Pedal for a bicycle with an integrated generator

Abstract

A pedal (1) for a bicycle comprises a pedal pin (2) and a pedal body (5) rotatably coupled to the pedal pin (2). An internal chamber (11) formed in the pedal pin (2) has an inner surface extending along a reference axis (A) substantially coaxial therewith. The pedal further comprises an electronic measurement system provided with a deformation sensor (8) configured to detect an electrical parameter representative of a mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2), an electronic circuit (9) configured to determine the mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2) based on the electrical parameter, and a generator (40) configured to generate electricity based on the rotation of the pedal body (5) and disposed in the internal chamber (11) of the pedal pin (2).

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102020000019885, filed on October 8, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a pedal for a bicycle, which is provided with an electronic measurement system designed to measure the force / energy exerted by the cyclist on the pedal. Background art

[0004] The use of an electronic measurement system for determining and displaying a series of parameters / quantities useful for monitoring the physical activity performed by the cyclist during pedaling (usually the force / energy exerted on the pedal and the pedaling rhythm) in bicycles, especially racing / road bicycles, is well - known.

[0005] The electronic measurement system generally includes an electronic measurement device, which is arranged on the pedal to measure the above - mentioned parameters and is designed to send these parameters in data form to a display device usually arranged at the front of the bicycle, which receives the data and presents it to the cyclist.

[0006] The electronic measurement device is currently powered by a replaceable or rechargeable battery.

[0007] An electronic measurement device provided with a replaceable battery is usually provided with a door that can be opened to access the battery, while a rechargeable battery requires a special charging connector and a charging power supply device.

[0008] The use of a rechargeable battery avoids the replacement intervention of repeatedly using new batteries, thus reducing costs, inconveniences, and intervention time, but has some limitations. In particular, the charging connector and the charging power supply device have a significant impact on the cost of the measurement device. If a replaceable battery is used, the charging connector that can be used externally is also a dangerous component because it has a risk of damage and deterioration. Another technical problem is that a rechargeable battery in a depleted state can cause certain inconveniences when the cyclist cannot charge it, especially in some situations such as during a race or when there is a lack of a charging power supply device.

[0009] To overcome the above - mentioned technical drawbacks, the applicant filed Italian Patent Application No. 102018000002309, which describes a pedal for a bicycle provided with an electronic measurement system, and the electronic measurement system is provided with a generator designed to convert the mechanical energy generated by the cyclist during pedaling into electrical energy for powering the electronic measurement system.

[0010] While this solution has the advantage of overcoming some of the above-mentioned technical drawbacks on the one hand, on the other hand, the setting of the generator outside the pedal pin has a great impact on the overall size of the electronic measurement device, increasing the risk of damage in the case of accidental contact / collision when using a bicycle.

[0011] US2017 / 0358731A1 describes a piezoelectric sensor provided on the outer surface of a pedal pin.

[0012] DE10007841A1 describes a device for sending a signal representing pedaling, which includes a permanent magnet provided at the end of a pedal crank and a reed switch mounted on a pedal body.

[0013] US2016 / 052584A1 describes the use of a piezoelectric device to generate electricity. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pedal for a bicycle that can overcome the technical problems emphasized above and reduce the risk of damaging the electronic measurement system in addition to maintaining the technical advantages of the above solution.

[0015] The above object is achieved by the pedal for a bicycle provided by the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings showing non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 Schematically shows a bicycle equipped with a pedal for a bicycle provided according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the pedal shown in an enlarged scale;

[0019] Figure 3 is Figure 2 the longitudinal section I-I of the pedal shown;

[0020] Figure 4 is Figure 1 and 2 an exploded view of the pedal pin including the processing circuit and the generator of the pedal shown, wherein some components are removed for clarity and some components have partial cross-sections;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a part of the longitudinal section of the pedal according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an exploded view of the connecting device used in the pedal shown;

[0023] Figure 7 Shows a part of the longitudinal section of the pedal of the second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 Is in Figure 7 Exploded view of the connecting device used in the pedal shown;

[0025] Figure 9 Is the longitudinal section of the pedal according to the third embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable a person skilled in the art to implement and use it.

