WO2010049749A1

WO2010049749A1 - An apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2010049749A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/003329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matti Naskali
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2008-10-31
Filing date: 2008-10-31
Publication date: 2010-05-06

Abstract

An apparatus and method of using an apparatus (10), the apparatus comprising: a first portion (12) configured to support a portable electronic apparatus (40); a second portion (18) configured to enable the apparatus to be attached to a vibration source (44), wherein the vibration source is configured to vibrate, and the second portion is configured such that the second portion vibrates when the vibration source vibrates; and a generator (24) positioned between the first portion and the second portion and configured to convert relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion, when the second portion vibrates, into electrical energy.

Description

TITLE

An Apparatus and Method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method. In particular, they relate to an apparatus and method for enabling electrical energy to be generated and provided to an electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Portable electronic apparatus are well known and widely used. Portable electronic apparatus are usually powered by batteries which may be rechargeable. It is useful to be able to recharge such batteries or provide a direct power supply to such electronic apparatus without having to connect the electronic apparatus to a main electricity supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: a first portion configured to support a portable electronic apparatus; a second portion configured to enable the apparatus to be attached to a vibration source, wherein the vibration source is configured to vibrate, and the second portion is configured such that the second portion vibrates when the vibration source vibrates; and a generator positioned between the first portion and the second portion and configured to convert relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion, when the second portion vibrates, into electrical energy.

In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus may be configured to provide the electrical energy generated by the generator to the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion. In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus may also be configured such that the inertia of the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion increases the electrical energy generated by the generator.

In some embodiments of the invention the vibration source may be a vehicle such as a bicycle.

In some embodiments of the invention the generator may comprise a piezoelectric generator. The piezoelectric generator may comprise piezoelectric material which is configured to be deformed when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion. The piezoelectric generator may comprise a plurality of layers of piezoelectric material.

In some embodiments of the invention the generator may comprise a magnetic generator. The magnetic generator may comprise a magnet and a coil of wire configured so that the coil of wire moves with respect to the magnet when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the first portion is configured so that it may be replaced by a different first portion, wherein the different first portion may be configured to support a different portable electronic apparatus. Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention the second portion is configured so that it may be replaced by a different second portion, wherein the different second portion may be configured to be attached to a different point of the vibration source or a different vibration source.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising; supporting a portable electronic apparatus in a first portion of an apparatus; attaching a second portion of the apparatus to a vibration source, wherein the vibration source is configured to vibrate, so that the second portion vibrates when the vibration source vibrates; converting the relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion, when the second portion vibrates, into electrical energy.

The apparatus may be for providing electrical energy to a portable electronic apparatus such as a mobile telephone or a satellite navigation apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use;

Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing method blocks of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a generator according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a side view of a piezoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figs 6A and 6B are cross sections of the piezoelectric generator of Fig. 5 in use;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a piezoelectric generator according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a cross section of an electromagnetic generator according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figs 9A and 9B are cross sections of the piezoelectric generator of Fig. 8 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate an apparatus 10 comprising: a first portion 12 configured to support a portable electronic apparatus 40; a second portion 18 configured to enable the apparatus 10 to be attached to a vibration source 44, wherein the vibration source 44 is configured to vibrate, and the second portion 18 is configured such that the second portion 18 vibrates when the vibration source 44 vibrates; and a generator 24 positioned between the first portion 12 and the second portion 18 and configured to convert relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18, when the second portion 18 vibrates, into electrical energy.

In the following description, unless expressly stated otherwise, the words "connect" and "couple" and their derivatives mean operationally connected or operationally coupled. It is to be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist including no intervening components.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a first portion 12, a second portion 18 and a generator 24.

The first portion 12 is configured to support a portable electronic apparatus 40. The first portion 12 comprises a substantially horizontal surface 15 upon which a portable electronic apparatus 40 can be placed. When a portable electronic apparatus 40 is placed on the surface 15 of the first portion 12 the first portion 12 bears the weight of the portable electronic apparatus 40.

