WO2008010669A1

WO2008010669A1 - Generatror assembly for charging using deformation of tire

Info

Publication number: WO2008010669A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kye Jung Park
Original assignee: Kye Jung Park
Priority date: 2006-07-18
Filing date: 2007-07-18
Publication date: 2008-01-24
Also published as: KR20080008283A; KR100946647B1

Abstract

An electricity-charging generator assembly is designed to convert tire deformation occurring in a vehicle driving process to electric energy which is to be used as a power source of an electric motor vehicle. The generator assembly includes a drive unit including a generator drive mechanism for converting deformation of a tire of a vehicle wheel to a linear displacement. The generator assembly further includes a generator unit including a generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the generator drive mechanism. With the generator assembly, electric energy is charged to the battery simultaneously with consumption thereof, allowing a motor vehicle to run a long distance with no supply of electric energy from an external electric power source.

Description

GENERATOR ASSEMBLY FOR CHARGING USING DEFORMATION OF TIRE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention pertains to a generator assembly for charging a battery of an electric motor vehicle and, more particularly, to a generator assembly designed to convert tire deformation occurring in a vehicle driving process to electric energy which is to be used as a power source of an electric motor vehicle.

[2]

Background Art

[3] Unlike an engine-driven motor vehicle that generates power through the consumption of fuel such as gasoline, diesel or a liquefied petroleum gas, an electric motor vehicle is driven by electric energy supplied from an electrically charged battery.

[4] The electric motor vehicle is known to be environmentally friendly because it does not produce any pollution such as toxic gases, noises and dust particles commonly produced in an internal combustion engine. Thus research for the electric motor vehicle is actively made in recent years.

[5] The electric motor vehicle has a battery charged with electric energy and is moved by the electric energy charged in the battery. As the electric energy is consumed, the battery should be recharged to continually drive the electric motor vehicle.

[6] Oil stations or gas stations for an engine-driven motor vehicle that uses gasoline, diesel or a liquefied petroleum gas as its fuel are distributed over a wide area. Therefore, in case of the engine-driven motor vehicle, it is quite easy to fill the fuel whenever such a need arises. However, electricity charging stations are not widely distributed as yet, which causes a problem in that the electric motor vehicle may not be movable if the electric energy of a battery is used up during the course of driving.

[7] A large quantity of electric energy is required to drive the electric motor vehicle but a difficulty is encountered in charging the electric energy in a large quantity because the battery is restricted in weight and volume.

[8] Conventional electric motor vehicles are merely designed to travel with the electric energy charged in a battery but are not provided with any self-charging device that makes use of the kinetic energy generated in a driving process. Furthermore, the quantity of electric energy charged in the battery falls within a specified limit. This means that the conventional electric motor vehicles are not capable of traveling a long distance. [9] As opposed to the engine-driven motor vehicle that can be rapidly filled with fuel, the electric motor vehicle requires a prolonged period of time in charging the battery with the electric energy, the charging time being increased in proportion to the quantity of electric energy to be charged. Thus a long charging time needs to be wasted each time when the electric motor vehicle is put into service, making it difficult to bring the electric motor vehicle into widespread use.

[10]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[11] In view of the above-noted and other problems inherent in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a generator assembly capable of generating electric energy needed to charge a battery by using tire deformation occurring in a driving process of an electric motor vehicle.

[12]

Technical Solution

[13] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electricity-charging generator assembly, comprising: a drive unit including a generator drive means for converting deformation of a tire of a vehicle wheel to a linear displacement; and a generator unit including a generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the generator drive means.

[14] The generator drive means may preferably be adapted to convert radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement.

[15] The generator drive means may preferably comprise: a piston extending in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel and making contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tire for converting the radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement, the piston having first and second ends; and a displacement generating means including a piston guide fixedly secured to a rim of the vehicle wheel for guiding a radial sliding movement of the piston.

[16] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement restoring means for restoring the displacement generating means to an original position.

[17] The generator may preferably be a linear generator driven by the generator drive means.

[18] The generator may preferably comprise a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft driven by the generator drive means, the magnet attached to the driving shaft.

[19] The generator may preferably be fixed to the rim of the vehicle wheel in a position outside the tire, the driving shaft coupled to the second end of the piston.

[20] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston and a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft.

[21] The generator may preferably be fixed to the rim of the vehicle wheel in a position inside the tire, the driving shaft integrally coupled to the piston.

[22] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the second end of the piston.

[23] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement transfer means for amplifying a displacement of the piston and transferring the amplified displacement to the generator.

[24] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise a hinge lever, the hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever, and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever.

[25] The generator may preferably comprise a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft connected to the second end of the hinge lever so that the driving shaft can be driven by the hinge lever, the magnet attached to the driving shaft.

[26] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position and a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[27] The displacement transfer means may preferably further comprise a linkage lever, the linkage lever having a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever, a second end connected to a first end of the driving shaft for driving the driving shaft and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel.

[28] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position and a shaft spring provided in the first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[29] The first end of the piston may preferably be coupled to an inner surface of the tire.

[30] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement converting means for converting a linear displacement of the piston to a rotary displacement, the generator being a rotary generator driven by the displacement converting means.

[31] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement transfer means for amplifying the displacement of the piston and transferring the amplified displacement to the displacement converting means.

[32] The displacement converting means may preferably comprise a worm wheel for rotating the generator and a worm for receiving the displacement of the piston from the displacement transfer means to rotate the worm wheel.

[33] The generator may preferably comprise a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a rotating shaft rotatingly driven by the worm wheel, the magnet attached to the rotating shaft.

[34] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; a first drive link having a first end hingedly coupled to the second end of the hinge lever; and a second drive link having a first end coupled to the worm and a second end hingedly coupled to a second end of the first drive link so that the second drive link can rotate about the second end of the second drive link to impart a rotating motion to the worm.

[35] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position.

[36] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; and a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever and a second end connected to the worm so that the linkage lever can rotate about the hinge portion to impart a rotating motion to the worm.

[37] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a lever spring provided between the rim of the vehicle wheel and the second end of the linkage lever for restoring the linkage lever to an original position.

[38] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the linkage lever; and a drive link having a first end connected to the worm and a second end connected to the second end of the linkage lever.

[39] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position.

[40] The generator unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[41] The generator unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, the drive unit comprising a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the generator assembly may preferably further comprise an interlocking means for ensuring that, if a driving shaft of one of the generators is moved in one direction, a driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators is moved in the other direction.

[42] The interlocking means may preferably comprise: a plurality of lever support bases positioned between the generators and arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel; and a plurality of interlocking levers arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, each of the interlocking levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to a corresponding one of the lever support bases, a first end connected to the driving shaft of one of the generators and a second end connected to the driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators.

[43] The drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, the generator unit comprising a drive intermediating means for receiving the displacement from the worm wheel of the displacement converting means to drive the generator.

[44] The drive intermediating means may preferably comprise: a plurality of driving gear portions including driving shafts each coupled to the worm wheel for unitary rotation with the worm wheel and driving gears fixedly secured to the driving shafts; and a generator gear portion including a generator shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the generator and a plurality of generator gears coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator shaft can be rotated by the driving gears.

[45] The generator gears may preferably be coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator gears can rotate the generator shaft but the generator shaft cannot rotate the generator gears.

[46] The drive intermediating means may preferably further comprise a plurality of intermediate gear portions each including intermediate gears meshed with both the driving gears and the generator gears so that the generator gears can be rotated by the driving gears.

[47] The generator drive means may preferably comprise a rim disc attached to the rim of the vehicle wheel and a plurality of driving members arranged along a circumference of the rim disc for converting radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement to thereby drive the generator.

[48] Each of the driving members may preferably comprise: a piston radially movably attached to the rim disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end remaining in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tire; and a finger coupled to the second end of the piston for driving the generator.

[49] The generator may preferably be a rotary generator driven by the finger, the rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil.

[50] The generator unit may preferably further comprise a rotating disc including a clutch bearing coupled to the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the finger to rotate the generator.

[51] The clutch bearing may preferably be coupled to the housing of the generator to rotate the housing only in one direction.

[52] The finger may preferably be coupled to the piston for rotation about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent, and each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position.

[53] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a piston guide fixed to the rim disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an air-tight manner.

[54] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a roller coupled to a free end of the finger.

