Auxiliary power device

Abstract

A auxiliary power device provided is adapted to be installed on a bicycle having a seat tube and a rear wheel. The auxiliary power device comprises a fixing base disposed on the seat tube, a main body, a driving module and two positioning rods. The body has a first side and a second side. The first side is connected to the fixing base, and the second side is away from the seat tube and has a first outer contour. The driving module includes a motor with a rotating shaft in the center and a driving wheel sleeved around the motor and is suitable for contacting the rear wheel. Each of the two positioning rods has a first end and a second end, the two first ends are connected to the second side, and the two second ends are rotatably connected to the two opposite ends of the rotating shaft.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This case relates to a power device, and more particularly to an auxiliary power device combined with a bicycle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Bicycles are a common mode of transportation in modern cities, used to supplement short-distance travel. Since riding a bicycle does not produce carbon emissions, it is environmentally friendly and can also increase the user's exercise. However, human-powered bicycles are not suitable for ordinary people to ride on slopes. Therefore, electric bicycles were developed, which combine a motor and a battery into the bicycle, so that the motor can be powered by electricity to assist the electric bicycle in moving.

[0003] However, existing electric bicycles are manufactured according to specific specifications, and users cannot modify them. When an electric bicycle is damaged, it must be sent back to the original factory or a designated place for repair. Therefore, it has disadvantages such as high price and difficulty in repair. As a result, existing electric bicycles are difficult to popularize in ordinary households. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] This invention provides an auxiliary power device suitable for various sizes of human-powered bicycles, thereby providing power to propel the bicycle.

[0005] The auxiliary power device of this case is suitable for installation on a bicycle, the bicycle having a seat tube, a seat post, a rear fork, and a rear wheel. The auxiliary power device includes a mounting base, a body, a drive module, and two positioning rods. The mounting base is disposed on the seat tube, a seat post, or a rear fork. The body has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being connected to the mounting base, and the second side being away from the seat tube, seat post, or rear fork and having a first outer contour. The drive module includes a motor and a drive wheel, the motor having a central rotating shaft, and the drive wheel covering the periphery of the motor and adapted to contact the rear wheel. The two positioning rods each have a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the two first ends being connected to the second side, and the two second ends being rotatably connected to opposite ends of the rotating shaft. When the drive module is in a stationary mode, the two positioning rods are in contact with the first outer contour. When the drive module is in a driving mode, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate in a first direction relative to the two positioning rods, which in turn drives the rear wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At the same time, the drive wheel rubs against the rear wheel to drive the two positioning rods to unfold in the first outer contour.

[0006] The auxiliary power device of this case is suitable for installation on a bicycle, the bicycle having a head tube and a front wheel. The auxiliary power device includes a mounting base, a body, a drive module, and two positioning rods. The mounting base is disposed on the head tube or the front fork. The body has a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The first side is connected to the mounting base, and the second side is away from the head tube and the front fork and has a second outer contour. The drive module includes a motor and a drive wheel. The motor has a rotating shaft at its center, and the drive wheel covers the periphery of the motor and is adapted to contact the front wheel. The two positioning rods each have a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The two first ends are connected to the second side, and the two second ends are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the rotating shaft. When the drive module is in a stationary mode, the two positioning rods conform to the second outer contour of the body. When the drive module is in a driving mode, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate relative to the two positioning rods in a first direction, thereby driving the front wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At the same time, the drive wheel rubs against the front wheel to drive the body to rotate in the second direction.

[0007] Based on the above, the auxiliary power device of this invention is suitable for installation on the seat post or head tube of a bicycle to contact the rear wheel or front wheel. In the drive mode of the drive module, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate in a first direction, thereby driving the rear wheel or front wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At the same time, the drive wheel generates a positive force applied to the rear wheel or front wheel during rotation to enhance the friction between the two and avoid slippage between the drive wheel and the rear wheel or front wheel, so as to maintain the power transmission efficiency of the auxiliary power device.

Implementation Method

[0008] Figure 1A is a plan view of an auxiliary power device integrated with a bicycle according to an embodiment of this invention. Figure 1B is a block structure diagram of the auxiliary power device of this invention. Figure 1C is a perspective view of the drive module of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A. Figure 2A is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A switched to stationary mode. Figure 2B is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A switched to drive mode.