The first portion 12 also comprises a rim 14 which is configured to hold a portable electronic apparatus 40 in place in the first portion 12. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig 1 the rim 14 extends around the perimeter of the horizontal surface 15 to prevent the portable electronic apparatus 40 from sliding off the edge of the surface 15. In particular the rim 14 may prevent the portable electronic apparatus 40 from sliding off the edge of the surface 15 when the first portion 12 moves or vibrates. In some embodiments of the invention the rim 14 may be configured to grip the mobile electronic apparatus

40 and hold it securely in position.

The first portion 12 also comprises an electrical connector 16. The electrical connector 16 may be positioned such that when a portable electronic apparatus 40 is held in place in the first portion 12 the portable electronic apparatus 40 may be coupled to the electrical connector 16 so that electrical energy may be provided to the mobile electronic apparatus 40. The electrical energy provided may be used to power the portable electronic apparatus 40 or to recharge a battery of the portable electronic apparatus 40.

The second portion 18 is configured to enable the apparatus 10 to be attached to a vibration source 44. The vibration source 44 may be designed for a purpose other than providing a source of vibrations but may vibrate as a consequence of being used for that purpose. For example a bicycle or a car is designed as a mode of transport but will naturally vibrate during use. The vibrations of the vibrating source may also be controlled by a suspension system.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the second portion 18 is configured to enable the apparatus 10 to be attached to the handlebars of vehicle such as a bicycle or a scooter. In other embodiments of the invention the second portion 18 may be configured to attach the apparatus 10 to a different type vibration source 44. For example the second portion 18 may be attached to any other vehicle or means of transport which vibrates during use such as a motorbike or motor boat. Also the second portion 18 may be configured to be attached to any part of the vehicle which vibrates.

The second portion 18 comprises a recess 20. The recess 20 is shaped and sized such that a handlebar 44 of a bicycle may be slotted into the recess. A spring portion 22 may be pushed downwards to enable the handlebar 44 to be slotted into the recess 20. Once the handlebar 44 is in place the spring portion 22 will spring back upwards to secure the handlebar 44 firmly within the recess 20.

The apparatus 10 also comprises a generator 24 positioned between the first portion 12 and the second portion 18. The generator 24 is coupled to the first portion 12 by a first member 30 and to the second portion 18 by a second member 28. The members 30, 28 are configured such that the second portion 18 is positioned beneath the first portion 12. As mentioned above, the members 30, 28 may couple the generator 24 directly to the first and second portions 12, 18 or there may be additional intervening coupling elements.

The generator 24 is configured to convert the relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18 into electrical energy. The generator may be for example a piezoelectric generator or an electromagnetic generator.

An electrical connector 32 is provided between the generator 24 and the electrical connector 16 in the first portion 12. This enables the electrical energy generated by the generator 24 to be provided to the electrical connector 16. The electrical energy can then be provided from the electrical connector 16 to a portable electronic apparatus 40 supported by the first portion 12 and coupled to the electrical connector 16. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the apparatus 10 of Fig.1 in use. In Fig. 2 the portable electronic apparatus 40 has been positioned on the surface 15 of the first portion 12 and is held in place by the rim 14. The first portion 12 now bears the weight of the portable electronic apparatus 40. The electrical connector 16 of the first portion has been coupled to a corresponding electrical connector 42 of the portable electronic apparatus 40 to enable electrical energy generated by the generator 24 to be provided to the portable electronic apparatus 40.

The portable electronic apparatus 40 may be a mobile cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite navigation apparatus, a digital music player, a lap top computer, a digital camera or any other portable apparatus which may require electrical energy or have a rechargeable battery.

The second portion 18 is connected to a vibration source 44. In the particular embodiment in Fig 2 the vibration source 44 is the handlebar of a bicycle. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the vibration source may be anything which vibrates such as any vehicle or machine which vibrates during normal use.

The bicycle handlebar 44 is indicated by dashed lines as it is shown in cross section in Fig 2. The bicycle handlebar 44 is substantially circular in cross section and has been slotted into the recess 20 of the second portion 18. The spring portion 22 is forced upwards to secure the handlebar 44 in position and grip the handlebar 44 tightly so that when the handlebar 44 vibrates the second portion 18 also vibrates. The second portion 18 may be made of a material such as plastic or metal which transmits the vibrations of the vibration source and ensures that the second portion 18 vibrates when the handlebar 44 vibrates. Fig. 3 is a flow chart which illustrates blocks of a method of using the apparatus 10 illustrated in Figs 1 and 2. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

At block 60 the portable electronic apparatus 40 is positioned in the first portion 12 so that it is supported by the first portion 12 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The first portion 12 now bears the weight of the portable electronic apparatus 40.

