Kit for electric conversion of internal combustion engine motorcycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit (1) for the electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle, said motorcycle comprising an internal combustion engine having a base (B) defining a chamber (C) adapted to receive a crankshaft assembly and a connection portion (F) adapted to be connected to a cylinder, characterised in that it comprises: an electric motor (2) adapted to be associated with said connection portion (F); a drive shaft (3) configured to be at least partially housed in the chamber (C) and connected to a mechanical transmission of the motorcycle; and a transmission system (4) adapted to be positioned between the electric motor (2) and the drive shaft (3) and configured to transmit a drive torque from the electric motor (2) to the drive shaft (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of electric conversion of motorcycles with internal combustion engines. This operation is generally known as "retrofitting" and involves the use of special conversion kits which, when correctly installed in the motorcycle, enable the electric conversion.

[0003] The invention has preferred, but not exclusive, application to the modification of what are generally referred to as "collector's" motorcycles (i.e. motorcycles having aesthetic features particularly appreciated by a particular group of hobby consumers). For example, the Piaggio & C. Scooter, the design of which is one of the most famous in the world.

[0004] In this case, the electric conversion is usually achieved by removing the internal combustion engine completely and replacing it with a new electric motor or special wheels with built-in electric motors.

[0005] However, such known solutions have not always been able to satisfy the above-mentioned enthusiast consumers, since the removal of the original electric motor significantly changes the aesthetic features of the motorcycle, thereby changing its design. Therefore, such electric conversions have not been able to satisfy the enthusiast consumers.

[0006] Furthermore, the known solutions feature a "direct-drive" of the motorcycle wheels and therefore require the removal or disabling of the mechanical gear transmission already present in the motorcycle.

[0007] This known retrofit system is also difficult to manufacture, unstable in operation and extremely expensive. Summary of the invention

[0008] The applicant envisaged developing a special electric conversion kit suitable for installation inside the internal combustion engine of a motorcycle, thereby leaving the aesthetic features of the motorcycle substantially unchanged.

[0009] The main purpose of the present invention is therefore to create a kit for the electric conversion of a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine, the aesthetic characteristics of which remain unchanged.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to create a kit for electric conversion of motorcycles that is easy to use and inexpensive.

[0011] Another purpose of the invention is to create a kit for electric conversion of internal combustion engine motorcycles that enables a circular economy system, i.e. the materials are reused in subsequent production cycles, thus minimizing waste.

[0012] Another purpose of the present invention is to devise a kit for electric conversion of motorcycles capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy-to-use, efficient and economical solution.

[0013] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a kit for electric conversion of a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine having the features of claim 1 .

[0014] This object is achieved by a method for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle having the features of claim 8 .

[0015] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the electric conversion motorcycle having the features of claim 10 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an internal combustion engine motorcycle electrification conversion kit, which is illustrated by way of indicative and non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a side view of a kit according to the invention associated with an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle,

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the kit.

[0019] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 View of the crankshaft and drive shaft of the mid-section kit,

[0020] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the kit as applied to an internal combustion engine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] With particular reference to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a kit for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle.

[0022] This kit 1 is designed to be preferably applied to the Vespa of the company Piaggio & C. However, it cannot be excluded that such a kit 1 may be applied to different types of motorcycles or motor vehicles in general.

[0023] A motorcycle, not fully shown in the figures, to which the kit 1 according to the invention can be applied, is equipped with an internal combustion engine. Such an internal combustion engine is operatively connected to at least one wheel via a mechanical transmission device configured to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine to the wheel.

[0024] Preferably, the motorcycle is provided with at least one rear wheel and at least one front wheel. However, different configurations of the motorcycle cannot be excluded, for example, wherein there are more or fewer wheels and / or wherein the engine is operatively connected to a different number of wheels.

[0025] The operation of a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine is particularly well known in the art, so it will not be discussed in detail in the remainder of this specification. Similarly, the components and operation of an internal combustion engine are also known in the art, so it will not be discussed in detail.

[0026] As shown in the example of the attached figures, the internal combustion engine is provided with a frame B suitable for supporting and / or enclosing the mechanical components of the engine.

[0027] The internal combustion engine also comprises a cylinder associated with the base B and suitable for housing a piston in a sliding manner.