[55] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a plurality of piston springs each provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the rim disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[56] The generator drive means may preferably comprise a plurality of the driving members arranged in multiple stages in an axial direction of the rim disc, and the rotating disc may preferably comprise a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged in an axial direction of the rotating disc.

[57] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electricity-charging generator assembly, comprising: a drive unit including a generator drive means for converting crosswise deformation of a tire of a vehicle wheel to a displacement; and a generator unit including a generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the generator drive means.

[58] The generator drive means may preferably comprise a displacement generating means including a first hinge lever, the first hinge lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end coupled to the generator and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire, the hinge lever adapted to rotate about the hinge portion to drive the generator.

[59] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement restoring means for restoring the hinge lever to an original position.

[60] The generator may preferably be a linear generator driven by the generator drive means.

[61] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement transfer means including a transfer link, the transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[62] The second end of the hinge lever may preferably be hingedly coupled to the tire.

[63] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement transfer means including a first amplifying lever, the first amplifying lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[64] The displacement generating means may preferably further comprise a second hinge lever connected to the other sidewall of the tire, the displacement transfer means further comprising a second amplifying lever connected to a second end of the second hinge lever, the generator drive means further comprising a lever interlocking member connected to both the first end of the first amplifying lever and a first end of the second amplifying lever for driving the generator.

[65] The generator unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[66] Each of the generators may preferably comprise a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft carrying the magnet, the driving shaft adapted to be driven by the generator drive means.

[67] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[68] The electricity-charging generator assembly may preferably further comprise an interlocking means for ensuring that, if a driving shaft of one of the generators is moved in one direction, a driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators is moved in the other direction.

[69] The interlocking means may preferably comprise: a plurality of lever support bases positioned between the generators and arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel; and a plurality of interlocking levers arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, each of the interlocking levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to a corresponding one of the lever support bases, a first end connected to the driving shaft of one of the generators and a second end connected to the driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators.

[70] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement converting means for converting the displacement of the displacement generating means to a rotary displacement, the generator being a rotary generator driven by the displacement converting means.

[71] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a displacement transfer means for amplifying the displacement of the displacement generating means and transferring the amplified displacement to the displacement converting means.

[72] The displacement converting means may preferably comprise a worm wheel for rotating the generator and a worm for receiving the displacement from the displacement converting means to rotate the worm wheel.

[73] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise a transfer link, the transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[74] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise a drive link adapted to rotate the worm, the drive link having a first end coupled to the worm and a second end connected to the second end of the transfer link.

[75] The displacement transfer means may preferably comprise a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end adapted to rotate the worm.

[76] The displacement transfer means may preferably further comprise a transfer link having a first end adapted to rotate the worm and a second end hingedly coupled to the first end of the linkage lever.

[77] The generator unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[78] Each of the generators may preferably comprise a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a rotating shaft carrying the magnet, the rotating shaft adapted to be rotated by means of each of the generator drive means.

[79] The displacement restoring means may preferably comprise a spring connected to both the first end of the hinge lever and the vehicle wheel. [80] The drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the generator unit may preferably comprise a drive intermediating means for receiving the displacement from the worm wheel to drive each of the generators.

[81] The drive intermediating means may preferably comprise: a plurality of driving gear portions including driving shafts each coupled to the worm wheel for unitary rotation with the worm wheel and driving gears fixedly secured to the driving shafts; and a generator gear portion including a generator shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the generator and a plurality of generator gears coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator shaft can be rotated by the driving gears.

[82] The generator gears may preferably be coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator gears can rotate the generator shaft but the generator shaft cannot rotate the generator gears.

[83] The drive intermediating means may preferably further comprise a plurality of intermediate gear portions each including intermediate gears meshed with both the driving gears and the generator gears so that the generator gears can be rotated by the driving gears.

[84] The generator drive means may preferably comprise: a driving disc attached to the vehicle wheel; and a disc driving means including: a plurality of hinge levers arranged along a circumferential direction of the driving disc, each of the hinge levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the driving disc, a first end connected to one sidewall of the tire and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of each of the hinge levers; and a plurality of driving members arranged along the circumferential direction of the driving disc for receiving the displacement of the hinge levers to drive the generator.

[85] The generator may preferably be a rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil, the rotary generator adapted to be driven by the driving members.

[86] The generator unit may preferably further comprise a rotating disc including a clutch bearing coupled to the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the drive unit to rotate the generator.

[87] The clutch bearing may preferably be coupled to the housing of the generator to rotate the housing only in one direction.

[88] Each of the driving members may preferably comprise: a driving bar adapted to be slid by means of each of the hinge levers, the driving bar having a first end adapted to impart a rotating motion to the clutch bearing and a second end connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; and a bar spring provided in the second end of the driving bar for restoring the driving bar to an original position. [89] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise an operating roller attached to the first end of the driving bar for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing.

[90] The second end of each of the hinge levers may preferably be connected to an outer portion of one sidewall of the tire, the driving bar adapted to be slid in an axial direction of the rotating disc by means of each of the hinge levers, and the clutch bearing may preferably comprise an annular ring coupled to the housing of the generator and a plurality of circumferentially arranged operating pawls each having a first end fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the annular ring and a second end adapted to make contact with the operating roller.

[91] Each of the operating pawls may preferably have a first end rotatably coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the annular ring so that each of the operating pawls can be rotated as the driving bar makes a sliding movement and the operating roller strikes the second end of each of the operating pawls, and the clutch bearing may preferably further comprise an operating spring for restoring each of the operating pawls to an original position.

[92] The rotating disc may preferably comprise a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged along an axial direction, and the generator drive means may preferably further comprise a disc driving means provided in the other sidewall of the tire.

[93] The second end of each of the hinge levers may preferably be connected to an inner portion of one sidewall of the tire, and each of the driving members may preferably comprise a piston radially movably mounted to the driving disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end of the piston connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers, and a finger coupled to the second end of the piston for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing.

[94] The finger may preferably be coupled to the piston for rotation about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent, and each of driving members may preferably further comprise a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position.

[95] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a piston guide fixed to the driving disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an air-tight manner.

[96] Each of the driving members may preferably further comprise a piton spring provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the driving disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[97] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise a hinge lever provided inside the other sidewall of the tire.

[98] The generator drive means further may preferably comprise a plurality of driving members provided inside the other sidewall of the tire, and the rotating disc may preferably further comprise an axially arranged clutch bearing adapted to be rotated by the driving members.

[99] The drive unit may preferably further comprise a crosswise drive means for converting crosswise deformation of the tire to a displacement, and the generator unit may preferably further comprise an additional generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the crosswise drive means.

[100] The additional generator may preferably be a linear generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft carrying the magnet, the driving shaft adapted to be driven by the crosswise drive means, and the crosswise drive means may preferably comprise; a hinge lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end operatively connected to the generator and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire; a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the hinge lever to an original position; and a transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second of the hinge lever and a second end operatively connected to the generator.

[101] The drive unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the crosswise drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and the generator unit may preferably comprise a plurality of the additional generators arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[102] The drive unit further may preferably comprise a crosswise drive means for converting crosswise deformation of the tire to a displacement, and the generator unit may preferably further comprise an additional generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the crosswise drive means.

[103] The crosswise drive means may preferably comprise: a driving disc attached to the vehicle wheel; and a disc driving means including a plurality of hinge levers arranged along a circumferential direction of the driving disc, each of the hinge levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the driving disc, a first end and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire, and a plurality of driving members arranged along the circumferential direction of the driving disc for receiving a displacement of the first end of each of the hinge levers to drive the generator. The additional generator may preferably be a rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil, the rotary generator adapted to be driven by the driving members. The generator unit may preferably further comprise a clutch bearing coupled to the housing of the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the drive unit to rotate the generator in one direction.

[104] Each of the driving members may preferably comprise: a driving bar adapted to be slid by means of each of the hinge levers, the driving bar having a first end adapted to impart a rotating motion to the clutch bearing and a second end connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; a bar spring provided in the second end of the driving bar for restoring the driving bar to an original position; and an operating roller attached to the first end of the driving bar for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing. The second end of each of the hinge levers may preferably be connected to an outer portion of one sidewall of the tire, the driving bar adapted to be slid in an axial direction of the rotating disc by means of each of the hinge levers. The clutch bearing may preferably comprise an annular ring coupled to the housing of the generator and a plurality of circumferentially arranged operating pawls each having a first end fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the annular ring and a second end adapted to make contact with the operating roller.