At block 62 the second portion 18 is attached to the vibrating source 44, as illustrated in Fig. 2 so that the handlebar 44 of the bicycle is secured in the recess 20 of the second portion 18.

It is to be appreciated that blocks 62 and 60 may occur in either order. Also once the second portion 18 has been attached to a vibrating source 44 it may be left attached while the portable electronic apparatus 40 is removed for use by a user. This means that block 62 may not occur every time the apparatus 10 is used because the apparatus 10 may be already attached to a vibration source 44.

At block 64 the vibration source 44 is made to vibrate. In the particular embodiment illustrated this may be caused by a user cycling the bicycle. The motion of the bicycle in use causes the handlebar 44 to vibrate. In other embodiments of the invention the vibration source 44 may already be vibrating when the apparatus 10 is attached to it so that block 64 may occur before blocks 60 and/or 62.

The second portion 18 is secured tightly to the handlebar 44 so that, at block 66, when the handlebar vibrates 44 the second portion 18 also vibrates. The second portion 18 is coupled to the first portion 12 by the members 28, 30 and the generator 24 so that when the second portion 18 moves a force is exerted on the first portion 12. However the first portion 12 is supporting the weight of the portable electronic apparatus 40. The inertia of the first portion 12 and the portable electronic apparatus 40 is large enough so that the first portion 12 will initially resist being moved when the second portion 18 starts to vibrate. The first portion 12 may start to vibrate eventually when a large enough force is exerted on it. This results in a phase lag between the vibration of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 12 and consequently relative motion between the first portion 12 and the second portion 18.

At block 68 the generator 24 converts the relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18 into electrical energy. This may be achieved, for example, by deforming a piezoelectric material or by using a magnetic generator. The electrical energy generated by the generator 24 is then provided, at block 70, to the portable electronic apparatus 40 via the electrical connections 32 and 16 and may be used to power the portable electronic apparatus 40 or recharge a battery of the electronic apparatus 40.

In embodiments where the relative motion of the two portions 12, 18 may be approximated as simple harmonic motion the natural frequency f of the

1 [^~k^~ vibrations of the apparatus 10 is — J— . Where k is the spring constant of

2π V m the generator 24 and the members 28, 30 and m is the mass of the first portion 12 and the electronic apparatus 40. When the vibrations of the apparatus 10 are driven by the vibration source 44 the maximum amplitude of the vibrations will occur when the frequency of the vibrations of the vibration source 44 matches, or is close to, the natural frequency of the apparatus 10. That is, the maximum amplitude of the vibrations will occur when the system is at, or close to, resonance. In such embodiments the amount of electrical energy generated by the generator 24 will also be a maximum at, or close to, resonance. The material of the generator 24 and the members 28, 30 may be selected to have a particular spring constant to give the apparatus 10 a natural frequency similar to the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibration source 44 so as to configure the apparatus 10 to resonate when driven by the vibration source 44. Similarly the mass of the first portion 10 may also be arranged so that the apparatus 10 has a natural frequency similar to the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrations source 44.

It is to be appreciated that the above example is just an example and that useful amounts of electrical energy may also be generated at frequencies other than the resonant frequency.

Therefore the apparatus 10 according to embodiments of the invention may be used to convert the natural vibrations of a vibration source 44 into useful electrical energy which may be used to power or recharge a battery of a portable electronic apparatus 40. The generator 24 is positioned externally to the portable electronic apparatus 40 which provides the advantage that the mass of the portable electronic apparatus 40 itself may be used, in addition to the mass of the first portion 12 which bears the weight of the portable electronic apparatus 40, to generate the electrical energy. This means that no additional mass has to be added to the portable electronic apparatus 40 so that when the portable electronic apparatus 40 is not in the apparatus 10 it may still be light enough to be comfortably carried in a hand, pocket or handbag of a user.

