.c. socket and a d.c. socket Each can act both as an input and an output socket A cylindrical coupling sleeve 43 is connectable to the first member 41 by a scre\v thread or similar mechanism. The opposite end of the coupling sleeve 45 has a portion of wider diameter within which is received a watertight seal 47. The watertight seal 43 is effectively a clamp formed of two parts hinged at one side having a resilient and watertight material on each part's interior. The seal 45 is shown open in the Figure but it will be appreciated that when closed it can be received at least partly within the wide end of the coupling sleeve 45. A closure sleeve 49 connects to the coupling sleeve 45 to hold the seal 45 in place between the two parts. The closure sleeve 49 is similarly dimensioned to locate over the seal 47 so that the latter is enclosed within the two joined parts.

In order to connect an external device, e.g. a USB connector, to the USB socket, one unscrews the closure sleeve 49, removes the seal 47 from the coupling sleeve and opens the jaws. The lead of the USB connector passes through the sleeves 45, 49 and the seal 47 which is closed around it. The USB connector is inserted into the appropriate socket 43 on the first member, and the various parts connected back together to provide an overall watertight connection. Multiple leads and connectors can pass through the connector socket system 35 simultaneously.

Referring to Figure 6(a), a handle 50 is shown for selective attachment to the generator unit 3. The handle 50 comprises a handle cap SI, arm 53 and grip 55.

The handle cap Si is circular in plan view and is of approximately the same diameter as the top cap 7. The arm 52 is elongate and pivotally attached to a distal side of the cap 51 by a hinge 56. The arm 52 is shown in its operative state in Figure 6(a) in which it lies flush with the top surface of the cap 51 which has a rectangular channel within which the arm fits. The hinge 56 permits the arm 52 to be rotated relative to the cap 51. The grip 55 is a cylindrical plastics sleeve rotatably secured to an underlying peg which extends transverse to the arm 53.

Figure 6(b) shows the underside of the cap 51. It will be seen that a square socket 57 is provided centrally on said underside; this socket is dimensioned to locate securely over part of the spindle system 11 as will be explained later on. The handle 50 when connected can be used to rotate the rotor 19 of the generator unit 3 to generate electrical energy in a known manner for the battery cell(s) 23.

Figure 7(a) shows the handle 50 when connected to the generator unit 3 via the spindle system 11. The handle 50 is shown in its storage state in which the handle arm 51 lies parallel with, and against, the wall of the generator unit 3, with the grip located behind the base cap 5. In this state, the overall unit 1 is very compact and easily stored or carried in a bag or pocket. Figure 7(b) shows the handle 50 and generator unit 3 in the operative state ready for use. A user may hold the generator unit 3 as shown with the base cap 5 resting on a surface; alternatively, the unit can be rotated, e.g. so that it is horizontal, so that the user can hold the unit in one hand and the grip 55 in the other to perform a two-handed winding action about an intermediate axis, which is helped by the unit being cylindrical. This permits a more efficient rotation action and helps generate more electrical energy.

Figure 8 shows a wind attachment 60 for selective attachment to the spindle system 11 of the generator unit 3, i.e. instead of the handle 50. The wind attachment 60 comprises a central wind cap 6 and three hemispherical cups 63 connected to the cap at equally distributed locations via respective rods 65. The wind attachment 60 can be provided in dismantled form for easy storage and transport, and the various components 6, 63, 65 assembled when required.

The underside of the wind cap ótis similar to that of the handle cap 51 but in this case has a part circular recess or socket 64 that is shaped and dimensioned to locate over a part of the spindle system 11, different from that of the handle 50.

Figure 9 shows the wind attachment 61) when connected to the generator utlit 3 to provide the overall unit 1' ready for use.

The wind attachment 60 provides an alternative means of rotating the rotor 19 when connected to the spindle system 11, without requiring human effort. The wind attachment 60 can also be used to generate electricity using water flow, typically by rotating the overall unit 1' through ninety degrees or so, so that one hemisphere 63 is in the path of fluid flow.