[0027] Various modifications of the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described and shown herein. On the contrary, they must be given the broadest scope of protection consistent with the principles and features described and claimed herein.

[0028] The present invention is substantially based on the concept of installing a generator in the internal chamber of the pedal pin or in an external extension coupled to the internal chamber, which converts the mechanical energy generated and transmitted by the rider on the pedal during pedaling into electrical energy for powering an electronic measurement system.

[0029] What will be described in detail below is that one technical effect obtained by this solution is that, on the one hand, the use of rechargeable batteries, connectors, and / or devices for charging them is eliminated, and on the other hand, the pedal pin or its extension is conveniently used as a container that also houses the generator, thereby fully integrating the electronic measurement system within the pedal pin or extension.

[0030] Refer to Figure 1 And 2 , reference numeral 1 generally denotes a pedal for a bicycle internally provided with an electronic measurement system, which is designed to measure the electric quantity representing the pedal stroke of the rider.

[0031] The pedal 1 includes a pedal pin 2, which is made of a metallic material, extends along a longitudinal reference axis A, and is configured to be coupled to a pedal crank 3 of a bicycle 4.

[0032] Refer to Figure 2 And 3, the pedal pin 2 may have a first end 2a, which is preferably threaded and coupled to a corresponding pedal crank 3 of the bicycle 4. The pedal pin 2 may preferably have an elongated cylindrical shape and may project in a cantilever manner along a longitudinal axis A from the pedal crank 3, preferably substantially orthogonally to the pedal crank 3. The pedal pin 2 also has a second end 2b that is axially opposite to the end 2a.

[0033] According to Figures 1-3 the example shown, the pedal pin 2 may include an annular crown or flange 2c coaxial with the axis A, which is substantially located at the inner annular edge of the threaded portion of the end 2a and is designed to be set against the pedal crank 3 when the pedal 1 is connected to the pedal crank 3 ( Figure 2 ). Referring to Figures 1-3 the preferred embodiment shown, the pedal pin 2 may include a single part, i.e., a single integral tubular body.

[0034] The pedal 1 further includes a pedal body 5, which is coupled to the pedal pin 2 in a freely rotatable manner and is thus capable of rotating relative to the pedal pin 2 about the longitudinal axis A. In Figure 3 the example shown, the pedal body 5 includes a tubular body, i.e., a bushing 6, which has an opening or hole inside, preferably a through opening or hole with a circular cross-section extending along the longitudinal axis A.

[0035] As Figure 3 shown in the example of, the bushing 6 can be conveniently coupled to the pedal pin 2 in a freely rotatable manner by a bushing 21 or a bearing, enabling it to rotate freely about the longitudinal axis A. According to Figure 3 the example shown, the bushing 21 or the bearing is fixed to the pedal pin 2 substantially at an intermediate position, substantially near the second end 2b.

[0036] In Figure 2 and 3 the example shown, the pedal body 5 further includes a footrest portion 7, which is firmly / rigidly connected to the bushing 6 to preferably form a single-piece or integral body therewith and is constructed to form a support for the cyclist's foot. For example, the footrest portion 7 may include a substantially plate-like structure extending on a platform substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, on which the cyclist's foot is placed in use. It should be understood that the shape / structure of the footrest portion 7 may be different from the plate-like shape described above and / or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the footrest portion 7 may preferably be shaped / constructed to connect / hook to the cyclist's shoe by means of notches / nails (or wedges) of known types typically used on racing or mountain bikes.

[0037] The pedal 1 further includes an electronic measurement device or system, which is designed to measure the mechanical force / energy exerted by the cyclist on the pedal 1 during pedaling. The electronic measurement system is provided with a plurality of strain gauges 8 (only inFigure 3 shown schematically), which are connected to each other by electrical traces to form one or more measurement circuits, preferably bridge circuits, and are designed to provide an electrical measurement signal representing the deformation of the pedal pin 2.

[0038] The electronic measurement system further includes an electronic processing circuit 9 electrically connected to the strain gauges 8. The electronic processing circuit 9 is configured to determine the deformation of the pedal pin 2 caused by the force exerted by the cyclist on the pedal 1, and thus on the pedal pin 2, during pedaling based on the electrical measurement signal.