[0028] Internal combustion engines are also usually provided with a drive shaft assembly. This drive shaft assembly itself has a shaft rotatably mounted to the machine base B and a crank system located between the piston and the shaft to convert the reciprocating motion of the piston into a rotary motion of the shaft.

[0029] The mechanical transmission of the motorcycle is operably connected to the drive shaft assembly to transmit the rotational motion of the drive shaft assembly to the wheels of the motorcycle.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the base B defines a chamber C suitable for accommodating a drive shaft assembly. This chamber C is generally referred to as a "crankshaft chamber" and, together with a portion of the cylinder, forms part of a so-called "pump housing".

[0031] Furthermore, the base B defines a connection portion F suitable for connection to the cylinder. This connection portion F is arranged where the chamber C is located. Furthermore, the connection portion F has an opening suitable for connecting the chamber C with the inside of the cylinder, allowing the crank system to extend between the piston and the shaft.

[0032] In this example, the chamber C includes a compartment V in which the drive shaft assembly can be placed. Furthermore, the cylinder includes a corresponding compartment in which the piston can be placed.

[0033] The connecting portion F is located, in use, between the cylinder and the chamber C so that the opening can connect the compartment V of the chamber C to the cylinder compartment.

[0034] The connection portion F has a substantially flat shape. Preferably, the connection portion F has a substantially square or rectangular surface.

[0035] Furthermore, the connection part F comprises fastening means configured to allow fastening to the cylinder. Specifically, the fastening means has one or more holes cut on the connection part F, suitable for receiving fasteners, such as screws.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the chamber C is delimited laterally by a pair of side walls L and above by a connecting portion F.

[0037] Each side wall L comprises a seat S configured to house a portion of the shaft and constrain the shaft in rotation. Such seats S are generally called "bearing seats" and have a circular shape with a diameter corresponding to the portion of the shaft they are intended to house.

[0038] At least one seat S is provided with a through hole allowing a portion of the shaft to protrude from the chamber C. Preferably, each seat S has a corresponding through hole. The portion of the shaft protruding from the chamber C is connected to a mechanical transmission and / or a flywheel and / or a cooling fan.

[0039] Each seat S comprises a bearing C suitable for supporting the shaft in rotation.

[0040] In addition, the base B comprises a housing part P configured to house a mechanical transmission. The mechanical transmission is positioned between the shaft and the wheel and / or axle in use. Such a housing part P is usually called a "gearbox".

[0041] The base B has a housing, which can be preferably coupled together in a detachable manner. To this end, the base B has a closing device, which can be associated with the two housings to connect them together. Specifically, the closing device is configured to bind the housings so as to fasten them together.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the base B has a substantially circular pump housing, with a flywheel housing part associated with one side of the pump housing and a transmission housing part P associated with the other side of the pump housing. In particular, the flywheel housing is arranged at the location of the seat S of the chamber C so as to allow the shaft end to be connected to the flywheel. Furthermore, the transmission housing part P is arranged at the location of the other seat S of the chamber C so as to allow the other end of the shaft to be connected to the mechanical transmission.

[0043] The cylinder is connected to the base B at the upper part. Specifically, the cylinder is opposite to the gearbox relative to the chamber C.

[0044] Figure 2 An electric conversion kit associated with an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle is described in detail.

[0045] Kit 1 includes:

[0046] - an electric motor 2, suitable for being associated with a connection part F of an internal combustion engine, and

[0047] A drive shaft 3 configured to be at least partially housed in the chamber C and connected to the mechanical transmission of the motorcycle.

[0048] In fact, the electric motor 2 can be connected to the connecting portion F so as to replace the original cylinder of the internal combustion engine. Similarly, the drive shaft 3 can be accommodated in the chamber C to replace the drive shaft assembly previously installed in the chamber C.

[0049] Conveniently, the kit 1 comprises a transmission system 4 adapted to be positioned between the electric motor 2 and the drive shaft 3. The transmission system 4 is configured to transmit the driving torque from the electric motor 2 to the drive shaft 3.