[0009] Referring to Figure 1A, the auxiliary power unit 100 of this invention is suitable for installation on any bicycle 200. After activation, the auxiliary power unit 100 provides power to the front or rear wheel of the bicycle 200, thereby driving the front or rear wheel to rotate to assist the bicycle in moving. Furthermore, the auxiliary power unit 100 is detachable, and can be directly removed for repair or replacement when damaged. In addition, the speed or torque specifications of the auxiliary power unit 100 can be replaced according to riding needs, increasing the flexibility of the auxiliary power unit 100. In short, any bicycle can be fitted with an auxiliary power unit 100 of the appropriate specifications according to different riding environments.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, the auxiliary power unit 100 of this invention is mounted on a bicycle 200, and the bicycle 200 has a seat tube 210, a rear wheel 220, a seat tube 250, and a rear seat fork 260. The auxiliary power unit 100 includes a mounting base 110, a body 120, a drive module 130, two positioning rods 140, a control core 150, a sensor 160, and a battery 170.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sensor 160 is a speed sensor, a torque sensor or a step frequency sensor, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0012] The mounting bracket 110 is disposed on the seatpost 210, seatpost 250, or rear seat fork 260 of the bicycle 200. Figure 1A shows the seatpost 210 as an example. In detail, the mounting bracket 110 has a sleeve portion 111 and an extension portion 112. The sleeve portion 111 is sleeved on the seatpost 210, and the extension portion 112 is formed on one side of the sleeve portion 111 and is suspended above the rear wheel 220.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1A and 1C, the body 120 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to each other. The first side S1 is connected to the fixed seat 110, and the second side S2 is away from the seat tube 210 and has a first outer contour C1.

[0014] The drive module 130 includes a motor 131 and a drive wheel 132. The motor 131 has a rotating shaft 1311 in the center. The drive wheel 132 covers the periphery of the motor 131 and is adapted to contact the rear wheel 220. Part of the drive wheel 132 protrudes from the body 120 to contact the rear wheel 220.

[0015] In addition, the first side S1 of the main body 120 is an extension 112 pivotally connected to the fixed base 110. This means that the main body 120 can adjust the included angle according to the external dimensions of the seat tube 210 and the rear wheel 220, so that the drive wheel 132 of the drive module 130 can closely contact the rear wheel 220 to avoid slippage, freewheeling or poor power transmission efficiency.

[0016] Each positioning rod 140 has a first end E1 and a second end E2. The two first ends E1 of the two positioning rods 140 are connected to the second side S2 of the body 120, and the two second ends E2 are respectively rotatably connected to the two opposite ends of the rotating shaft 1311.

[0017] In detail, the body 120 has a connecting rod 121 disposed on the second side S2 of the body 120 and the two first ends E1 of the two positioning rods 140 are rotatably connected to the connecting rod 121. Furthermore, the first outer contour C1 forms a abutment portion, and the shape of the abutment portion corresponds to the shape of the two positioning rods 140.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1A and 2B, the control core 150 is disposed in the body 120 and coupled to the motor 131. The sensor 160 is coupled to the control core 150, and the battery 170 is disposed in the body 120 and coupled to the control core 150. In practical applications, after receiving a start command, the control core 150 connects the battery 170 and the motor 131, allowing the battery 170 to output current to the motor 131. The sensor 160 is installed anywhere on the bicycle 200 and is used to detect information about the rear wheel 220, such as the rotation speed. The rotation speed is then transmitted back to the control core 150, allowing the control core 150 to dynamically adjust the rotation speed of the motor 131 to cope with level roads, downhill roads, or uphill roads.

[0019] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B and 2A, when the drive module 130 is in a static mode, the control core 150 does not receive a start command and the battery 170 does not supply power to the motor 131. Therefore, the two positioning rods 140 are attached to the first outer contour C1 of the second side S2 of the body 120, that is, the two positioning rods 140 coincide at the abutment part.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B and 2B, when the drive module 130 is in a drive mode, the control core 150 receives a start command and controls the battery 170 to supply power to the motor 131. Therefore, the motor 131 drives the drive wheel 132 to rotate relative to the two positioning rods 140 in a first direction D1, and the drive wheel 132 drives the rear wheel 220 to rotate in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. At the same time, the drive wheel 132 rubs against the rear wheel 220 to drive the two positioning rods 140 to unfold on the first outer contour C1 of the body 120. Therefore, there is an included angle A between the two positioning rods 140 and the first outer contour C1.