Figure 10(a) shows a support stand 90 configured to support the generator unit 3 in an upright (vertical) orientation on a generally flat surface. The support stand 90 comprises three legs 71, a lower frame 79 and an upper frame 81. Figure 10(b) shows the various components when disassembled which permits the stand 90 to be carried around as part of an overall generator unit system and erected on-site.

The interconnection between the various components 71, 79, 81 is self-explanatory from the Figures and briefly consists of locating a lower recess 75 of each leg 71 into a groove of the lower frame, and a shoulder recess 77 into a groove of the tipper frame 81. The generator unit 3 is then located within the resulting interior space as shown in Figure 10(c). The stand 90 sits uptight on its three elongate feet 73.

Typically, the outer surfaces of the generator unit 3 are formed of aluminium or similar material, which is preferably corrosion-proof.

The transmission gearing unit 21 and its rnterconnectlon with the rotor 19 and the spindle system 11 will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 11.

In overview, the spindle system 11 comprises first and second spindles 1 IA, 1 lB co-located one inside the other and having their upper ends (engagement portions) shaped differently to permit engagement by one of the handle and wind attachments 50, 60 for transmitting torque to the rotor 19. In this embodiment, the first spindle 1 11k is the central spindle with its engagement portion 12 being part-cylindrical, or part-circular if viewed from above, whereas the second spindle 11 B is tubLilar with an internal bore 115 that allows the first spindle 1 IA to pass through it. The engagement portion 113 of said second spindle I1B has a square external form and terminates beneath the first engagement portion 12. Thus, it will be appreciated that the square socket 57 of the handle attachment 50 in use engages only the square engagement portion 113 of the second spindle 11 B and the round socket 64 of the wind attachment 60 in use engages only the engagement portion 12 of the first spindle 1 1A. The purpose is to enable automatic mechanism selection of a transmission system between the handle 51 / wind attachment 60 and the rotor 19, allowing the lesser torque that will in practise be produced by the wind attachment 60 to transmit rotation to the rotor whilst also allowing the greater torque that can be produced at the handle attachment 50 to transmit greater rotation to the rotor.

The various parts that form the transmission gearing unit 21 will now be described in stages.

Referring to Figure 11(a), the rotor 19 comprises an open top cylinder with a central boss 99 which supports on its central axis the first spindle hA. The boss 99 also supports a sun gear 100 having modulus 0.9 and twelve teeth. The boss 99, first spindle hA and sun gear 100 are all connected and rotate together. Referring to Figure 11(b) an annulus gear 101 is connected onto the upper edge of the rotor 19, having a modulus of 0.9 and fifty four teeth. The central base region of the annulus gear 101 is open so that the sun gear 100 is supported above its base.

Referring to Figures 11(c) and 11(d) a planetary gearing system 1(1)3 (hereafter referred to as the second gear stage) is provided for connection within the annulus gear 101. The second gear stage 103 comprises a circular support having on its upper side a central sun gear 105 with modulus 105 and twelve teeth. On its lower side are sLipported three equally spaced planet gears 107 each able to rotate independently and having a modulus of 0.9 and twenty one teeth. The spacing between the planet gears 107 corresponds to the diameter of the sun gear 11)1) enabling them to mesh together when the second gear stage 103 is positioned as shown in Figure 11(d). Note that the first spindle 11 A passes through a bore in the sun gear 105.

Referring now to Figures 11(e) and 11(0 a further planetary gearing system 109 (hereafter referred to as the first gear stage) is provided for connection over the second gear stage 103. Similar to the aforementioned, the first gear stage 109 comprises a circular support having on its lower side three equally spaced planet gears 111 each able to rotate independently and having a modulus of 0.9 and twenty one teeth. The spacing between the planet gears 111 corresponds to the diameter of the sun gear 11)5 of the second gear stage 11)3 enabling them to mesh together when the first gear stage 109 is positioned as shown in Figure 11(f). Note that the first spindle hA passes through a central bore in the first gear stage 109.

The circular support of the first gear stage 109 supports on its upper side the second spindle IIB which is fixed at the centre part, with the central bore 115 and square engagement portion 113 permitting the first spindle 1 1A to pass through the centre and slightly beyond, as shown in Figure 11(f).