[105] The rotating disc may preferably comprise a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged in an axial direction of the rotating disc, and the generator drive means may preferably further comprise a disc driving means provided in the other sidewall of the tire.

[106] The second end of each of the hinge levers may preferably be connected to an inner portion of one sidewall of the tire. Each of the driving members may preferably comprise: a piston radially movably mounted to the driving disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end of the piston connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; a finger coupled to the second end of the piston so that the finger can be rotated about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent; a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position; a piston guide fixed to the driving disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an airtight manner; and a piton spring provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the driving disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[107] The generator drive means may preferably further comprise additional driving members provided inside the other sidewall of the tire, and the rotating disc may preferably further comprise a plurality of axially arranged clutch bearings adapted to be rotated by the additional driving members.

Advantageous Effects

[108] In accordance with the present invention, the battery of an electric motor vehicle is self-charged as the motor vehicle runs. Accordingly, electric energy is charged to the battery simultaneously with consumption thereof, allowing the motor vehicle to run a long distance with no supply of electric energy from an external electric power source. Furthermore, the time required in recharging the battery can be kept short because the electric energy charged in the battery is consumed in a small amount before recharging the battery. [109]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[110] Fig. 1 is a section view showing a first embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [I l l] Fig. 2 is a partial section view showing a second embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [112] Fig. 3 is a section view showing a third embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [113] Fig. 4 is a side view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 3.

[114] Fig. 5 is a partial section view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 3.

[115] Fig. 6 is a section view showing a fourth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [116] Fig. 7 is a section view showing a fifth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [117] Fig. 8 is a section view showing a sixth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [118] Fig. 9 is a side view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 8.

[119] Fig. 10 is a section view showing a seventh embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [120] Fig. 11 is a section view showing an eighth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [121] Fig. 12 is an enlarged section view illustrating a displacement converting means of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 11. [122] Fig. 13 is a section view showing a ninth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [123] Fig. 14 is a section view showing a tenth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [124] Fig. 15 is a side view illustrating a drive intermediating means of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 14. [125] Fig. 16 is a section view showing an eleventh embodiment of a generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [126] Fig. 17 is a side view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 16.

[127] Fig. 18 is an enlarged section view illustrating a drive member of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 16. [128] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a generator driving means of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 16. [129] Fig. 20 is a partial perspective view of the generator driving means shown in Fig. 19. [130] Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a rotating disc of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 16. [131] Fig. 22 is a section view showing a twelfth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [132] Fig. 23 is a side view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 22.

[133] Fig. 24 is a partial section view of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 22.

[134] Fig. 25 is a section view showing a thirteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [135] Fig. 26 is a section view showing a fourteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [136] Fig. 27 is a section view showing a fifteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [137] Fig. 28 is a section view showing a sixteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [138] Fig. 29 is a section view showing a seventeenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [139] Fig. 30 is a section view showing an eighteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [140] Fig. 31 is a perspective view illustrating a generator driving means of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 30. [141] Fig. 32 is another perspective view of the generator driving means of the generator assembly shown in Fig. 30. [142] Fig. 33 is a section view showing a nineteenth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [143] Fig. 34 is a section view showing a twentieth embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [144] Fig. 35 is a section view showing a twenty-first embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [145] Fig. 36 is a section view showing a twenty-second embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [146] Fig. 37 and 38 is a section view showing a twenty-third embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention. [147] Fig. 39 is a section view showing a twenty-fourth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire in accordance with the present invention.

[148]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[149] Preferred embodiments of an electricity-charging generator assembly in accordance with the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[150] Figs. 1 through 21 are directed to embodiments of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. Figs. 22 through 35 pertain to embodiments of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. Figs. 36 through 39 are concerned with embodiments of an electricity- charging generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire.

[151] Shown in Fig. 1 is a first embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The electricity-charging generator assembly 500 shown in Fig. 1 includes a drive unit 100 and a generator unit 200. The drive unit 100 includes a plurality of generator driving means 180 arranged along a circumferential direction of a wheel. Each of the generator driving means 180 includes a displacement generating means 110 and a displacement restoring means 120. The displacement generating means 110 converts radial deformation of a tire 1 to a displacement and, for this purpose, includes a piston 111 and a piston guide 113. The piston 111 has first and second ends I l ia and 11 Ib and extends in a radial direction so that the first end I l ia thereof can make contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tire 1. The piston guide 113 is fixedly secured to a rim 3 and designed to receive the piston 111 in a radially slidable manner. Thus the piston 111 is in condition for sliding movement through the piston guide 113. The displacement restoring means 120 serves to restore the displacement of the piston 111 and, for this purpose, includes a piston spring 121 and a shaft spring 123. The piston spring 121 is supported at one end on the piston 111 and at the other end on the piston guide 113. The shaft spring 123 is situated at one end of a driving shaft 215 of a generator 210 which will be described later. If the piston 111 is slid radially inwardly, the piston spring 121 and the shaft spring 123 are all compressed.

[152] The generator unit 200 includes a plurality of linear generators 210 arranged along the circumferential direction of the wheel. Each of the linear generators 210 is attached to the rim 3 so that it can be driven by the piston 111. Each of the linear generators 210 includes a driving shaft 215, a magnet 211 carried by the driving shaft 215 and a coil 213 surrounding the magnet 211. The driving shaft 215 is connected to the second end I 1 Ib of the piston 111. If the piston 111 makes a sliding movement, an electric current is generated by the magnet 211 and the coil 213.

[153] The portion of the tire 1 that makes contact with the ground surface is radially deflated by the weight of a motor vehicle. Upon such deflation of the tire 1, the piston

I I I remaining in contact with the deflated portion of the tire 1 is slid radially inwardly. As the tire 1 continues to rotate, the deflated portion of the tire 1 is out of contact with the ground surface and the next coming portion thereof makes contact with the ground surface. Therefore, the deflated portion of the tire 1 is inflated into an original shape and the piston 111 is radially outwardly slid by means of the piston spring 123. The radially inward and outward sliding movement of piston 111 causes each of the linear generators 210 to generate electricity. Owing to the fact that the linear generators 210 and the generator driving means 180 are installed in multiple numbers along the circumferential direction of the wheel, a large quantity of electricity is generated even with single rotation of the wheel.

[154] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 510 shown in Fig. 2 differs from the generator assembly 500 illustrated in Fig. 1 in that the linear generators 210 fixed to the rim 3 are arranged inside the tire 1. The driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210 is integrally combined with the piston 111. The displacement restoring means 120 is provided with the piston spring 121 but has no shaft spring. Alternatively, the displacement restoring means 120 may be provided with a shaft spring.

[155] Figs. 3 to 5 show a third embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. Unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the generator driving means 180 of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 further includes a displacement transfer means 130.

[156] The displacement transfer means 130 serves to transfer the displacement of the piston 111 to the driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210, for the purpose of which the displacement transfer means 130 includes a hinge lever support base 131 and a hinge lever 133. The hinge lever support base 131 is fixedly secured to the rim 3 to pivotally support an off-centered hinge portion 133c of the hinge lever 133. The hinge lever 133 has a first end 133a making contact with the second end 11 Ib of the piston 111 and a second 133b remaining in contact with the driving shaft 215. The off- centered hinge portion 133c of the hinge lever 133 is hingedly coupled to the hinge lever support base 131. As the piston 111 is slid radially inwardly, the first and second ends 133a and 133b of the hinge lever 130 is rotated about the off-centered hinge portion 133c. The driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210 is pressed by the second end 133b of the hinge lever 130 to slide radially outwardly. The hinge lever 130 is hingedly coupled to the hinge lever support base 131 in such a manner that the spacing between the second end 133b and the off-centered hinge portion 133c becomes greater than the spacing between the first end 133a and the off-centered hinge portion 133c. Therefore, the hinge lever 130 ensures that a displacement greater than that generated by the piston 111 is transferred to the driving shaft 215. This means that, when the tire undergoes the same amount of deformation, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is capable of generating a greater quantity of electricity than does the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[157] Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. In the generator assembly 530 shown in Fig. 6, the displacement transfer means 130 further includes a linkage lever 135 and a linkage lever support base 141, in addition to the components of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[158] The linkage lever support base 141 is fixedly secured to the wheel so that it can pivotally support a hinge portion 135c of the linkage lever 135. The linkage lever 135 has a first end 135a engaging with the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133 and a second end 135b engaging with the driving shaft 215. The hinge portion 135c of the linkage lever 135 is hingedly coupled to the linkage lever support base 141. As the piston 111 is slid radially inwardly, the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133 is rotated about the off-centered hinge portion 133c. Upon rotation of the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133, the second end 135b of the linkage lever 135 is caused to rotate about the hinge portion 135c, thereby imparting a sliding movement to the driving shaft 215. If the length between the second end 135b and the hinge portion 135c is set greater than the length between the first end 135a and the hinge portion 135c as in the illustrated embodiment, it becomes possible to amplify the displacement transferred from the hinge lever 133 and then transfer the amplified displacement to the driving shaft 215. Although the driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210 in the generator assembly 520 shown in Fig. 3 extends in a radial direction of the wheel, the driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210 in the generator assembly 530 shown in Fig. 6 extends in an axial direction of the wheel. This means that the orientation of the linear generators 210 can be suitably changed depending on design requirements.