[0039] It should be understood that the electronic circuit 9 may preferably be configured to determine the force / energy exerted by the cyclist on the pedal 1, and thus on the pedal pin 2, during pedaling based on the determined deformation, and to send the deformation and / or energy / force in data form to a display device of the cyclist, preferably a computer and / or a portable communication device (such as a smart phone, etc.) mounted on the bicycle 4.

[0040] The electronic measurement system further includes a generator 40, which is designed to supply the electric power required for the operation of the electronic measurement system.

[0041] As Figure 3 shown, an internal opening or chamber 11 is formed in / on the pedal pin 2, which extends along the axis A, preferably coaxially therewith, and includes an inner surface 12 having a preferably substantially circular cross-section orthogonal to the axis A.

[0042] In Figure 3 the example shown, the internal chamber 11 extends through the pedal pin 2 along the axial length between its opposite ends, thus forming an axial through-hole. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the internal chamber 11 formed in the manner shown, i.e., formed by a through-hole, but other solutions may alternatively be provided. For example, according to an embodiment (not shown) that substitutes the preferred embodiment described and shown above, the internal chamber 11 may be formed by a blind hole extending along the axis A from one of the two axial ends 2a, 2b of the pedal pin 2 and spanning a length smaller than that of the pedal pin 2. Figure 1 shown, the generator 40 is coupled in the internal chamber 11 and is configured to convert the rotational movement of the pedal 1 relative to the pedal crank 3 into electric power. Preferably, the generator 40 is disposed in the internal chamber 11. Preferably, the generator 40 is disposed inside the internal chamber 11, preferably at the axial end of the pedal pin 2. For example, the generator 40 may conveniently be disposed inside the internal chamber 11 adjacent to the bushing 21 at the end 2b of the pedal pin 2.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3 ,

[0044] According to Figure 3In the preferred embodiment shown, the generator 40 includes a magnetic rotor 41 disposed within an internal chamber 11 and configured to rotate about a reference axis A.

[0045] The generator 40 further includes a connecting device 42 that mechanically couples the magnetic rotor 41 to the pedal body 5 such that rotation of the pedal body 5 about the reference axis A causes the magnetic rotor 41 to rotate about the reference axis A.

[0046] The generator 40 further includes an electric stator 43 that is disposed within the internal chamber 11 and is designed to generate electric power based on the rotation of the magnetic rotor 41 about the reference axis A within the internal chamber 11. The electric stator 43 and the magnetic rotor 41 may be disposed side by side within the internal chamber 11, preferably coaxially with the axis A.

[0047] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the electric stator 43 has a generally cylindrical shape and is sized to be disposed within the internal chamber 11 while maintaining coaxial alignment with the axis A. In the example shown, the electric stator 43 is rigidly fixed to the inner surface 12 of the internal chamber 11 and is thus integrally angled with the pedal pin 2.

[0048] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the stator 43 extends at least partially externally of the magnetic rotor 41 along the axis A so as to receive it therein. In other words, the stator 43 is configured to extend along the axis A and a portion of it receives the magnetic rotor 41 at least partially therein.

[0049] In the example shown, the stator 43 is formed by a cylindrical tubular cage structure. The magnetic rotor 41 has a cylindrical shape and is axially engaged within the cylindrical tubular half of the stator 43. The electric stator 43 may include, for example, a series of coils 15 provided with ferromagnetic bodies and electric windings coupled to the ferromagnetic bodies. According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic rotor 41 may include a generally annular or generally semi-annular multipole permanent magnet disposed within the pedal pin 2.

[0050] The electric stator 43 may include a central winding, which is preferably a metal cage embedded within the internal chamber 11 and provided with a series of metal vanes that alternately surround the central winding along its circumference and then extend laterally around the rotor 41. Rotation of the magnetic rotor 41 by the multipole permanent magnet within the internal chamber 11 causes a change in the magnetic field on the metal cage and the central winding of the stator 43, thereby generating electric power.

[0051] The applicant has found a particularly convenient generator to be a claw-pole generator that is suitably designed to axially position the rotor beside the stator.

[0052] It should be understood that the structure of the generator 40 may be different from that described above.