Also the generator 24 is coupled to the vibration source 44 via the second portion 18 and not via the portable electronic apparatus 40. As this is also external to the portable electronic apparatus 40 the second portion 18 may be configured so that the vibrations of the second portion 18 are maximised. There is no need to account for damping of the vibrations which may occur if, for example, the generator 24 was located internally within the portable electronic apparatus 40. Using a vibration source 44 such as a vehicle to provide the initial energy to generate the electrical energy provides the advantage that it enables a user to recharge a battery of their portable electronic apparatus 40 whilst they are travelling which makes the portable electronic apparatus 40 more convenient to use. It also enables a user to recharge a battery or power the portable electronic apparatus 40 without any connection to a main supply.

Embodiments of the invention may also provide the advantage that it enables unwanted vibrations, which may otherwise be dissipating energy, to be converted into useful energy. This may be an environmentally friendly way of generating electrical energy.

In the embodiment described above the apparatus 10 is described as a complete apparatus 10. In some embodiments of the invention the respective portions of the apparatus 10 may be interchangeable. For example a number of different first portions 12 may be available to support different types of electronic apparatus 40. For example a user may have a first portion 12 for supporting a cellular telephone and a different first portion 12 for supporting a digital music player. Alternatively different first portions 12 may be available for different models of portable electronic apparatus 40.

In other embodiments of the invention the second portion 18 may be interchangeable. For example a user may have a second portion 18 for attachment to the handlebar of a bicycle and a different second portion 18 for attachment to a different vibration source 44 such as a scooter. In some embodiments of the invention the different second portions 18 may be for attachment to different points of the same vibration source 44 for example, two different parts of a bicycle. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a generator 24 according to an embodiment of the invention. The generator 24 comprises a generator element 90 a rectifier 92 and a capacitor 94.

The generator element 90 may be any element which enables relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18 to be converted into electrical energy. For example the generator element 90 may be a piezoelectric material, an electromagnetic generator, electrostatic material or electroactive polymer material. The generator 24 may comprise a single generator element 90 or a plurality of generator elements 90.

The rectifier 92 converts the alternating current generated by the generator element 90 into a direct current and the capacitor 94 smoothes the direct current so that it can be provided to the portable electronic apparatus 40.

Fig. 5 is a side view of a piezoelectric generator 24 according to an embodiment of the invention. It is to be appreciated that there are many different types of piezoelectric generator and that the embodiment illustrated in Fig 5 is one of many possible embodiments.

The generator 24 comprises a first piezoelectric layer 104A mounted on a first substrate 106A and a second piezoelectric layer 104B mounted on a second substrate 106B. The piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B are mounted on the substrates 106A and 106B such that when the substrates 106A and 106B are deformed the piezoelectric layer 104A and 104B is also deformed.

The piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B and the substrates 106A and 106B are substantially planar. The piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B and the substrates 106A and 106B are shown in a side view but may be any suitable shape such as circular or oval shape. The piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B may be formed of any piezoelectric material which produces an electric charge when it is deformed by having its shape changed as a result of an applied stress or strain. For example the piezoelectric material may comprise gallium orthophosphate (GaPO₄), Langasite (lanthium gallium silicate LasGasSiO-π), barium titanate (BaTiOs), sodium tungstate (Na2WO₄), lead titanate (PbTiO₃) or lead zirconate (PbZrOs) or any other suitable material.

The substrates 106A and 106B are made of a material which is flexible enough to be deformed when the first member 30 and the second member 28 move with respect to each other.

The two substrates 106A and 106B are layered one on top of the other so that the first substrate 104A is positioned on top of the second substrate 104B. The first piezoelectric layer 104A is positioned on top of the first substrate 106A and the second piezoelectric substrate 104B is positioned underneath the second substrate 106B so that the second substrate 106B and piezoelectric layer 104B form a mirror image of the first substrate 106A and piezoelectric layer 106A.

The first substrate 106A and the second substrate 106B are connected to each other at a plurality of connection points 108 around the edge of the substrates 106A and 106B. The connection points 108 secure the two substrates 106A and 106B around the edges but leave a gap 100 between the two substrates 106A and 106B which allows the central portions of the substrates 106A and 106B and also the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B to bend both inwards and outwards in response to a force applied by the members 30 and 28.