[0050] In summary, after the kit 1 is mounted on the internal combustion engine, the drive shaft 3 is arranged in the chamber C to replace the drive shaft assembly, the motor 2 is mounted to the connecting portion F to replace the cylinder, and the transmission system 4 is positioned between the motor 2 and the drive shaft 3 to replace the crank system. The kit 1 according to the present invention is very easy to install on the internal combustion engine and allows the remaining operation of the motorcycle and its appearance to not be significantly changed.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the electric motor 2 comprises a rotating transmission shaft 5. In addition, the electric motor 2 is provided with an electric actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the transmission shaft 5. The electric actuator is configured to rotate the transmission shaft 5 when current is passed therethrough.

[0052] The operation of the electric motor 2 is known in the art and will not be discussed in detail in the remainder of this specification.

[0053] The electric motor 2 further comprises a housing 6. The housing 6 is adapted to enclose the electric actuator. On the other hand, the transmission shaft 5 extends a distance from the housing 6. Therefore, the transmission shaft 5 can be connected to the drive shaft 3 via a transmission system 4. As we will see in detail in the following description, the transmission system 4 is configured to convert the rotational movement of the transmission shaft 5 into the rotational movement of the drive shaft 3.

[0054] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen that when mounted on the internal combustion engine, the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 are intended to be arranged transversely to each other. In particular, in use, the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 are intended to be arranged substantially perpendicularly to each other.

[0055] Suitably, the kit 1 comprises a connection device 7 adapted to be arranged between the connection part F and the electric motor 2. The connection device 7 is configured to attach the electric motor 2 to the connection part F. In particular, the connection device 7 is configured to attach the electric motor 2 to the internal combustion engine so that a portion of the transmission shaft 5 is arranged inside the chamber C. Thus, the transmission system 4 can be placed between the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3. Thus, in use, the electric motor 2 and the drive shaft 3 can be connected to each other through the passage opening of the connection part F, which passage opening is usually used for the passage of a crank system or a piston of an internal combustion engine.

[0056] The connection device 7 comprises a flange element 8 configured to be attached to the motor 2 and the connection part F. In particular, the flange element 8 is locked together with the motor 2. Furthermore, the flange element 8 is adapted to be associated with the connection part F.

[0057] To this end, the flange element 8 has a shape substantially complementary to the connection portion. Specifically, the flange element 8 is specially designed to have a shape complementary to the connection portion F of the internal combustion engine associated with the kit 1. This measure makes it possible to connect a given electric motor 2 to any type of frame B.

[0058] Preferably, the flange element 8 has a substantially flat shape. More preferably, the flange element 8 has a substantially square or rectangular surface.

[0059] In addition, the flange element 8 has an opening adapted to allow the transmission shaft to pass through. Furthermore, the connecting means 7 comprises at least one hole cut into the flange element 8, which hole is adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the flange element 8 to the connecting portion F. Preferably, the hole is threaded and the fastener is of the screw type.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the drive shaft 3 extends mainly along its own longitudinal direction between the pair of ends 9a, 9b.

[0061] Preferably, the drive shaft 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In other words, the drive shaft 3 has a substantially circular cross section.

[0062] Preferably, the drive shaft 3 has a pair of connection portions 10a, 10b, each connection portion being arranged at one end 9a, 9b.

[0063] Each connection portion 10a, 10b is configured to be rotationally coupled with the chamber C. Specifically, each connection portion 10a, 10b is configured to be received in a seat S of the chamber C for rotational coupling.

[0064] To this end, each connecting portion 10a, 10b has a diameter substantially complementary to the diameter of the seat S to be housed.

[0065] Preferably, the diameter of the ends 9a, 9b of the drive shaft 3 is less than or equal to the diameter of the connecting parts 10a, 10b, so that they can pass through the seat of the chamber C and protrude therefrom. Thus, the ends 9a, 9b can be connected to the mechanical transmission and / or the flywheel and / or the cooling fan of the motorcycle.

[0066] Suitably, the drive shaft 3 has a transmission portion adapted to be connected to the transmission system 4. The transmission portion 11 is located between the pair of connecting portions 10a, 10b. In practice, the transmission portion 11 is arranged in a substantially central position.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the transmission portion 11 comprises a larger diameter than the diameter of the connecting portions 10a, 10b.

[0068] As described above, the transmission system 4 is configured to convert the rotation of the transmission shaft 5 into the rotation of the drive shaft 3 .

[0069] To this end, the transmission system 4 comprises at least one gear wheel 12 adapted to be positioned between the electric motor 2 and the drive shaft 3 .