[0053] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the magnetic rotor 41 can be rotatably mounted on the shaft 44. Preferably, the shaft 44 can extend coaxially with the axis A into the inner chamber 11 and is at least partially positioned within the electric stator 43. Preferably, the shaft 44 is firmly connected to the inner wall of the electric stator 43. Preferably, the shaft 44 projects from the inner wall of the electric stator in a cantilever manner to extend along the axis A and the end opposite to the electric stator 43 is substantially disposed at the opening of the inner chamber 11 at the end 2b of the pedal pin 2.

[0054] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the cover 45 designed to rotate with the pedal body 5 about the axis A is coupled to the end of the pedal body 5 near the end 2b of the pedal pin 2 in an angularly integrated manner.

[0055] According to Figure 3 the embodiment shown, the cover 45 can be cylindrical and disc-shaped and has an external thread portion screwed onto the circular thread portion formed inside the pedal body 5, so as to be angularly integrated therewith.

[0056] In the example shown, the connecting device 42 can include the cover 45 and a magnetic coupling device 46 that magnetically connects the cover 45 to the rotor 41, such that the rotation of the pedal body 5 is transmitted to the rotor 41 through the cover 45. In the example shown, the magnetic coupling device 46 includes at least one magnet 48, which is disposed on / in the cover 45 and is designed to apply a magnetic attraction force on the rotor 41 to drag it to rotate during the rotation of the cover 45.

[0057] It should be understood that the magnetic coupling device 46 according to the present invention is not limited to providing the magnet 48 located on / in the cover 45, but other alternative embodiments can be provided, such as a configuration of a cover 45 made of ferromagnetic material and a magnet 48 installed in the rotor 41, or using two magnetic elements 48 having opposite magnetic poles. For example, the two magnetic elements 48 can be respectively installed in the cover 45 and the electric rotor 41. The two magnetic elements 48 can include corresponding magnets having opposite magnetic poles. In use, the two magnetic elements attract each other, causing the magnetic rotor 41 to be angularly connected to the cover 45.

[0058] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the connecting device 42 including the magnetic coupling system 46, but other embodiments can be provided. For example, according to another different alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting device 42 can include a friction coupling mechanism provided with two discs made of, for example, rubber material, the two discs being respectively connected to the rotor 41 and the cover 45 and being arranged such that their faces are adjacent to and abut against each other.

[0059] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of an "electromagnetic" type of generator, but alternatively may provide for the use of one of the following generators: a piezoelectric generator or a triboelectric generator or a magnetostrictive generator or a switched reluctance generator. The piezoelectric generator or the triboelectric generator or the magnetostrictive generator or the switched reluctance generator is disposed in the internal chamber 11.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 , the strain gauge 8 is firmly coupled to the pedal pin 2. Preferably, the strain gauge 8 is firmly coupled within the internal chamber 11 of the pedal pin 2. Preferably, the strain gauge 8 is firmly fixed to the inner wall or surface 12 of the internal chamber 11 of the pedal pin 2. Conveniently, the strain gauge 8 may have a very flexible thin-layer structure. The strain gauge 8 may include at least one highly flexible thin film, an electrically insulating material (spring), and one or more strain gauge measurement grids firmly disposed on / in the film. The film may preferably have a quadrilateral shape, such as a rectangular or square shape, and is firmly fixed to the inner surface 12 of the internal chamber 11 by a fixing layer based on an adhesive material. According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the strain gauge 8 is located on the inner surface 12 of the pedal pin 2, and thus is conveniently disposed substantially between the bushing 21 and the flange 2c.

[0061] It should be understood that according to a variant of the present invention, the strain gauge 8 may be coupled to the pedal pin 2 by using a bracket or insert (not shown) disposed in the internal chamber 11. In this case, the strain gauge 8 may be firmly fixed to the bracket or insert that is at least partially disposed / engaged within the internal chamber 11.

[0062] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the electronic circuit 9 is conveniently disposed within the internal chamber 11. In the example shown, the electronic circuit 9 is disposed within the internal chamber 11 such that it is surrounded by the strain gauge 8 fixed to the inner surface 12 and is disposed substantially axially side by side with the generator 11. The electronic circuit 9 may, for example, include a quadrilateral printed circuit board (PCB).