[159] Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. In the generator assembly 540 shown in Fig. 7, the first end 11 Ia of the piston 111 is hingedly coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the tire 1, with no use of the piston spring 121 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[160] Figs. 8 and 9 show a sixth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 550 shown in Fig. 8 does not include the displacement restoring means employed in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 but further includes an interlocking means 300 in addition to the drive unit 100 and the generator unit 200.

[161] The interlocking means 300 includes lever support bases 301 and interlocking levers 303, both of which are provided in the same number as that of the linear generators 210. Each of the interlocking levers 303 has a first end 303a connected to the driving shaft 215 of one of the linear generators 210 and a second end 303b connected to the driving shaft 215 of another neighboring linear generator 210. The respective interlocking levers 303 are arranged in a circumferential direction of the wheel and are coupled to the driving shafts 215 of the linear generators 210 in an end- to-end relationship. This means that the driving shaft 215 of one of the linear generators 210 is connected to both the first end 303a of one of the interlocking levers 303 and the second end 303b of another neighboring interlocking lever 303.

[162] Each of the lever support bases 301 is hingedly coupled to the center portion between the first end 303a and the second end 303b of each of the interlocking levers 303 to thereby support the corresponding interlocking lever 303.

[163] If the driving shaft 215 of the first linear generator 210 connected to the first end

303a of the first interlocking lever 303 is slid in one direction by the tire deformation, the first interlocking lever 303 is rotated about the first lever support base 301. Then, the driving shaft 215 of the second linear generator 210 connected to the second end 303b of the first interlocking lever 303 is slid in the opposite direction. Since the first end 303a of the second interlocking lever 303 is connected to the driving shaft 215 of the second linear generator 210, the second interlocking lever 303 is rotated about the second lever support base 301. This causes the driving shaft 215 of the third linear generator 210 to be slid in the same direction as the sliding direction of the driving shaft 215 of the first linear generator 210. Consequently, if the driving shaft of one specified linear generator makes a sliding movement, the driving shafts of other linear generators are all caused to slide, thereby generating electricity.

[164] Fig. 10 shows a seventh embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. Unlike the generator assembly 530 shown in Fig. 6, the generator assembly 560 shown in Fig. 10 further includes a displacement converting means 150. In this embodiment, the displacement transfer means 130 includes a hinge lever 133, a first drive link 137 and a second drive linkage 139, while the displacement restoring means 120 includes only a piston spring 121. The generator unit 200 includes a rotary generator 260 in place of the linear generators 210.

[165] The displacement transfer means 130 serves to transfer the displacement of the piston 111 to the displacement converting means 150. For this purpose, the first drive link 137 has a first end 137a hingedly coupled to the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133 and the second drive linkage 139 has a first end 139a hingedly coupled to a second end 137b of the first drive link 137.

[166] The displacement converting means 150 serves to convert the displacement transferred through the displacement transfer means 130 to a rotary displacement and includes a worm 151 and a worm wheel 153 for that purpose. The worm 151 has a worm shaft coupled to a second end 139b of the second drive linkage 139 and the worm wheel 153 has a worm wheel shaft coupled to a rotating shaft 265 of a rotary generator 260 which will be described later. The shafts of the worm 151 and the worm wheel 153 are perpendicular to each other. The worm 151 and the worm wheel 153 are in meshing engagement with each other.

[167] The rotary generator 260 includes a magnet 261, a coil 263 surrounding the magnet

261 and a rotating shaft 265 carrying the magnet 261 with it. Rotation of the rotating shaft 265 allows the magnet 261 and the coil 263 to generate electricity. The rotating shaft 265 is coupled to the worm wheel 153.

[168] If the piston 111 is slid by the deformation of the tire 1, the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133 is caused to rotate about the hinge portion 133c thereof, thereby rotating the first drive link 137. Thus, the second drive link 139 hingedly coupled to the first drive link 137 is rotated together with the shaft of the worm 151, thereby causing rotation of the worm 151. As the worm 151 makes a rotation, the worm wheel 153 meshed with the worm 151 is rotated together with the rotating shaft 265. As a result, the rotary generator 260 is rotatingly driven to generate electricity.

[169] Figs. 11 and 12 show an eighth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 570 shown in Fig. 11 differs from the generator assembly 560 shown in Fig. 10 in that the displacement transfer means 130 includes a hinge lever 133 and a linkage lever 135. The displacement restoring means 120 includes a lever spring 125.

[170] The linkage lever 135 has a first end 135a making contact with the second end 133b of the hinge lever 133 and a second end 135b coupled to the shaft 152 of the worm 151. The linkage lever 135 has a hinge portion 135c hingedly coupled to a linkage lever support base 141. As the piston 111 makes a sliding movement along the piston guide 113, the second end 135b of the linkage lever 135 is rotated about the hinge portion 135c, thereby rotating the worm 151.

[171] The lever spring 125 has a first end 125a fixedly secured to the rim 3 and a second end 125b coupled to the second end 135b of the linkage lever 135. Therefore, the piston 111 is returned back to an original position by the lever spring 125 if the ground-contacting tire portion is detached from the ground surface.

[172] Fig. 13 shows a ninth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 580 shown in Fig. 13 differs from the generator assembly 560 shown in Fig. 10 in that the displacement transfer means 130 includes a hinge lever 133, a linkage lever 135 and a first drive link 137.

[173] Figs. 14 and 15 show a tenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 590 shown in Fig. 14 differs from the generator assembly 570 shown in Fig. 11 in that the generator unit 200 includes a drive intermediating means 220 and a rotary generator 260. The drive intermediating means 220 includes a plurality of driving gear portions 221, a generator gear portion 225 and a plurality of intermediate gear portions 229.

[174] The generator gear portion 225 includes a generator shaft 226 and a plurality of generator gears 227. The generator shaft 226 is coupled to the rotating shaft 265 of the rotary generator 260. The generator gears 227 are arranged along the generator shaft

226 and coupled thereto in an end-to-end relationship. In this connection, it is preferred that the generator gears 227 are coupled to the generator shaft 226 through one-way bearings so that the generator shaft 226 can be rotated only in one direction. It is also preferred that the number of the generator gears 227 is the same as that of the displacement converting means 150 in order for the generator gears 227 to be rotated by the driving gear portions 221.

[175] The driving gear portions 221 include driving shafts 222 and driving gears 223.

Each of the driving shafts 222 is connected to the worm wheel shaft 154 of each of the displacement converting means 150. The worm wheel shafts 154 are arranged in plural numbers in the circumferential direction of the wheel and so are the driving shafts 222. The driving gears 223 are fixedly secured to the driving shafts 222. Since the driving gears 223 serve to rotate the generator gears 227, they need to be axially coupled to the respective driving shafts 222 in a one-to-one relationship with the generator gears 227.

[176] The intermediate gear portions 229 include intermediate shafts 230 and intermediate gears 231. The intermediate gear portions 229 plays a role of interconnecting the driving gears 223 and the generator gears 227 so that the generator gears 227 can be rotated by the driving gears 223. For this purpose, a plurality of intermediate shafts 230 is arranged in a circumferential direction and a plurality of intermediate gears 231 is fixed to the intermediate shafts 230 so that the generator gears

227 can be rotated by the driving gears 223. In the present embodiment, the intermediate gear portions 229 are provided in two rows in the radial direction. Alternatively, the intermediate gear portions 229 may be arranged in a single row or more than two rows.