For both the first and second gear stages 109, 103, the planet gears 111, 107 mesh not only with the underlying sun gear 105, 100 but also the teeth of the annulus gear 101.

Referring to Figures ll(g and 11(h) the transmission gearing unit 21 is completed by placing a bronze bush bearing 115 over the spindle system 11 and a cap 117 over the gearing stages to prevent the ingress of particles.

Figures 11(i) and 11(j) show the annulus gear 101 in further detail.

Figure 11(k) shows the arrangement of the aforementioned first and second gear stages 109, 1(1)3 together with the spindle system 11 and rotor 19. In use, placement of the wind attachment 60 onto the generator unit 3 (see Figure 9) means that only the first spindle 1 1A is engaged, specifically by the shape of the socket 64 corresponding with that of said spindle's engagement portion 12. Socket 64 cannot engage the second spindle 1 lb because the socket is narrower and of a different shape than its square engagement portion 113. Rotation of the wind attachment 60 in a given direction causes like direcdona rotation of the first spindle hA which connects directly to the rotor 19 via sun gear 100. Thus, the rotor generates charge for the battery cell(s) 23.

Placement of the handle 50 onto the generator unit 3 on the other hand (see Figure 7(b)) means that only the second spindle 1 lB is engaged, specifically by the shape of socket 57 corresponding with that of said spindle's engagement portion 113.

Rotation of the handle 50, which in practise will receive significantly greater torque, causes rotation of the first gear stage 109 which by virtue of the planetary gearing arrangement steps up rotation to the second gear stage 103 which steps up rotation to the rotor 19. In the present case, a 1:32 step-up is achievable meaning that significant electrical charge can be generated using the handle 50 in a compact unit.

Figures hG) and 11 (it) show the outer casing of the generator unit 3 when placed over the transmission gearing utlit 21, with a shielded flanged deep groove ball bearing 120 locating around the upper bore through which the spindle system 11 projects.

Thus the portable power unit I provides a generator unit 3 and first and second attachments 50, 60 for the selective input of mechanical torque using, respectfully, human input through a handle, or wind or water input. The unit I therefore provides in a compact and transportable unit a means of generating power for portable equipment using a plurality of methods. In windy condinons, or where flowing water is available, the wind attachment 60 can generate electricity without human input. The handle 50 permits greater charging by human input.

Although two input methods are specifically described, further energy input attachments for rotating the rotor 19 through the aforementioned spindle system 11 are envisaged. For example, attachments that will use hydrogen, butane gas and/or steam to transmit rotation to the spindle system 11 may be employed, as well as hydrogen and methane fuel cells.

Still further, the present embodiment permits further electrical input for charging the battery cells 23 by means of the connector 30 which can take input from one or more of a solar panel (see Figure 12) or an a.c. or d/c/ source, if available.

Referring to Figure 12, it can be seen that both the solar panel 130 and wind attachment are connected, aflowing the battery cells 23 to be charged simultaneously by two sources, in this case neither requiring human input.

As Figure 13 indicates, the use of the spindle system 11 and the connector 3 permits simultaneous energy input from two or more sources. This schematic, functional diagram, indicates the possibility of charging simultaneously the battery cell(s) 23 using both energy created by the selective mechanical attachments 50, 60 and inputs to connector 31. Multiple user equipment can take charge from the battery cell(s) 23 also using different sockets in the connector 30.