The first substrate 106A is coupled to the first member 30 which couples to the first portion 12 of the apparatus 10 so that when the first portion 12 moves the first member 30 applies a force to the first substrate 106A. Similarly the second substrate 106B is coupled to the second member 28 which couples to the second portion 18 of the apparatus 10 so that when the second portion moves the second member 28 exerts a force on the second substrate 106B.

An electrical connection 32 is connected to both the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B and is configured to supply the electrical energy, created when the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B are deformed, to a portable electronic apparatus 40 supported by the first portion 12.

Figs 6A and 6B are cross sections of the piezoelectric generator 24 of Fig. 5 in use. The generator 24 is illustrated in cross section so only two of the connection points 108 are illustrated in Figs 6A and 6B so the deformation of the substrates 106A and 106B and the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B can be illustrated more clearly.

In Figs 6A and 6B the second portion 18 has been made to vibrate by the vibrating source 44. The first portion 12 also vibrates because it is coupled to the second portion 18 by the members 28 and 30 and the generator 24, however because of the inherent inertia of the first portion 12 and the portable electronic apparatus 40 the first portion 12 does not vibrate in time with the second portion 18 so there is relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18. In the example illustrated in Figs 6A and 6B the vibration of the first portion 12 is 180 degrees out of phase with the vibration of the second portion 18.

In Figs 6A and 6B the first and second portions 12, 18 of the apparatus 10 are vibrating up and down in a substantially vertical direction. It is to be appreciated that the first and second portions 12, 18 may also vibrate from side to side in a substantially horizontal direction and may also be rotated relative to each other. The resultant relative motion of the first and second portions 12, 18 may be a combination of the different types of motion. In Fig 6A the second portion 18 is vibrating upwards in the direction of arrow 110. The second member 28 is coupled to the second portion 18 so that when the second portion 18 moves upwards the second member 28 also moves upwards. As the first portion 12 is vibrating 180 degrees out of phase to the second portion 18 the first portion 12 is moving downwards in the opposite direction to the second portion 18 as indicated by the arrow 112. The first member 30 is coupled to the first portion 12 so that when the first portion 12 moves downwards the first member 30 also moves downwards.

The first member 28 and the second member 30 are coupled to the substrates 106A and 106B so that when the members 28, 30 are moved this creates a force on the substrates 106A and 106B which causes the substrate 106A and 106B to bend. In Fig 6A the central portion of the second substrate 106B has been bent upwards and the central portion of the first substrate 106A has been bent downwards. This has reduced the gap 100 between the two substrates 106A and 106B.

When the substrates 106A and 106B are bent this also bends the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B mounted on the substrates 106A and 106B.

As the substrates 106A and 106B have been bent the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B are also bent. This places a strain on the piezoelectric layers 104A, 104B which creates electrical energy.

In Fig. 6B the directions of motion of the first portion 12 and the second portion 18 have been reversed so now the two portions 12, 18 are moving away from each other. The second portion 18 is vibrating downwards in the direction of arrow 114 and consequently the second member 28 also moves downwards. The first portion 12 is moving upwards in the opposite direction to the second portion 18 in the direction indicated by the arrow 116 and consequently the first member 30 is also moving upwards. The movement of the members in Fig. 6B applies a force to the substrates 106A and 106B and causes the first substrate 106A to be bent upwards and the second substrate 106B to be bent downwards. This increases the size of the gap 100 between the two substrates 106A and 106B.

The bending of the substrates 106A and 106B again causes bending of the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B which causes a stress to be applied and creates electrical energy.

Therefore, the relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18 is converted into electrical energy by bending piezoelectric layers 104A₁ 104B.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a piezoelectric generator according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention the generator 24 comprises a plurality of pairs of substrates 106A to H and piezoelectric layers 104A to H. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig 7 there are four pairs of substrates and piezoelectric layers, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention there may be any number of pairs of substrates and piezoelectric layers.

Each of the pairs of substrates 106A to H and piezoelectric layers 104A to H is identical to the piezoelectric layers 104A and 104B and substrates 106A and 106B illustrated in Fig 5. The substrates are layered on top of each other to form a substantially vertical stack of piezoelectric layers 104A to H between the first member 30 and the second member 28.