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit 9 is also electrically connected to the generator 40 and the strain gauge 8 by electrical connection wires or circuits.

[0064] The electronic measurement system may further include an energy storage device 53 and a voltage regulation circuit (not shown). The voltage regulation circuit may be electrically connected to: the electric stator 43 to receive the generated electric power therefrom; and the energy storage device 53 to supply electric power thereto, preferably changed / regulated according to a predetermined value. The energy storage device 53 may include, for example, a lithium-ion rechargeable microbuffer battery (small battery), or a capacitor or supercapacitor, or any similar rechargeable microbattery. The energy storage device 53 may be configured to supply power to the electronic circuit 9 during non-pedaling intervals when the electric stator 43 does not generate electric power.

[0065] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the pedal 1 preferably further includes a mechanical clamping member 29, which is configured to axially clamp the bushing 6 of the pedal body 5 onto the pedal pin 2 to prevent the pedal body 5 from slipping off the pedal pin 2 along the longitudinal reference axis A.

[0066] According to Figure 3 the exemplary embodiment shown, an annular seat 30 coaxial with the axis A is formed on the pedal pin 2. The annular seat 30 has a cylindrical bottom wall inside and two side walls defining two annular shoulders on the pedal pin 2. According to Figure 3 the embodiment shown, the annular seat 30 and the corresponding annular shoulders are formed on the edge of the pedal pin 2 near the end 2b. In Figure 3 and 4 the example shown, the mechanical clamping member 29 further includes two different and independent semi-annular bodies 31 and 32, which have a cross-section in the form of a semi-circular segment, preferably substantially complementary to each other and to the annular seat 30. The two semi-annular bodies 31 and 32 are arranged in the annular seat 30 such that they can freely rotate therein relative to the pedal pin 2 about the axis A. The two semi-annular bodies 31 and 32 are configured to preferably abut against the annular shoulders of the annular seat 30, thereby being held axially clamped and unable to move relative to the pedal pin 2 along the longitudinal axis A. The two semi-annular bodies 31 and 32 project radially from the seat 30 and are arranged to abut against the inner annular shoulder of the bushing 6, which in turn is interposed between the seat 30 and the axial end of the bushing 21.

[0067] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the sealing cap 45 may be in the form of an externally threaded cup-shaped body, which is screwed onto the internally threaded edge of the bushing 6 and is arranged to abut against the projections of the semi-annular bodies 31 and 32. The sealing cap 45 axially holds the bushing 6, thereby locking its axial movement.

[0068] According to Figure 3 the preferred embodiment shown, the opening of the internal chamber 11 formed at the end 2a of the pedal pin 2 may then be closed by a cap 50 engaged therein.

[0069] The operation of the pedal 1 becomes clear from the above description. The rotor 41 is driven by the pedal body 5 to rotate in the inner chamber 11 and causes a change in the magnetic flux in the windings of the stator 43, which thus generates an electric power supply. The magnetic rotor 41 and the electric stator 43 form a micro alternator (generator) that is conveniently mounted within the inner chamber 11, where both the stator and rotor components are accommodated within the inner chamber 11 of the pedal pin 2.

[0070] The advantage of the above-described pedal is the elimination of the use and / or replacement or charging of traditional batteries. Thus, the electrical measurement system is completely autonomous in terms of energy. The elimination of rechargeable batteries also simplifies the measurement system due to the complete elimination of the charging system and its components (such as connectors on the pedal).

[0071] Furthermore, since the total amount of power required by the meter is a few milliwatts, it is possible to use a generator of moderate size and cost. Additionally, the reliability and service life of the system are particularly high because the number of revolutions of the pedal is limited, typically between about 60 rpm and 120 rpm.

[0072] Finally, it is obvious that modifications and variations can be made to the pedal described and illustrated above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment relates to a pedal 60 (partially shown in section only), which is similar to the pedal 1, and where possible, its components will be marked with the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts representing the pedal 1.