[0070] Preferably, the gear 12 is configured to convert the motion generated by the motor 2 into the rotational motion of the drive shaft 3. Preferably, the gear 12 is positioned between the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 and is configured to convert the rotational motion of the transmission shaft 5 into the rotational motion of the drive shaft 3.

[0071] However, it cannot be excluded that the electric motor 2 may be of linear type, ie configured to generate a linear movement, and the gear 12 may be configured to convert the linear movement of the electric motor into a rotational movement of the drive shaft 3 .

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the gears 12 include a first gear 13 associated with the transmission shaft 5 and a second gear 14 associated with the drive shaft 3. The gears 13, 14 are configured to mesh with each other to transmit the rotational movement of one of the gears 13, 14 to the other of the gears 13, 14.

[0073] Preferably, the first gear 13 is arranged at the position where one end of the transmission shaft 5 is located. In contrast, the second gear 14 is arranged at the position where the transmission part 11 of the drive shaft 3 is located. Specifically, the second gear 14 is arranged to abut against a stop surface of the drive shaft 3. The stop surface is formed by the diameter difference between the transmission part 11 and one of the connecting parts 10a, 10b.

[0074] Since the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 are arranged transversely to each other, the gears 13 , 14 are configured to be coupled to each other through the bevel gears.

[0075] In particular, each gear 13, 14 is adapted to rotate about its own rotation axis. The first gear 13 and the second gear 14 are associated with the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3, respectively, so that their rotation axes substantially coincide with the rotation axes of the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3, respectively.

[0076] The gears 13, 14 have a side 15 wound substantially circularly to their respective rotation axis. Furthermore, each of the gears 13, 14 has a set of teeth 16 arranged on the side 15. The teeth 16 of each of the gears 13, 14 are adapted to mesh with the teeth 16 of the other of the gears 13, 14.

[0077] Each of the gears 13, 14 has a substantially conical shape. In other words, the side surface 15 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the respective rotation axis.

[0078] The inclination angle of the gears is predefined according to the opening angle defined between the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3. Specifically, the inclination angle is such that in use, the gears 13, 14 can mesh with each other to transmit the rotational motion.

[0079] In this case, the sum of the inclination angles of the two gears 13 , 14 is substantially the same as the opening angle between the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 .

[0080] For example, in a case where the opening angle between the transmission shaft 5 and the drive shaft 3 is approximately 90°, the inclination angle of each of the gears 13 , 14 is approximately 45°.

[0081] Suitably, the first gear 13 is locked with the transmission shaft 5 so as to be locked in rotation with the transmission shaft 5. Similarly, the second gear 14 is locked with the drive shaft 3 so as to be locked in rotation with the drive shaft 3.

[0082] The invention also relates to a method for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle.

[0083] The method comprises providing a motorcycle having an internal combustion engine and a kit 1 as described above.

[0084] The method comprises housing the drive shaft 3 of the set 1 in the chamber C.

[0085] This is done by placing the connecting portion of the drive shaft 3 in the seat S of the chamber C.

[0086] The method further comprises connecting the motor 2 to the connection portion F. The connection is achieved by placing at least a portion of the transmission shaft 5 of the motor 2 inside the chamber C, so that it is positioned where the drive shaft 3 is located.

[0087] The method further comprises positioning the transmission system 4 between the motor 2 and the drive shaft 3. In this case, the end of the transmission shaft 5 is arranged where the drive shaft 3 is located, so that the first gear 13 and the second gear 14 mesh with each other.

[0088] Before installing the kit 1 on an internal combustion engine, it is useful to check whether the internal combustion engine has its own drive shaft assembly housed in the chamber C and / or has a cylinder connected to the connecting portion F.

[0089] Where a drive shaft assembly is present, the method comprises the step of removing the drive shaft assembly from chamber C.

[0090] In the case of a cylinder present, the method comprises the step of removing the cylinder from the connecting part F. The removal of the cylinder preferably also comprises the removal of additional components associated therewith, such as piston, crank system and the like.

[0091] It may also happen that the internal combustion engine has a fuel injection system and / or an exhaust system. In this case, preferably, the method comprises the additional step of removing the fuel injection system and / or the exhaust system.

[0092] After the kit 1 has been mounted on the internal combustion engine, the method comprises the step of connecting the drive shaft 3 to the mechanical transmission of the motorcycle.