The substrates 106A to H are configured so that they bend when a force is applied by the member 28, 30. As the number of piezoelectric layers 104A to

H has been increased from the embodiment illustrates in Fig. 5 so that more electrical energy can be produced when the members 28 and 30 are moved with respect to each other. This increases the amount of electrical energy which can be generated by the generator 24.

In embodiments of the invention where the electronic apparatus 40 is an apparatus such as a mobile telephone the amplitude of the vibrations may be less than 1mm. By using a generator 24 comprising a plurality of layers of piezoelectric material 104 as illustrated in Fig 7 the amount of electrical energy generated by the generator 24 may be of the order of 10mW.

Fig. 8 is a cross section of an electromagnetic generator 24 according to an embodiment of the invention. It is to be appreciated that there are many different types of electromagnetic generator that may be used and that the embodiment illustrated in Fig 8 is one of many possible embodiments.

The electromagnetic generator 24 comprises a magnet 200 and a coil of wire 202.

The magnet 200 is coupled to the first member 30 which couples to the first portion 12 of the apparatus 10. In the particular embodiment illustrated the magnet 200 is a permanent magnet comprising a magnetic material such as iron. In other embodiments of the invention the magnet 200 may be an electromagnet.

The magnet 200 comprises a recess 204 which is shaped and sized so that the coil of wire 202 may fit within the recess 204. In the illustrated embodiment the recess 204 is annular or ring shaped. The recess 204 is located on the underside of the magnet 200 on the opposite side of the magnet 200 to the coupling member 30.

The coil of wire 202 is coupled to the second member 28 which couples to the second portion 18 of the apparatus 10. The coil of wire 202 is positioned directly underneath the recess 204. In Fig 8 the coil of wire 202 is positioned so that the upper part of the coil of wire 202 is located within the recess 204 and the lower part of the coil of wire 202 is outside the recess 204.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig 8 the generator 24 also comprises connector portions 206A and 206B. The connector portions 206A and 206B extend from the outer edge of magnet 200 to the second member 28. The connector portions 206A and 206B are configured to ensure that the first member 30 and the second member 28 are coupled together but also allows the two members 30, 28 to move with respect to each other. For example, the connector portions 206A and 206B may comprise springs which will extend and contract when the first portion 12 moves relative to the second portion 18.

An electrical connection 32 is connected to the coil of wire 202 and is configured to supply the electrical energy generated by the generator 24 to a portable electronic apparatus 40 supported by the first portion 12.

Figs 9A and 9B are cross sections of the electromagnetic generator 24 of Fig. 8 in use.

In Figs 9A and 9B the second portion 18 has been made to vibrate by the vibrating source 44. The first portion 12 also vibrates because it is coupled to the second portion 18 by the members 28 and 30 and the connector portions 206A and 206B of the generator 24. However, as in the previously described embodiments, the first portion 12 does not vibrate in time with the second portion 18 because of the inherent inertia of the first portion 12 and the portable electronic apparatus 40. This results in relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18. In the example illustrated in Figs 9A and 9B the vibration of the first portion 12 is 180 degrees out of phase with the vibration of the second portion 18 so that when the first portion 12 is moving in an upward direction the second portion 18 is moving downwards and conversely, when the first portion 12 is moving in a downward direction the second portion 18 is moving upwards.

In Figs 9A and 9B the first and second portions 12, 18 of the apparatus 10 are vibrating up and down in a substantially vertical direction. It is to be appreciated that the first and second portions 12, 18 may also vibrate from side to side in a substantially horizontal direction and may also be rotated relative to each other. The resultant relative motion of the first and second portions 12, 18 may be a combination of the different types of motion.

In Fig 9A the second portion 18 is vibrating downwards in the direction of arrow 210. The second member 28 is coupled to the second portion 18 so that when the second portion 18 moves downwards the second member 28 also moves downwards. As the coil of wire 202 is coupled to the second member 28 the coil of wire 202 also moves downwards in the direction of arrow 210.

As the first portion 12 is vibrating 180 degrees out of phase to the second portion 18 the first portion 12 is moving upwards in the opposite direction to the second portion 18 as indicated by the arrow 212. The first member 30 is coupled to the first portion 12 so that when the first portion 12 moves upwards the first member 30 also moves upwards. As the magnet 200 is also coupled to the first member 30 the magnet 200 also moves upwards in the direction of arrow 212.