[0074] Figure 5 The illustrated pedal 60 differs from the pedal 1 in that the connecting device 42 may include a speed multiplication mechanism 61. As Figure 5 and 6 shown, the speed multiplication mechanism 61 may include a planetary gear mechanism that is configured such that the transmission ratio between the pedal body 5 and the magnetic rotor 41 is multiplied. The applicant has found that the speed multiplication mechanism 61 allows an increase in the number of revolutions of the rotor 41 and thus allows an increase in the power provided by the generator 40.

[0075] In Figure 5 and 6In the example shown, the speed multiplication mechanism 61 includes: a crown gear 62 formed within a cylindrical portion 67, which is firmly fixed to the inner surface of the cover 45 so as to protrude and is engaged within the internal chamber 11; a central pinion gear 63, which is integrally formed with the rotor 41 at an angle via a shaft rod 64; and a pinion gear 65, which is interposed between the crown gear 62 and the central pinion gear 63. In the example shown, the shaft rod 64 extends parallel to the axis A and is rotatably engaged within a through hole formed in a disc-shaped support member 66, which in turn is disposed within the internal chamber 11 between the cylindrical portion 67 and the rotor 41.

[0076] Figure 7 The embodiment shown relates to a pedal 70, which is similar to the pedal 60 (shown in Figure 5 and 6 ), and where possible its components will be marked with the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts of the pedal 1 shown in the drawings.

[0077] Figure 7 and 8 The pedal 70 shown differs from the pedal 60 in that the cylindrical portion 67 is separated from the cover 45 and connected thereto by a magnetic coupling system 69, which is provided with two magnetic elements 48 respectively disposed on the cover 45 and the cylindrical portion 67. The cylindrical portion 67 is rotatably mounted within the internal chamber 11 such that it can rotate freely about the axis A. In use, when the cover 45 rotates, it drives the cylindrical portion 67 to rotate about the axis A via the magnetic coupling system 69. The rotation of the crown gear 62 is transmitted to the rotor 41 via the pinion gears 63 and 65 of the speed multiplication mechanism 61.

[0078] Finally, Figure 9 The embodiment shown relates to a pedal 80, which is similar to the pedal 1 (shown in Figures 1-3 ), and where possible its components will be marked with the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts of the pedal 1 shown in the drawings.

[0079] Figure 9 The pedal 80 shown differs from the pedal 1 in that the generator 40 is coupled to the internal chamber 11 via an extension body 81. Figure 9 The pedal 80 shown also differs from the pedal 1 in that the clamping device 29 is not provided at the end 2b of the pedal pin 2 but is substantially provided on the opposite side, i.e., at the end 2a. It should be understood that this variation is not limited to Figure 9 the positioning of the clamping device 29 shown, but other positions of the clamping device 29 along the axis A can be provided, such as at the end 2b in the previous embodiments described above.

[0080] According toFigure 9 In the embodiment shown, the extension body 81 is coupled to the inner chamber 11 at the end 2b of the pedal pin 2 relative to the pedal crank 3. The extension body 81 is also provided within the pedal body 5. According to Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the extension body 81 has a cylindrical shape and is coupled to the end 2b of the pedal pin 2 so as to project therefrom in a cantilever manner. The extension body 81 has an inner seat or chamber 82 therein. The inner seat or chamber 82 houses the generator 40. The inner seat or chamber 82 extends coaxially with the axis A into the extension body 81 and may include an opening adjacent to and communicating with the opening of the inner chamber 11 formed at the end 2b of the pedal pin 2. In particular, the extension body 81 may include a tubular element having a circular cross-section transverse to the axis A, wherein the inner seat or chamber 82 may correspond to the inner space of the tubular element.

[0081] In Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the extension body 81 forms part of the pedal pin 2. In other words, the extension body 81 is an axial extension of the pedal pin 2. In Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the pedal pin 2 is formed of two parts that are coupled to each other in a secure and non-removable manner. The part of the two parts that is opposite to the pedal crank 3 is formed by the extension body 81. The first part has an end 2a (shown on the left side in Figure 9 ) that is connected to the pedal crank 3, while the second part is preferably but not necessarily securely connected to the end 2b of the first part and defines the extension body 81. The second part of the pedal pin 2 includes an inner chamber 82 that houses the generator 40. The generator 40 is disposed in the inner seat or chamber 82 of the second part of the pedal pin 2 that is opposite to the pedal crank 3. The second part of the pedal pin 2 is not part of the pedal crank 3 and is formed by the extension body 81 that is coupled to the first part.