[0093] Figure 2 The conversion of an internal combustion engine into an electric motor using the kit and / or the conversion method is shown. From this figure, it can be seen how the electric motor 2 is mounted to the connection part F of the internal combustion engine to replace the cylinder, and how the drive shaft 3 is accommodated in the chamber C to replace the drive shaft assembly.

[0094] The motor 2 is mounted to the connection part F so that the transmission shaft 5 can pass through the opening of the connection part F to arrange itself inside the chamber C. In this way, the gear 12 of the transmission system 4 is also arranged inside the chamber C.

[0095] The drive shaft 3 is also housed in the chamber C so that its ends 9a, 9b protrude from its seats. Thus, one end is connected to the flywheel and / or cooling fan of the internal combustion engine, while the other end is connected to the mechanical transmission of the internal combustion engine.

[0096] The present invention also relates to an electric modified motorcycle. This motorcycle comprises a frame (not shown in the figure) and an internal combustion engine mounted on the frame. In addition, the motorcycle comprises at least one wheel (in this case two wheels) associated with the frame in a rotational manner, and a mechanical transmission device placed between the internal combustion engine and the wheel.

[0097] The motorcycle further comprises a kit 1 mounted to the internal combustion engine as described above.

[0098] It has in fact been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended purposes and it is particularly emphasized that, through the kit according to the invention, the electric conversion of a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine can be carried out in a simple, effective and economical way, while keeping the aesthetic characteristics of the latter intact.

Claims

1. A kit (1) for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle, the motorcycle comprising An internal combustion engine having a frame (B), the frame (B) defining: a chamber (C) adapted to receive a crankshaft assembly, and A connecting portion (F) adapted to be connected to a cylinder; It is characterized in that include: an electric motor (2) adapted to be associated with said connection part (F), a drive shaft (3) configured to be at least partially received in the chamber (C) and connected to a mechanical transmission of the motorcycle, A transmission system (4) is adapted to be positioned between the electric motor (2) and the drive shaft (3) and is configured to transmit drive torque from the electric motor (2) to the drive shaft (3).

2. The kit (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The electric motor (2) comprises a rotating transmission shaft (5), and The transmission system (4) is configured to convert the rotational movement of the transmission shaft (5) into the rotational movement of the drive shaft (3).

3. Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The transmission system (4) comprises at least one gear (12) adapted to be positioned between the transmission shaft (5) and the drive shaft (3).

4. The kit (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The gear (12) comprises a first gear (13) associated with the transmission shaft (5) and a second gear (14) associated with the drive shaft (3), and the gears (13, 14) are configured to mesh with each other.

5. The kit (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The gears (13, 14) are configured to be coupled to each other via bevel gears.

6. A kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising connecting means (7) suitable for being arranged between the connecting part (F) and the electric motor (2) and configured to attach the latter to the connecting part (F).

7. The kit (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting device (7) comprises a flange element (8) configured to be attached to the electric motor (2) and the connecting portion (F).

8. A method for electric conversion of an internal combustion engine motorcycle, characterized in that The following steps are involved: A motorcycle is provided which is equipped with an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising: a chamber (C) adapted to receive a drive shaft assembly, and A connecting portion (F) adapted to be connected to a cylinder; Providing a kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims; Accommodating the drive shaft (3) in the chamber (C); connecting the motor (2) to the connecting portion (F); The transmission system (4) is positioned between the electric motor (2) and the drive shaft (3).

9. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: Provide the following steps: Check whether the internal combustion engine has a drive shaft assembly of the internal combustion engine itself accommodated in the chamber (C) and / or a cylinder connected to the connecting part (F), If there is a drive shaft assembly, remove the drive shaft assembly. If there is a cylinder, remove it.

10. Electric conversion motorcycles, including: Frame, at least one wheel rotatably associated with the frame, an internal combustion engine, mounted on said frame and provided with a chamber (C) adapted to accommodate a drive shaft assembly and a connecting portion (F) connected to a cylinder, a mechanical transmission device positioned between the internal combustion engine and the wheels, The kit (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The motor (2) is connected to the connecting portion (F), the drive shaft (3) is accommodated in the chamber (C), the transmission system (4) is positioned between the motor (2) and the drive shaft (3), and the mechanical transmission device is operably connected to the drive shaft (3).

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