[177] If a portion of the tire 1 makes contact with the ground surface and undergoes deformation, the piston 111 remaining in contact with the tire portion is caused to make a sliding movement. The worm wheel 153 is rotated by the piston 111, thereby rotating a corresponding one of the driving gears 223 connected to the worm wheel 153. Rotation of the driving gear 223 results in rotation of a corresponding one of the generator gears 227 connected the driving gear 223, which in turn causes rotation of the generator shaft 226. In this way, the pistons 111 circumferentially arranged in plural number make a sliding movement one after another as the tire 1 continues to roll on the ground surface. Thus, the generator shaft 226 is rotated continuously to drive the rotary generator 260.

[178] Figs. 16 through 21 show an eleventh embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using radial deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 600 shown in Fig. 16 includes a generator drive means 181 and a generator unit 200.

[179] The generator drive means 181 includes a rim disc 160 and a plurality of driving members 170. The rim disc 160 is attached to the wheel so that it can serve as a rim of the tire 1. The driving members 170 serve to drive a below-mentioned generator 260 by use of the radial deformation of the tire 1. As best shown in Fig. 18, each of the driving members 170 includes a piston 171, a piston guide 173, a finger 175, a resilient finger support base 177, a piston spring 179 and a roller 172.

[180] The piston guide 173 extends radially through the thickness of the rim disc 160 and remains fixedly secured to the rim disc 160. The piston 171 is radially slidably attached to the piston guide 173 in such a manner that a first end 171a of the piston 171 can make contact with the inner circumferential surface of the tire 1. The finger 175 has a first fixed end 175a and a second free end 175b. The first end 175a of the finger 175 is coupled to a second end 171b of the piston 171 so that, as the piston 171 makes a sliding movement, the second end 175b of the finger 175 can strike and rotate a below-mentioned clutch bearing 251. In this regard, the finger 175 is slantingly coupled to the second end 171b of the piston 171 to ensure that it can be rotated about the second end 171b of the piston 171 within a limited angular extent. The roller 172 is coupled to the second end 175b of the finger 175 to smoothly push the clutch bearing 251 into rotation. The resilient finger support base 177 is fixed at a first end to the second end 171b of the piston 171 and at a second end is kept in contact with the finger 175. The piston spring 179 is supported by the piston guide 173 at a first end and by the piston 171 at a second end so that the piston 171 can be resiliently biased toward an original position. The driving members 170 are arranged in plural number along the circumference of the rim disc 160 and provided in multiple stages in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the driving members 170 are provided in four stages in the axial direction.

[181] The generator unit 200 includes a plurality of generators 260 and a plurality of rotating discs 250. Each of the rotating discs 250 is fixedly secured to a corresponding one of the generators 260 and is provided with a clutch bearing 251. The clutch bearing 251 is fixed to the corresponding generator 260 to ensure that the generator 260 can be rotated in one direction. The clutch bearing 251 is rotated by a corresponding one of the driving members 170. In order for the clutch bearing 251 to be rotated by the corresponding driving member 170, the clutch bearing 251 has a plurality of radially protruding teeth 251a arranged along the outer circumference thereof. Preferably, each of the teeth 251a is inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the piston 171 of the corresponding driving member 170. If the piston 171 is slid radially inwardly, the roller 172 strikes and pushes one of the teeth 251a in the circumferential direction of the clutch bearing 251 to thereby impart a rotating motion to the clutch bearing 251. The number of the clutch bearings 251 coupled to the generators 260 is the same as the number of axial stages of the driving members 170.

[182] If a portion of the tire 1 makes contact with the ground surface and undergoes deformation, the piston 171 arranged in an alignment with the ground-contacting portion is slid radially inwardly along the piston guide 173. Responsive to such a sliding movement of the piston 171, the roller 172 coupled to the second end 175b of the finger 175 strikes one of the teeth 251a of the clutch bearing 251, thereby rotating the clutch bearing 251. If the piston 171 continues to slide beyond a specified extent, the roller 172 is pressed against a body portion 251b of the clutch bearing 251. Consequently, an excessively great load that cannot be borne by the resilient finger support base 177 is applied to the finger 175. In this case, the finger 175 is rotated about the second end 171b of the piston 171, which prevents the clutch bearing 251 and the finger 175 from being damaged. The driving members 170 are arranged in plural number and in multiple stages along the circumference of the rim disc 160. As the tire 1 rotates on the ground surface, the driving members 170 are operated one after another, thereby making it possible to continuously drive the generators 260 coupled to the rotating discs 250.

[183] Figs. 22 to 24 show a twelfth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 610 shown in Fig. 22 includes a drive unit 100 and a generator unit 200. The generator unit 200 is the same as that of the generator assembly 530 shown in Fig. 6.

[184] The drive unit 100 includes a plurality of generator drive means 80 arranged in the circumferential direction of the wheel. Each of the generator drive means 80 includes a displacement generating means 10, a displacement restoring means and a displacement transfer means 30.

[185] The displacement generating means 10 converts crosswise deformation of the tire 1 to a displacement and, for this purpose, includes a hinge lever 11 and a lever support base 13 fixedly secured to one side of the wheel. The hinge lever 11 has a first end 11a, a second end 1 Ib and a hinge portion 1 Ic. The first end 1 Ia of the hinge lever 11 makes one sidewall of the tire 1 and the hinge portion 1 Ic is hingedly coupled to the lever support base 13 so that the first and second ends 11a and 1 Ib of the hinge lever 11 can be rotated about the hinge portion l ie.

[186] The displacement transfer means 30 includes a first drive link 33 having a first end

33a, a second end 33b and a hinge portion 33c. The first end 33a of the first drive link 33 is hingedly coupled to the first end 13a of the lever support base 13 and the hinge portion 33c of the first drive link 33 is connected to the second end 1 Ib of the hinge lever 11. The second end 33b of the first drive link 33 is connected to a driving shaft 215 of each of linear generators 210. As the second end 1 Ib of the hinge lever 11 is rotated about the hinge portion 1 Ic, the second end 33b of the first drive link 33 makes a rotation about the first end 33a, thereby driving a corresponding one of the linear generators 210.

[187] Each of the displacement restoring means includes a shaft spring 23 installed on the driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210.

[188] When making contact with the ground surface, a portion of the tire 1 is radially inwardly deflated and expanded in a crosswise direction. Therefore, the hinge lever 11 that remains in contact with one sidewall of the tire 1 is rotated by the crosswise expansion of the ground-contacting portion of the tire 1, thus driving a corresponding one of the linear generators 210.

[189] Fig. 25 shows a thirteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 620 shown in Fig. 25 differs from the generator assembly 610 shown in Fig. 22 in that the first end 1 Ia of the hinge lever 11 is hingedly coupled to the tire 1.

[190] Fig. 26 shows a fourteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 630 shown in Fig. 26 includes a drive unit 100, a generator unit 200 and an interlocking means 300. The generator unit 200 and the interlocking means 300 are the same as those of the generator assembly 550 shown in Fig. 8.

[191] The drive unit 100 includes a displacement generating means 10 and a displacement transfer means 30. The displacement generating means 10 is provided with a hinge lever 11 having a first end 1 Ia, a second end 1 Ib and a hinge portion 1 Ic, and the displacement transfer means 30 is provided with a linkage lever 35 having a first end 35a, a second end 35b and a hinge portion 35c. The first end 35a of the linkage lever 35 is connected to the second end 1 Ib of the hinge lever 11, while the hinge portion 35c thereof is hingedly coupled to the linkage lever support base 14. The second end 35b of the linkage lever 35 is connected to a driving shaft 215 of each of the linear generators 210. Therefore, all the linear generators 210 interlocked with the hinge lever 11 are driven upon rotation of the hinge lever 11.

[192] Fig. 27 shows a fifteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 640 shown in Fig. 27 includes a drive unit and a generator unit. The generator unit is the same as that of the generator assembly 560 shown in Fig. 10.

[193] The drive unit includes a plurality of generator drive means 80 which in turn includes a displacement generating means 10, a displacement restoring means 20, a displacement transfer means 30 and a displacement converting means 150. In this embodiment, the displacement converting means 150 is the same as that of the generator assembly 560 shown in Fig. 10.