Claims

1. A pedal (1) for a bicycle (4), which comprises: a pedal pin (2) that extends along a longitudinal reference axis (A) and has a first axial end (2a) configured to be coupled to a pedal crank (3) of the bicycle (4); a pedal body (5) that is rotatably coupled to the pedal pin (2) so as to be able to rotate about the reference axis (A); at least one internal chamber (11, 82) formed in the pedal pin (2), which has an inner surface (12) extending in the pedal pin (2) along the reference axis (A) coaxial therewith; an electronic measurement system designed to determine the mechanical force / energy exerted by a cyclist on the pedal (1) during pedaling and comprising: a deformation sensor (8) coupled to the pedal pin (2) and configured to provide an electrical measurement signal representing the mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2); an electronic device (9) electrically connected to the deformation sensor (8) and configured to determine, based on the electrical measurement signal, the mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2) caused by the mechanical force exerted by the cyclist on the pedal pin (2) through the pedal body (5) during pedaling; a power supply device designed to provide electrical power for the operation of the electronic measurement system, characterized in that: the power supply device includes a generator (40) disposed within the internal chamber (11) of the pedal pin (2) and configured to convert the rotational movement of the pedal into electrical power.

2. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein, the pedal pin (2) includes a first portion having a first axial end designed to be connected to the pedal crank (3) and a second portion coupled to the second axial end of the first portion and defining an extension body (81), and the generator (40) is disposed within the internal chamber (82) of the extension body (81).

3. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein, the generator (40) includes: a magnetic rotor (41) designed to rotate about the reference axis (A); a connecting device (42) designed to connect the magnetic rotor (41) to the pedal body (5) such that rotation of the pedal body (5) about the reference axis (A) causes the magnetic rotor (41) to rotate about the reference axis (A); an electrical stator (43) angularly fixed relative to the pedal pin (2) and designed to generate electrical power based on the rotation imparted to the magnetic rotor (41) by the pedal body (5) about the reference axis (A).

4. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the electrical stator (43) is firmly fixed to the inner surface (12) of the internal chamber (11) so as to be angularly integrated with the pedal pin (2).

5. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the electrical stator (43) extends into the internal chamber (11) along the reference axis (A) beside the magnetic rotor (41) and is configured to at least partially accommodate the magnetic rotor (41) therein.

6. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the magnetic rotor (41) is rotatably mounted on a shaft (44) coaxially extending into the internal chamber (11) with respect to the reference axis (A), and the magnetic rotor (41) is at least partially located inside the electric stator (43).

7. The pedal according to claim 6, wherein, the shaft (44) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the electric stator (43) and protrudes therefrom in a cantilever manner to extend along the reference axis (A), and its end opposite to the electric stator (43) is substantially disposed at the opening of the internal chamber (11) at one end (2b) of the pedal pin (2).

8. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the connecting device (42) includes a rotation multiplier mechanism.

9. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the connecting device (42) includes a gear mechanism or a planetary gear mechanism.

10. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein, the connecting device (42) includes a magnetic coupling device (46).

11. The pedal according to claim 10, wherein: the connecting device (42) includes a cover (45) integrally connected to one end of the pedal body (5) in an angled manner, the magnetic coupling device (46) magnetically connects the cover (45) to the magnetic rotor (41), thereby transmitting the rotation of the pedal body (5) to the magnetic rotor (41) through the cover (45).

12. The pedal according to claim 3, wherein: the connecting device (42) includes a cover (45) integrally connected to one end of the pedal body (5) in an angled manner, the connecting device (42) includes a friction coupling mechanism provided with two disks, the disks being respectively connected to the magnetic rotor (41) and the cover (45) and being arranged such that their faces are adjacent to and abut against each other.

13. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein, the deformation sensor (8) is fixed on the inner surface (12) of the internal chamber (11).

14. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein, the electronic device (9) is arranged inside the internal chamber (11).

15. The pedal according to claim 1, wherein, the generator (40) includes: a piezoelectric generator or a triboelectric generator or a magnetostrictive generator or a switched reluctance generator.

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