[0021] In addition, the friction between the drive wheel 132 and the rear wheel 220 will cause the second positioning rod 140 to extend out of the body 120. As the included angle A increases, the positive force NF applied by the drive wheel 132 to the rear wheel 220 also increases. The positive force NF helps the drive wheel 132 and the rear wheel 220 to fit tightly together, ensuring that the bicycle can move forward normally. Furthermore, the greater the power generated by the drive wheel 132, the greater the positive force NF applied to the rear wheel 220.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, in a braking mode, the control core 150 controls the motor 131 to lock the rotating shaft 1311 and the drive wheel 132, so that the drive wheel 132 cannot rotate freely relative to the second end E2 of the two positioning rods 140, so that the rear wheel 220 continuously rubs against the drive wheel 132 to achieve the braking effect. Alternatively, the control core 150 disconnects the battery 170 from the motor 131, so that the drive wheel 132 and the rotating shaft 1311 can rotate freely relative to the second end E2 of the two positioning rods 140, so that the rear wheel 220 continuously drives and rubs against the drive wheel 132 to achieve the braking effect.

[0023] Referring to Figures 3 and 1B, the auxiliary power device 100A of this embodiment is installed on a head tube 230, a front wheel 240 and a front fork 270 of a bicycle 200. The auxiliary power device 100A includes a fixed base 110a, a body 120a, a drive module 130a and two positioning rods 140a.

[0024] The mounting bracket 110a is disposed on the head tube 230 or the fork 270, as shown in Figure 3 with the head tube 230 as an example. In detail, the mounting bracket 110a has a sleeve portion 111a and an extension portion 112a. The sleeve portion 111a is sleeved on the head tube 230, and the extension portion 112a is formed on the sleeve portion 111a and is located above the front wheel 240.

[0025] The body 120a has a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to each other. The first side S1 is rotatably connected to the extension 112a of the fixed base 110a, and the second side S2 is away from the head tube 230 and has a second outer contour C2.

[0026] The drive module 130a includes a motor 131a and a drive wheel 132a. The motor 131a has a central rotating shaft 1311a. The drive wheel 132a covers the periphery of the motor 131a and is adapted to contact the front wheel 240.

[0027] Each positioning rod 140a has a first end E1 and a second end E2. The two first ends E1 of the two positioning rods 140a are connected to the second side S2 of the body 120a, and the two second ends E2 are rotatably connected to the two opposite ends of the rotating shaft 1311a. The drive wheel 132a is rotatably connected to the second ends E2 of each positioning rod 140a, and the drive wheel 132a partially protrudes from each positioning rod 140a to contact the front wheel 240.

[0028] In detail, the body 120a has a connecting rod 121a disposed on the second side S2 of the body 120a, and the two first ends E1 of the two positioning rods 140a are connected to the second connecting rod 122a. The second outer contour C2 forms a stop surface, which is located on the two positioning rods 140a. In this embodiment, the two positioning rods 140a are locked to the connecting rod 121a, so the two positioning rods 140a continuously abut against the stop surface of the second outer contour C2.

[0029] Referring to Figures 3, 1B, and 4A, when the drive module 130a is in a static mode, the control core 150 does not receive a start command, the battery 170 does not supply power to the motor 131a, and the two positioning rods 140a are in contact with the second outer contour C2 of the body 120a. In addition, there is a first included angle A1 between the body 120a and the fixed base 110a.

[0030] Referring to Figures 3, 1B, and 4B, when the drive module 130a is in a drive mode, the motor 131a drives the drive wheel 132a to rotate relative to the two positioning rods 140a in a first direction D1, thereby driving the front wheel 240 to rotate in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. At the same time, the drive wheel 132a rubs against the front wheel 240 to drive the first side S1 of the body 120a to rotate relative to the extension 112a in the second direction D2. Therefore, in the drive mode, there is a second angle A2 between the body 120a and the fixed seat 110a, which is smaller than the first angle A1.

[0031] In addition, the friction between the drive wheel 132a and the front wheel 240 will cause the body 120a and the two positioning rods 140a to rotate relative to the fixed seat 110a, switching from the first included angle A1 to the second included angle A2. As the angle decreases, the positive force NF applied by the drive wheel 132a to the front wheel 240 also increases. The positive force NF helps the drive wheel 132a and the front wheel 240 to fit tightly together, ensuring that the bicycle moves forward normally. Furthermore, the greater the power generated by the drive wheel 132a, the greater the positive force NF applied to the front wheel 240.