[194] The displacement generating means 10 is provided with a hinge lever 11 having first and second ends 11a and 1 Ib. The displacement transfer means 30 is provided with a first drive link 33 having first and second ends and a second drive link 37 having first and second ends. The first end of the second drive link 37 is connected to the second end of the first drive link 33, while the second end of the second drive link 37 is coupled to a worm 151. The displacement restoring means is provided with a lever spring 25 that interconnects the second end 1 Ib of the hinge lever 11 and the lever support base 13. If the tire 1 is deformed during the course of driving, the rotary generator 260 is driven by means of the hinge lever 11 and other parts associated therewith.

[195] Fig. 28 shows a sixteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 650 shown in Fig. 28 includes a drive unit and a generator unit. The generator unit is the same as that of the generator assembly 590 shown in Fig. 14.

[196] The drive unit includes a displacement transfer means 30 which in turn is provided with a linkage lever 35 and a first drive link 33. The linkage lever 35 has a first end 35a, a second end 35b and a hinge portion 35c. The first end 35a of the linkage lever 35 is connected to the second end of the hinge lever 11, while the hinge portion 35c of the linkage lever 35 is hingedly coupled to the lever support base 13. The first drive link 33 has a first end hingedly coupled to the second end 35b of the linkage lever 35 and a second end connected to the worm 151.

[197] Fig. 29 shows a seventeenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 660 shown in Fig. 29 differs from the generator assembly 650 shown in Fig. 28 in that the hinge lever 11, the linkage lever 35, the lever spring 25 and the first drive link 33 are provided on the opposite sidewalls of the tire 1. The generator drive means 80 further includes a lever interlocking member 47, the first end of which is connected to the first end 33a of the first drive link 33 arranged on one sidewall of the tire 1 and the second end of which is connected to the second end 33b of the first drive link 33 arranged on the other sidewall of the tire 1. With this embodiment, it is possible to generate electricity using opposite crosswise displacements of the tire 1. [198] Figs. 30 to 32 show an eighteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 670 shown in Fig. 30 includes a generator drive means 81 and a generator unit 200.

[199] The generator drive means 81 includes a driving disc 60 and a disc driving means

70. The driving disc 60 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the tire Ion one side of the wheel.

[200] The disc driving means 70 includes a plurality of hinge lever 71 and a plurality of driving members 73. Each of the driving members 73 includes a driving bar 74, a roller 77 and a bar spring 75. The driving bar 74 extends axially through the thickness of an edge portion of the driving disc 60 and has a first end 74a positioned outside the wheel and a second end 74b situated inside the wheel. The driving bar 74 is slidable in the axial direction of the driving disc 60. The hinge lever 71 has a first end 71a making contact with one sidewall of the tire 1, a second end 71b connected to the first end 74a of the driving bar 74 and a hinge portion 71c hingedly coupled to the driving disc 60. If the hinge lever 71 is rotated about the hinge portion 71c, the driving bar 74 makes a sliding movement in the axial direction of the driving disc 60. The roller 77 is coupled to the second end 74b of the driving bar 74. The disc driving means 70 is arranged in plural number in the circumferential direction of the driving disc 60. The bar spring 75 is attached to the first end 74a of the driving bar 74 so that it can return the driving bar 74 to an original position.

[201] The generator unit 200 includes a generator 260 and a rotating disc 250 provided with an axial clutch bearing 253. Referring to Fig. 38, the axial clutch bearing 253 includes an annular ring 254, operating pawls 255 and operating springs 256. The annular ring 254 is coupled to the generator 260 in such a manner as to allow the generator 260 to rotate only in one direction. The operating pawls 255 are arranged in plural number along the circumference of the annular ring 254 and are pivotally attached to the annular ring 254 in such a way that, as the driving bar 74 makes a sliding movement, the roller 77 can strike a confronting surface 255c of one of the operating pawls 255. The confronting surface 255c of each of the operating pawls 255 needs to be inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the driving bar 74 so that, when the roller 77 strikes the confronting surface 255c, the annular ring 254 can be rotated to drive the generator 260. In other words, if the confronting surface 255c of each of the operating pawls 255 is inclined as noted above, a striking force is exerted on the confronting surface 255c in a circumferential direction when each of the operating pawls 255 is struck by the driving bar 74. This makes it possible to rotate the annular ring 254.

[202] In a hypothetical case that the roller 77 strikes an extremity 255b of each of the operating pawls 255, the striking force does not act in the circumferential direction but in the axial direction, thus failing to rotate the annular ring 254. On this occasion, the load of the driving bar 74 has to be sustained by the corresponding operating pawl 255, in which case the operating pawl 255 or the roller 77 may be damaged by an excessive force. In order to avoid such a situation, each of the operating pawls 255 needs to be fixed to the annular ring 254 so that it can be rotated about the first end 255a thereof when the roller 77 strikes the extremity 255b of the corresponding operating pawl 255. This ensures that, when the extremity 255b is struck by the roller 77, the operating pawl 255 is rotated not to receive any excessive impact. To this end, each of the operating pawls 255 is adapted to rotate about the first end 255a thereof in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the annular ring 254. In this regard, it is preferred that the extremity 255b of each of the operating pawls 255 is offset by gap a from the first end 255a serving as a rotation center. Although the rotary disc 280 shown in Fig. 38 includes both the radial clutch bearing 251 and the axial clutch bearing 253, it will be sufficient for the rotary disc 280 to include only the axial clutch bearing 253.

[203] As the tire 1 is deformed in a crosswise direction, the hinge lever 71 is rotated to impart a sliding movement to the driving bar 74. In response, the roller 77 strikes a corresponding one of the operating pawls 255 to thereby rotate the annular ring 254. Thus, the axial clutch bearing 253 is rotated together with the generator 260, consequently generating electricity.

[204] Fig. 33 shows a nineteenth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 680 shown in Fig. 33 differs from the generator assembly 670 shown in Fig. 30 in that the generator drive means 81 is provided on the opposite sidewalls of the wheel and the rotary disc 250 has a pair of axial clutch bearings 253 arranged in the axial direction. This makes it possible to drive the generator 260 using the crosswise deformation of opposite sidewalls of the tire 1.

[205] Fig. 34 shows a twentieth embodiment of an electricity-charging generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 690 includes a generator drive means and a generator unit. The generator drive means further includes a displacement generating means 10' in addition to the components of the generator drive means 181 shown in Fig. 16. The displacement generating means 10' is provided with a plurality of lever support bases 8 and a plurality of hinge levers 11'. Each of the lever support bases 8 is fixedly secured to an outer circumferential surface of a rim disc 160. Each of the hinge levers 11' has a first end 11 'a making contact with the inner surface of each of the sidewalls of the tire 1, a second end 1 l'b connected to the first end 171a of the piston 171 and a hinge portion 11 'c hingedly coupled to each of the lever support bases 8. The displacement generating means 10' is provided in plural number along the circumference of the rim disc 160 and is arranged in pairs in the axial direction of the rim disc 160 so that the crosswise deformation of opposite sidewalls of the tire 1 can be used in generating electricity. The generator unit is the same as the generator unit 200 shown in Fig. 16 except that the clutch bearing 251 is arranged in a single stage.

[206] As the tire 1 is deformed in the crosswise direction, each of the hinge levers 11' is rotated about a corresponding one of the lever support bases 8 to thereby impart a sliding movement to the piston 171 of each of the driving members 170. In response, the finger 175 pushes and rotates the clutch bearing 251 to thereby drive the generator.

[207] Fig. 35 shows a twenty-first embodiment of a generator assembly using crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 700 shown in Fig. 35 differs from the generator assembly 690 shown in Fig. 34 in that it includes the clutch bearings 251 and the driving members 170 axially arranged in two stages.

[208] Fig. 36 shows a twenty-second embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 710 shown in Fig. 36 is constructed by combining the generator assembly 520 shown in Fig. 3 and the generator assembly 610 shown in Fig. 22.

[209] Figs. 37 and 38 show a twenty-third embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 720 shown in Fig. 37 is constructed by combining the generator assembly 600 shown in Fig. 16 and the generator assembly 670 shown in Fig. 30.

[210] Fig. 39 shows a twenty-fourth embodiment of a generator assembly using radial and crosswise deformation of a tire. The generator assembly 730 shown in Fig. 39 is constructed by combining the generator assembly 600 shown in Fig. 16 and the generator assembly 700 shown in Fig. 35.