Therefore in Fig 9A the magnet 200 has moved upwards and the coil of wire 202 has moved downwards so that the coil of wire 202 has moved out of the recess 204 of the magnet 202. The movement of the coil of wire 202 relative to the magnetic field of the magnet 200 induces a current within the coil of wire 202. In Fig. 9B the directions of motion of the first portion 12 and the second portion 18 have been reversed so now the two portions 12, 18 are moving towards each other. The second portion 18 is vibrating upwards in the direction of arrow 214 and consequently the second member 28 and the coil of wire 202 are also moving upwards. The first portion 12 is moving downwards in the opposite direction to the second portion 18 in the direction indicated by the arrow 216 and consequently the first member 30 and the magnet 200 are also moving downwards.

The coil of wire 202 has now moved so that it is positioned almost entirely within the recess 204 of the magnet 200 and, as in Fig 9A, the movement of the coil of wire 202 relative to the magnetic field of the magnet 200 induces current within the coil of wire 202. In Fig 9B the direction of motion of the coil of wire 202 through the magnetic field of the magnet 200 has been reveresd from the direction of motion in Fig 9A so the induced current will be in the opposite direction to the induced current in Fig 9A.

Therefore, the relative motion of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 18 is converted into electrical energy by the movement of a coild of wire through a magnetic field.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example in the above described embodiment the piezoelectric layers are arranged in horizontal layers which are layered on top of each other. In other embodiments the piezoelectric layers may be substantially vertical and may be arranged side by side of each other. In some embodiments of the invention the first portion may comprise an additional mass to increase the inertia of the first portion. This may enable the apparatus to be used with light weight electronic apparatus.

In the above described embodiments the vibration source is vehicle or a machine. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the vibration source may be anything which vibrates such as a branch of a tree which may be caused to vibrate by the wind.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first portion configured to support a portable electronic apparatus;

a second portion configured to enable the apparatus to be attached to a vibration source, wherein the vibration source is configured to vibrate, and the second portion is configured such that the second portion vibrates when the vibration source vibrates; and

a generator positioned between the first portion and the second portion and configured to convert relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion, when the second portion vibrates, into electrical energy.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to provide the electrical energy generated by the generator to the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is configured such that the inertia of the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion increases the electrical energy generated by the generator.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vibration source is a vehicle.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the vibration source is a bicycle.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the generator comprises a piezoelectric generator.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the piezoelectric generator comprises piezoelectric material which is configured to be deformed when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the piezoelectric generator comprises a plurality of layers of piezoelectric material.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the generator comprises a magnetic generator.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the magnetic generator comprises a magnet and a coil of wire configured so that the coil of wire moves with respect to the magnet when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first portion is configured to be replaced by a different first portion, wherein the different first portion may be configured to support a different portable electronic apparatus.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second portion is configured to be replaced by a different second portion, wherein the different second portion may be configured to be attached to a different vibration source.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the second portion is configured to be replaced by a different second portion, wherein the different second portion may be configured to be attached to a different point of the vibration source.

14. A method comprising; supporting a portable electronic apparatus in a first portion of an apparatus;

attaching a second portion of the apparatus to a vibration source, wherein the vibration source is configured to vibrate, so that the second portion vibrates when the vibration source vibrates;

converting the relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion, when the second portion vibrates, into electrical energy.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 comprising providing the electrical energy generated by the generator to the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion.

16. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 15 comprising configuring the apparatus such that the inertia of the portable electronic apparatus supported by the first portion increases the electrical energy generated by the generator.

17. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16 wherein the vibration source is a vehicle.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the vibration source is a bicycle.

19. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18 wherein the relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion is converted into electrical energy by a piezoelectric generator.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the piezoelectric generator comprises piezoelectric material which is deformed when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the piezoelectric generator comprises a plurality of layers of piezoelectric material.

22. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18 wherein the relative motion of the first portion with respect to the second portion is converted into electrical energy by a magnetic generator.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the magnetic generator comprises a magnet and a coil of wire configured so that the coil of wire moves with respect to the magnet when the first portion moves with respect to the second portion.