Overall, the described apparatus provides a very portable and versatile portable power unit that can be used in any application and terrain, and is particularly suited to situations where there is little or no access to mains power for an extended period of time.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications wifi be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present applicatli)n should be understood to include any novel features Ot any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new daims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable power apparatus comprising: a battery cell for storing electrical charge; an output for delivering the stored electrical charge to external equipment; a generator unit for converting rotational energy into electrical energy for recharging the battery cell; and a spindle system for delivering rotation to a rotor of the generator unit, the spindile system comprising first and second spindles, each connected to the rotor, the second spindle being connected to the rotor via a gearing system configured to deliver a different angular velocity to the rotor than that of the first spindle, the first and second spindles each having an engagement portion that projects from the portable power unit for connection to an external attachment.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second spindles are co-located, one inside the other.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first spindle is located within a bore or channel formed in the second spindle.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the gearing system is located between the spindle engagement portions and the rotor, the gearing system also having a bore or channel through which the first spindle passes and is connected direcdy to the rotor.
3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gearing system comprises a system of planetary gears providing a step-up gearing ratio.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein two sets of inter-linked planetary gears are provided.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portions of the first and second spindles are of different shapes in order to engage with a correspondingly-shaped socket of an external attachment so that, in use, only a selected one of the spindles is directly engaged by the external attachment.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein one of the engagement portions is substantially square or rectangular, and the other is substantially circular or part circular in cross-section.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the engagement portion of the first spindle is circular or part circular and that of the second is square or rectangular.
10. ApparatLis according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second spindle engagement portion is positioned below that of the first spindle.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the majority of the spindle system, the rotor and the gearing system are provided in a self-contained container unit that is connected on top of the battery cells.
12. Apparatus according to claim Ii, wherein the container unit and battery cells are housed within a substantially cylindrical container.
13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the output comprises a plurality of electrical terminals provided at or near an end face of a housing of the apparatus.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a connector for selective connection to the electrical terminals at the end face, which connector comprises a cap which connects to the end face of the housing to form a base and which has corresponding electrical terminals which are connected through a lead to a plug/socket unit.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the electrical terminals on the end face comprise a linear arrangement of terminals, spaced apart and extending outwardly from the centre region of the end face, and wherein the corresponding terminals on the connector cap comprise arcuate or circular -shaped terminals which connect thereto when the connector cap is fitted.
16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the connector cap comprises a screw thread for engagement with a corresponding screw thread provided around the end face of the housing.
17. Apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the plug / socket unit comprises a plurality of plug(s) and/or socket(s).
18. Apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the plug / socket unit further comprises a water-tight seal in the form of a pair of hinged jaws carrying a resilient material, and a sleeve within which the pair of jaws can be secured to maintain the jaws in a closed, substantially water-tight state.
19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a crank handle for selective attachment to one of the spindles to permit rotation of said spindle by user action, the handle having a socket connector which is shaped so as to engage only with the engagement portion of said spindle.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the handle comprises a cap for attachment to said spindle and a handle pivotally attached to the cap so that it can be rotated with respect thereto between a storage position and an operative position.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the cap in such a way that in the storage position the handle extends close to, and substantially parallel with, the body of the apparatus.
22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a boss is rotatably attached to the end of the handle, substantially transverse thereto, and wherein said boss is substantially tucked beneath the base of the apparatus body when in the storage position.
23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a rotary wind attachment for selective attachment to one of the spindles, the wind attachment having a socket connector which is shaped to engage only with the engagement portion of said spindle.
24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electrical input for receiving electrical energy from an external source and for transferring said energy to the battery cell(s).
25. Apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a controller configured to transfer electrical energy from the electrical input to the battery cell(s) simultaneously with electrical energy received via the generator unit.
26. A kit of parts comprising: the apparatus according to claim 1; and a plurality of attachments provided with connection mechaflisms to engage and cause rotatli)n of different ones of the spindles.
27. Portable power apparatus, comprising: a rechargeaHe battery; a generator unit including a rotor, rotation of which is effective to generate electrical energy for input to the battery; first and second spindles connected to the rotor, the spindles having a common central axis, one of said spindles being connected to the rotor via a gearing system in order to deliver a different angular velocity to the rotor than that of the other spindle, and each spindle having a free end for engagement with an extertial attachment.
28. Portable power apparatus, comprising: a rechargeable battery; a generator Linit including a rotor, rotation of which is effective to generate electrical energy for input to the battery, the rotor being connected to a spindle to which is connected or is connectable to an external source of rotanonal input; an input port for receiving electrical energy from a further source; and a controller for causing simultaneous charging of the battery using energy both from the generator unit and from the input port.