[211]

Industrial Applicability

[212] In accordance with the present invention, the battery of an electric motor vehicle is self-charged as the motor vehicle runs. Accordingly, the electric energy is charged to the battery simultaneously with consumption thereof, allowing the motor vehicle to run a long distance with no supply of electric energy from an external electric power source. Furthermore, the time required in recharging the battery can be kept short because the electric energy charged in the battery is consumed in a small amount before recharging the battery.

[213] The embodiments illustrated and described hereinabove shall not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the subject matters recited in the claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the claims.

Claims

[1] An electricity-charging generator assembly, comprising: a drive unit including a generator drive means for converting deformation of a tire of a vehicle wheel to a linear displacement; and a generator unit including a generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the generator drive means.

[2] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the generator drive means is adapted to convert radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement.

[3] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the generator drive means comprises: a piston extending in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel and making contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tire for converting the radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement, the piston having first and second ends; and a displacement generating means including a piston guide fixedly secured to a rim of the vehicle wheel for guiding a radial sliding movement of the piston.

[4] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement restoring means for restoring the displacement generating means to an original position.

[5] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the generator is a linear generator driven by the generator drive means.

[6] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the generator comprises a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft driven by the generator drive means, the magnet attached to the driving shaft.

[7] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the generator is fixed to the rim of the vehicle wheel in a position outside the tire, the driving shaft coupled to the second end of the piston.

[8] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston and a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft.

[9] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the generator is fixed to the rim of the vehicle wheel in a position inside the tire, the driving shaft integrally coupled to the piston.

[10] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the second end of the piston.

[11] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement transfer means for amplifying a displacement of the piston and transferring the amplified displacement to the generator.

[12] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises a hinge lever, the hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever, and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever.

[13] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the generator comprises a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft connected to the second end of the hinge lever so that the driving shaft can be driven by the hinge lever, the magnet attached to the driving shaft.

[14] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position and a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[15] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the displacement transfer means further comprises a linkage lever, the linkage lever having a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever, a second end connected to a first end of the driving shaft for driving the driving shaft and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel.

[16] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position and a shaft spring provided in the first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[17] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein the first end of the piston is coupled to an inner surface of the tire.

[18] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement converting means for converting a linear displacement of the piston to a rotary displacement, the generator being a rotary generator driven by the displacement converting means.

[19] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement transfer means for amplifying the displacement of the piston and transferring the amplified displacement to the displacement converting means.

[20] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein the displacement converting means comprises a worm wheel for rotating the generator and a worm for receiving the displacement of the piston from the displacement transfer means to rotate the worm wheel.

[21] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the generator comprises a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a rotating shaft rotatingly driven by the worm wheel, the magnet attached to the rotating shaft.

[22] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; a first drive link having a first end hingedly coupled to the second end of the hinge lever; and a second drive link having a first end coupled to the worm and a second end hingedly coupled to a second end of the first drive link so that the second drive link can rotate about the second end of the second drive link to impart a rotating motion to the worm.

[23] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position.

[24] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; and a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever and a second end connected to the worm so that the linkage lever can rotate about the hinge portion to impart a rotating motion to the worm.

[25] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a lever spring provided between the rim of the vehicle wheel and the second end of the linkage lever for restoring the linkage lever to an original position.

[26] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises: a hinge lever having a first end connected to the second end of the piston, a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the hinge lever and a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel in such a position as to ensure that the second end of the hinge lever can move a greater distance than does the first end of the hinge lever; a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the rim of the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the linkage lever; and a drive link having a first end connected to the worm and a second end connected to the second end of the linkage lever.

[27] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 26, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a piston spring provided in the first end of the piston for restoring the piston to an original position.

[28] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 1 to

27, wherein the generator unit comprises a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[29] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 6 to

10 and 13 to 17, wherein the generator unit comprises a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, the drive unit comprising a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the generator assembly further comprises an interlocking means for ensuring that, if a driving shaft of one of the generators is moved in one direction, a driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators is moved in the other direction.

[30] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 29, wherein the interlocking means comprises: a plurality of lever support bases positioned between the generators and arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel; and a plurality of interlocking levers arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, each of the interlocking levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to a corresponding one of the lever support bases, a first end connected to the driving shaft of one of the generators and a second end connected to the driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators.

[31] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 20 to

27, wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, the generator unit comprising a drive intermediating means for receiving the displacement from the worm wheel of the displacement converting means to drive the generator.

[32] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 31, wherein the drive intermediating means comprises: a plurality of driving gear portions including driving shafts each coupled to the worm wheel for unitary rotation with the worm wheel and driving gears fixedly secured to the driving shafts; and a generator gear portion including a generator shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the generator and a plurality of generator gears coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator shaft can be rotated by the driving gears.

[33] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 32, wherein the generator gears are coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator gears can rotate the generator shaft but the generator shaft cannot rotate the generator gears.

[34] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 33, wherein the drive intermediating means further comprises a plurality of intermediate gear portions each including intermediate gears meshed with both the driving gears and the generator gears so that the generator gears can be rotated by the driving gears.

[35] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the generator drive means comprises a rim disc attached to the rim of the vehicle wheel and a plurality of driving members arranged along a circumference of the rim disc for converting radial deformation of the tire to the linear displacement to thereby drive the generator.

[36] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 35, wherein each of the driving members comprises: a piston radially movably attached to the rim disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end remaining in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tire; and a finger coupled to the second end of the piston for driving the generator.

[37] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein the generator is a rotary generator driven by the finger, the rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil.

[38] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 37, wherein the generator unit further comprises a rotating disc including a clutch bearing coupled to the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the finger to rotate the generator.

[39] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 38, wherein the clutch bearing is coupled to the housing of the generator to rotate the housing only in one direction.

[40] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 39, wherein the finger is coupled to the piston for rotation about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent, and wherein each of the driving members further comprises a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position.

[41] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 40, wherein each of the driving members further comprises a piston guide fixed to the rim disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an air-tight manner.

[42] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 41, wherein each of the driving members further comprises a roller coupled to a free end of the finger.

[43] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 42, wherein each of the driving members further comprises a plurality of piston springs each provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the rim disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[44] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 35 to

43, wherein the generator drive means comprises a plurality of the driving members arranged in multiple stages in an axial direction of the rim disc, and wherein the rotating disc comprises a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged in an axial direction of the rotating disc.

[45] An electricity-charging generator assembly, comprising: a drive unit including a generator drive means for converting crosswise deformation of a tire of a vehicle wheel to a displacement; and a generator unit including a generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the generator drive means.

[46] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein the generator drive means comprises a displacement generating means including a first hinge lever, the first hinge lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end coupled to the generator and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire, the hinge lever adapted to rotate about the hinge portion to drive the generator.

[47] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 46, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement restoring means for restoring the hinge lever to an original position.

[48] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 47, wherein the generator is a linear generator driven by the generator drive means.

[49] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement transfer means including a transfer link, the transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[50] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 49, wherein the second end of the hinge lever is hingedly coupled to the tire.

[51] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement transfer means including a first amplifying lever, the first amplifying lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[52] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 51, wherein the displacement generating means further comprises a second hinge lever connected to the other sidewall of the tire, the displacement transfer means further comprising a second amplifying lever connected to a second end of the second hinge lever, the generator drive means further comprising a lever interlocking member connected to both the first end of the first amplifying lever and a first end of the second amplifying lever for driving the generator.

[53] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 48 to

52, wherein the generator unit comprises a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[54] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 53, wherein each of the generators comprises a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft carrying the magnet, the driving shaft adapted to be driven by the generator drive means.

[55] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 54, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the driving shaft to an original position.

[56] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 54, further comprising an interlocking means for ensuring that, if a driving shaft of one of the generators is moved in one direction, a driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators is moved in the other direction.

[57] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 56, wherein the interlocking means comprises: a plurality of lever support bases positioned between the generators and arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel; and a plurality of interlocking levers arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, each of the interlocking levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to a corresponding one of the lever support bases, a first end connected to the driving shaft of one of the generators and a second end connected to the driving shaft of a neighboring one of the generators.

[58] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 47, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement converting means for converting the displacement of the displacement generating means to a rotary displacement, the generator being a rotary generator driven by the displacement converting means.

[59] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 58, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a displacement transfer means for amplifying the displacement of the displacement generating means and transferring the amplified displacement to the displacement converting means.