[0032] Referring to Figures 3 and 1B, in a braking mode, the control core 150 controls the motor 131a to lock the drive wheel 132a and the rotating shaft 1311a, so that the drive wheel 132a cannot rotate freely relative to the second end E2 of the two positioning rods 140a, so that the front wheel 240 continuously rubs the drive wheel 132a to achieve the braking effect. Alternatively, the control core 150 disconnects the battery 170 from the motor 131a, so that the drive wheel 132a and the rotating shaft 1311a can rotate freely relative to the second end E2 of the two positioning rods 140a, so that the rear wheel 220 continuously drives and rubs the drive wheel 132a to achieve the braking effect.

[0033] In summary, the auxiliary power device of this invention is suitable for installation on the seat post or head tube of a bicycle to contact the rear wheel or front wheel. In drive mode, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate in a first direction, thereby driving the rear wheel or front wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At the same time, the drive wheel generates a positive force applied to the rear wheel or front wheel during rotation to enhance the friction between the two and avoid slippage between the drive wheel and the rear wheel or front wheel, so as to maintain the power transmission efficiency of the auxiliary power device. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0034] Figure 1A is a plan view of an auxiliary power device integrated with a bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a block structure diagram of the auxiliary power device of the present invention. Figure 1C is a perspective view of the drive module of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A. Figure 2A is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A switched to a stationary mode. Figure 2B is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 1A switched to a drive mode. Figure 3 is a plan view of an auxiliary power device integrated with a bicycle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 3 switched to a stationary mode. Figure 4B is a plan view of the auxiliary power device of Figure 3 switched to a drive mode.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power unit suitable for mounting on a bicycle having a seat tube, a stem tube, a rear fork, and a rear wheel, the auxiliary power unit comprising: A fixed seat, configured on the seat tube, a riser tube, or a rear upper fork; A body having a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being connected to a fixed base, and the second side being away from the seat tube, the riser tube, or the rear upper fork and having a first outer contour; a drive module including a motor and a drive wheel, the motor having a central rotating shaft, the drive wheel surrounding the motor and adapted to contact the rear wheel; and two positioning rods, each positioning rod having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the two first ends being connected to the second side, and the two second ends being rotatably connected to opposite ends of the rotating shaft; wherein, when the drive module is in a stationary mode, the two positioning rods are in contact with the first outer contour; when the drive module is in a driving mode, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate relative to the two positioning rods in a first direction, thereby driving the rear wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, while the drive wheel rubs against the rear wheel to cause the two positioning rods to unfold out of the first outer contour. The first outer contour forms a support portion, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the positioning rods.

2. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting base has a sleeve portion and an extension portion, the sleeve portion being fitted onto the seat tube, and the extension portion being formed on the sleeve portion and located above the rear wheel.

3. The auxiliary power device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has a connecting rod disposed on the second side, and the two first ends of the two positioning rods are rotatably connected to the connecting rod.

4. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a braking mode, the motor locks the rotating shaft and the drive wheel, or the drive wheel rotates freely relative to the positioning rods.

5. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive wheel portion protrudes from the body.

6. An auxiliary power unit adapted for mounting on a bicycle having a head tube, a fork, and a front wheel, the auxiliary power unit comprising: A mounting base is disposed on the head tube; a body has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being connected to the mounting base, and the second side being away from the head tube and the fork and having a second outer contour; a drive module includes a motor and a drive wheel, the motor having a central rotating shaft, the drive wheel surrounding the motor and adapted to contact the front wheel; and two positioning rods, each positioning rod having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the two first ends being connected to the second side, and the two second ends being rotatably connected to opposite ends of the rotating shaft; wherein, when the drive module is in a stationary mode, the two positioning rods are in contact with the second outer contour of the body; when the drive module is in a driving mode, the motor drives the drive wheel to rotate relative to the two positioning rods in a first direction, thereby driving the front wheel to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, while the drive wheel rubs against the front wheel to drive the body to rotate in the second direction. The second outer contour forms a stop surface, which is located on the two positioning rods.

7. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mounting base has a sleeve portion and an extension portion, the sleeve portion being fitted onto the head tube, and the extension portion being formed in the sleeve portion and located above the front wheel.

8. The auxiliary power device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the body has a connecting rod disposed on the second side and the two first ends of the two positioning rods are connected to the connecting rod.

9. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein in a braking mode, the motor locks the rotating shaft and the drive wheel, or the drive wheel rotates freely relative to the positioning rods.

10. The auxiliary power unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the drive wheel portion protrudes from the body.

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