[60] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 59, wherein the displacement converting means comprises a worm wheel for rotating the generator and a worm for receiving the displacement from the displacement converting means to rotate the worm wheel.

[61] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 60, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises a transfer link, the transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of the transfer link.

[62] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 61, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises a drive link adapted to rotate the worm, the drive link having a first end coupled to the worm and a second end connected to the second end of the transfer link.

[63] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 60, wherein the displacement transfer means comprises a linkage lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the first end of the hinge lever and a second end adapted to rotate the worm.

[64] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 63, wherein the displacement transfer means further comprises a transfer link having a first end adapted to rotate the worm and a second end hingedly coupled to the first end of the linkage lever.

[65] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 58 to

64, wherein the generator unit comprises a plurality of the generators arranged along a circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[66] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 65, wherein each of the generators comprises a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a rotating shaft carrying the magnet, the rotating shaft adapted to be rotated by means of each of the generator drive means.

[67] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 66, wherein the displacement restoring means comprises a spring connected to both the first end of the hinge lever and the vehicle wheel.

[68] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 58 to

64, wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the generator drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the generator unit comprises a drive intermediating means for receiving the displacement from the worm wheel to drive each of the generators.

[69] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 68, wherein the drive intermediating means comprises: a plurality of driving gear portions including driving shafts each coupled to the worm wheel for unitary rotation with the worm wheel and driving gears fixedly secured to the driving shafts; and a generator gear portion including a generator shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the generator and a plurality of generator gears coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator shaft can be rotated by the driving gears.

[70] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 69, wherein the generator gears are coupled to the generator shaft so that the generator gears can rotate the generator shaft but the generator shaft cannot rotate the generator gears.

[71] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 70, wherein the drive intermediating means further comprises a plurality of intermediate gear portions each including intermediate gears meshed with both the driving gears and the generator gears so that the generator gears can be rotated by the driving gears.

[72] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein the generator drive means comprises: a driving disc attached to the vehicle wheel; and a disc driving means including: a plurality of hinge levers arranged along a circumferential direction of the driving disc, each of the hinge levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the driving disc, a first end connected to one sidewall of the tire and a second end oppositely positioned from the first end of each of the hinge levers; and a plurality of driving members arranged along the circumferential direction of the driving disc for receiving the displacement of the hinge levers to drive the generator.

[73] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 72, wherein the generator is a rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil, the rotary generator adapted to be driven by the driving members.

[74] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 73, wherein the generator unit further comprises a rotating disc including a clutch bearing coupled to the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the drive unit to rotate the generator.

[75] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 74, wherein the clutch bearing is coupled to the housing of the generator to rotate the housing only in one direction.

[76] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 75, wherein each of the driving members comprises: a driving bar adapted to be slid by means of each of the hinge levers, the driving bar having a first end adapted to impart a rotating motion to the clutch bearing and a second end connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; and a bar spring provided in the second end of the driving bar for restoring the driving bar to an original position.

[77] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 76, wherein each of the driving members further comprises an operating roller attached to the first end of the driving bar for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing.

[78] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 77, wherein the second end of each of the hinge levers is connected to an outer portion of one sidewall of the tire, the driving bar adapted to be slid in an axial direction of the rotating disc by means of each of the hinge levers, and wherein the clutch bearing comprises an annular ring coupled to the housing of the generator and a plurality of circumferentially arranged operating pawls each having a first end fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the annular ring and a second end adapted to make contact with the operating roller.

[79] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 78, wherein each of the operating pawls has a first end rotatably coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the annular ring so that each of the operating pawls can be rotated as the driving bar makes a sliding movement and the operating roller strikes the second end of each of the operating pawls, and wherein the clutch bearing further comprises an operating spring for restoring each of the operating pawls to an original position.

[80] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 74 to

79, wherein the rotating disc comprises a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged along an axial direction, and wherein the generator drive means further comprises a disc driving means provided in the other sidewall of the tire.

[81] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 75, wherein the second end of each of the hinge levers is connected to an inner portion of one sidewall of the tire, and wherein each of the driving members comprises a piston radially movably mounted to the driving disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end of the piston connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers, and a finger coupled to the second end of the piston for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing.

[82] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 81, wherein the finger is coupled to the piston for rotation about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent, and wherein each of driving members further comprises a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position.

[83] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 82, wherein each of the driving members further comprises a piston guide fixed to the driving disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an air-tight manner.

[84] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 83, wherein each of the driving members further comprises a piton spring provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the driving disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[85] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 81 to

84, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a hinge lever provided inside the other sidewall of the tire.

[86] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in any one of claims 81 to

84, wherein the generator drive means further comprises a plurality of driving members provided inside the other sidewall of the tire, and wherein the rotating disc further comprises an axially arranged clutch bearing adapted to be rotated by the driving members.

[87] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein the drive unit further comprises a crosswise drive means for converting crosswise deformation of the tire to a displacement, and wherein the generator unit further comprises an additional generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the crosswise drive means.

[88] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 87, wherein the additional generator is a linear generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a driving shaft carrying the magnet, the driving shaft adapted to be driven by the crosswise drive means, and wherein the crosswise drive means comprises; a hinge lever having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end operatively connected to the generator and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire; a shaft spring provided in a first end of the driving shaft for restoring the hinge lever to an original position; and a transfer link having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the vehicle wheel, a first end connected to the second of the hinge lever and a second end operatively connected to the generator.

[89] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 88, wherein the drive unit comprises a plurality of the crosswise drive means arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the generator unit comprises a plurality of the additional generators arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle wheel.

[90] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 44, wherein the drive unit further comprises a crosswise drive means for converting crosswise deformation of the tire to a displacement, and wherein the generator unit further comprises an additional generator mounted to the vehicle wheel and driven by the crosswise drive means.

[91] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 90, wherein the crosswise drive means comprises: a driving disc attached to the vehicle wheel; and a disc driving means including a plurality of hinge levers arranged along a circumferential direction of the driving disc, each of the hinge levers having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the driving disc, a first end and a second end connected to one sidewall of the tire, and a plurality of driving members arranged along the circumferential direction of the driving disc for receiving a displacement of the first end of each of the hinge levers to drive the generator, wherein the additional generator is a rotary generator including a magnet, a coil surrounding the magnet and a housing for receiving the magnet and the coil, the rotary generator adapted to be driven by the driving members, and wherein the generator unit further comprises a clutch bearing coupled to the housing of the generator so that the clutch bearing can be rotatingly driven by the drive unit to rotate the generator in one direction.

[92] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 91, wherein each of the driving members comprises: a driving bar adapted to be slid by means of each of the hinge levers, the driving bar having a first end adapted to impart a rotating motion to the clutch bearing and a second end connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; a bar spring provided in the second end of the driving bar for restoring the driving bar to an original position; and an operating roller attached to the first end of the driving bar for imparting a rotating movement to the clutch bearing, wherein the second end of each of the hinge levers is connected to an outer portion of one sidewall of the tire, the driving bar adapted to be slid in an axial direction of the rotating disc by means of each of the hinge levers, and wherein the clutch bearing comprises an annular ring coupled to the housing of the generator and a plurality of circumferentially arranged operating pawls each having a first end fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the annular ring and a second end adapted to make contact with the operating roller.

[93] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 92, wherein the rotating disc comprises a plurality of the clutch bearings arranged in an axial direction of the rotating disc, and wherein the generator drive means further comprises a disc driving means provided in the other sidewall of the tire.

[94] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 91, wherein the second end of each of the hinge levers is connected to an inner portion of one sidewall of the tire, and wherein each of the driving members comprises: a piston radially movably mounted to the driving disc, the piston having first and second ends, the first end of the piston connected to the first end of each of the hinge levers; a finger coupled to the second end of the piston so that the finger can be rotated about the second end of the piston within a predetermined angular extent; a resilient finger support base for restoring the finger to an original position; a piston guide fixed to the driving disc for guiding a sliding movement of the piston in an air-tight manner; and a piton spring provided between the first end of the piston and an outer circumferential surface of the driving disc for restoring the piston to an original position.

[95] The electricity-charging generator assembly as recited in claim 94, wherein the generator drive means further comprises additional driving members provided inside the other sidewall of the tire, and wherein the rotating disc further comprises a plurality of axially arranged clutch bearings adapted to be rotated by the additional driving members.